As they say, no man is an island. We’re all the product of our environment and every artist has their influences. Thomas Stajcer’s upcoming album Will I Learn To Love Again? dives deep into classic country (or “country,” as we like to call it), and that didn’t happen in a vacuum. The album’s second single, “In The Long Run,” was written over the course of two years (ultimately with the aid of Halifax’s Eric Stephen Martin), which is more than enough time for a song to pick up a little extra baggage. Eventually it would become the genesis for the themes and questions that Stajcer would explore over the course of the LP.  Here Stajcer breaks down his influences for us.

“Our protagonist finds himself rife with doubt, as he fears any path he chooses will lead to regret. On one hand, choosing love would leave him wondering at what cost, and on the other hand is a list of foolishness. Love is the ultimate goal and our man hopes he’ll be forgiven for his transgressions; however, the reason he must go is on the other hand (as Randy Travis once put it),” explains Stajcer.

“The track tugs at the thread of the album; the overarching question of love and how valiantly one can pursue it blindly.

I’ve put together a pretty eclectic playlist, derived from inspiring concerts, songs, songwriters, MCs and a few from my all-time go-to’s.

Some might be thrown off by the rap included in this playlist, but to be honest that’s usually what I’m listening to when I’m driving (and not tuned in to talk radio), or hanging out at home.

I love the production of rap music at large, it seems to be one of the only genres these days that is always trying to push boundaries instead of painting in the lines. To Pimp A Butterfly in particular I listened to for about two years straight during the writing of my own record. I think that’s one of the best records ever made, and I’m still trying to unpack everything Kendrick Lamar put in there.

I came to country music from under the auspices of songwriting, which for me began with Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan, etc. before I was ever exposed to country music songwriters. So when I started hearing the likes of Waylon, Sturgill and Johnny and where they differ in their songwriting, I understood it and really felt more relatable to that style. That was a big ‘lightswitch’ moment for me in my own writing—I had discovered a style I felt more connected to that I could inhabit.

Throw those influences in with my favourite rock and roll tracks from the last few years and that’s this playlist.

I’ve included some Marty Stuart on this playlist because seeing him and his Fabulous Superlatives at the Casino in Halifax in 2015 was another pivotal moment for me—I was absolutely blown away and thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. His delivery of heartfelt to dark to gospel to humorous that night really hit home with what a country music show was. I wouldn’t be where I am without seeing that show.”

Tour Dates:
06.08.18 – St. Andrew’s, NB @ Red Herring Pub
06.09.18 – Saint John, NB @ Pepper’s Pub
06.15.18 – Berwick, NS @ Union Street Cafe
06.16.18 – Miramichi, NB @ The Well
06.21.18 – Mount Stewart, PE @ Trailside Cafe
06.22.18 – Charlottetown, PE @ Sportsman’s
06.26.18 – Antigonish, NS @ The Townehouse
07.05.18 – Halifax, NS @ The Carleton Music Bar & Grill *
07.06.18 – Hubbards, NS @ Trellis Café

Thomas Stajcer releases his debut LP,  Will I Learn To Love Again?,  on July 6th, 2018.

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