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"A Day Job Was No Longer Required"
Passenger Profile: Freddy Litwiniuk
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By Kenny Kerner
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This month's profile focuses on a singer-songwriter-producer who has just about done it all. His songs have been played on top 40 radio, he performed at gigantic festivals, and has dozens of other original compositions in films and television shows. And he is still an active TAXI member! Find out why Freddy Litwiniuk thinks the world of TAXI!
What instruments do you play and when did you first learn to play?
My main instrument is acoustic guitar, which I first picked up around age 10. I tend to do most of my writing on that instrument, though sometimes I like to switch it up and write on keyboard. Like many independent musicians, songwriters, and producers, I play a little bit of this and that.
Are you self-taught or did you learn in school?
I played baritone horn in the school band for a few years, and that was the only time in my life when I could really read music. I had a few guitar lessons, but quickly grew tired of them and what was being taught. It wasn't until I first heard the opening riff from Guns n' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" that I was inspired to pick up the guitar again and really learn. From that point on, I taught myself songs that I loved and wanted to play, which helped me push through and get better.
When did you first begin writing songs? What was the very first song you wrote and, looking back, was it a good song?
I first began writing songs when I was 11 or 12, and the first proper song I ever wrote was to impress a girl. Though I can't really remember the song or how it goes, I remember that it did not have the desired effect! It probably wasn't very good. Maybe I ought to track her down and ask her.
Do you record with a band or by yourself?
When I record songs for my album, I get together with my good friend and longtime producer, Craig Poole. There is a group of musicians and engineers—all friends of ours—that we work with on a regular basis. Some of these musicians have joined me for shows and television appearances, and in that respect they have been my band. I definitely know my limitations, so I appreciate the immense talent that these musicians bring to my projects, in areas that I am deficient. I am lucky to be able to work with them. I also record on my own, in my home studio, with a basic Pro Tools LE setup.
Who are some of your songwriting influences?
The Beatles are definitely at the top of that list. I've also been heavily influenced by the music that came out of Britain in the mid-90s, such as Oasis, Blur, Stereophonics, Shed Seven, Radiohead, and so on. I was living there at the time, and it wasn't just the so-called Britpop, but also the Indie stuff and the one-hit-wonders that I enjoyed. I've always loved Pop music, especially the one-hit-wonders! Oh, don't forget ABBA, Elton John, and Billy Joel. I listen to so much music, in so many different genres, that it's hard to name just a few influences.
What is the current music scene like in Canada?
That's an interesting question for me, because I'm not sure I'm as plugged-in as I could be. Canada is a big place, and there are different things going on regionally, just as there are in the United States, so I'm not sure if there is a "Canadian" music scene. Canadians can be hard to spot, but there are many of them making a huge impact around the world. We've got Feist, Michael Buble, Arcade Fire, Avril, Celine, Nickelback, and so many others. And each of those artists is completely different from the others.
How did you first hear about TAXI and what made you become a member?
I think I just stumbled upon TAXI online. My hometown of Calgary isn't really a music center, and though we have some great things happening here musically, I was unable to find a community of pure Pop artists or writers like me. I needed an outlet, a way to get heard, and at that time I wasn't prepared to relocate. So I joined TAXI, just to see what would happen.
You've had lots of success with your last CD, Things You Never Thought I'd Say, with film and TV placements not to mention Top 40 airplay. How did all of that come about? How did it happen?
The film and TV stuff has happened almost exclusively through deals I made as a result of TAXI forwards. One company in particular has signed many of my tunes and found me some great placements. I actually got to meet Tanvi Patel at last year's Road Rally, where she was doing a panel. It was a nice feeling to give my publisher a hug and thank her for making money for us!
Most of the airplay I received was the result of traditional radio promotion, sending out press kits, and making the calls. More recently, I've had some top-40 radio play of my newer stuff on Big FM in Germany. That play is a direct result of a TAXI forward. Overall, I'd say that the success came from a combination of hard work, perseverance, having good music in a good package, and having help and support from family, friends, the people I work with, and the people at TAXI.
You were invited to perform at the International Pop Overthrow Festival in Vancouver at the end of August. Tell us what that is and how big an honor is it to be invited.
IPO is a large, multi-city festival strictly for Pop music. It started in Los Angeles, and has branched out across the U.S. and Canada. I was glad to be invited because I love to play, and it's nice to be part of a festival that is so dedicated to the artists and fans.
How has being a TAXI member helped your career?
One of the great things about being a TAXI member is that it doesn't matter what you write or how good your writing is when you join. If your songs are fantastic, and ready for radio, TAXI can get them to the right people. If your songs need work, TAXI can tell you exactly what to do to make them better. I don't use it, but for some people, the TAXI forums are a great resource.
I've been very fortunate, having had many forwards and signed many deals as a result of my membership. Doors have been opened for me that would not have otherwise been opened. But by far, the thing that has helped the most was the Road Rally, and specifically my attendance at it last year. Just by being there and meeting people, I had some things happen and made some incredible friends and connections that could change my life and career. Go to it, and make friends—there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction.
Your new CD is called Doublespeak. Tell us about it.
I'm really happy with it. It's a CD of Pop music, with big choruses, big hooks, and lots of energy. You can still hear my influences, but the sound is more electronic. There's a cool feature on my Web site called UMix, where you can really dive into some of the tracks. If you go to freddynet.com and click on the mixer button in the top right corner, you can check it out. It's basically an 8-track mixer that allows you to mix my tunes in real time, and hear the separate tracks that come together to make the song whole. And it's fun to play with! I'd love to hear what my fellow TAXI members think of it.
What was the best thing that happened to you so far in your career?
I've been so fortunate, and had so many fantastic things happen to me that it's hard to name the single best thing. For me, getting to the point where a day job was no longer required, and really making a living from music was what I wanted more than anything else. Every day I get to do what I love, and I can't think of anything better than that. But I have a feeling that, as far as my music career is concerned, the best is yet to come.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2008?
After playing at IPO in August, I'm planning on doing some touring in the Pacific Northwest and back through Western Canada. We'll end up back in Calgary where the official CD release will take place in September. I've also been spending lots of time in Nashville, pursuing my songwriting career as well as my artist career, so I'll be back there in the fall. I'm always working, but I love what I do, so it never feels like work.
This guy will never stop working! And don't look now but there's another Road Rally just around the corner. Many of the connections that Freddy made came from the TAXI Rally last year. Don't you miss out!
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"With help from you guys, the music is pouring out and I'm having such fun! Thanks!"
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— Willie McCulloch,
TAXI Member
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"TAXI provided real access to a nearly inaccessible industry."
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— John Mendoza,
TAXI Member
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"I received 5 critiques for one song and each one was right on the money. The critiques and this membership are priceless!"
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— Tammy Endlish,
TAXI Member
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"In this competitive field you need all the help you can get and with TAXI, you've got a friend in the music business."
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— Richard Scotti,
TAXI Member |
"I recently got my first deal as a result of a submission to TAXI! I'm very excited to see that this actually works!"
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— George Leverett,
TAXI Member
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"We appreciate all that you do and try to do to help us struggling songwriters!"
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— Pat Harris,
TAXI Member
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"I've known most of TAXI's A&R people for years. These are real industry pros. I'd be happy to listen to anything they send me."
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— John Carter,
Vice President of A&R,
Island Records |
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"I am enclosing a check for my third year of membership in TAXI. You've got a great thing going, and it's fun being a member."
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— Thomas Hipps,
TAXI Member
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