Tony Lopacinsky is an artist of great talent. He belongs to a crowd of musicians who loves a certain kind of introspective rock. A music deeply close to the life as it is lived.

After various experiences with different bands, Lopacinsky has released his first solo record. The album is called “Face” and he worked on that for almost six years. “Face” is a record full of charm and personal reflections about love, life, career. “Face” songs tell us something interesting about America. Tony is a great artist but he is also a nice and kind person.

I had the pleasure of interviewing him.

Q:  You did a solo record called "Face". Why you decided to do a record by yourself?
A:  I have always been a songwriter over the years, and during that time a lot of my material was not appropriate for the bands I was in. I never let this stop me from finishing my ideas though. This solo project "Face" is a collection of different pieces and collaborations I have worked on for the last 5 years. I had all of this material I was extremely proud of, and I didn't think I was doing it justice by leaving it on the shelf in my studio. - hence - the cd....

Q:  Your music is really "personal" and original but many songs of your record remind me something of Matchbox20, Dave Matthews Band and U2 sound, am I wrong?
A:  Wow - I'm very honored to be compared to these people. I used to be managed by Coran Capshaw (DMB's manager), 5 years.... I've met Dave before and I think his guitar playing is very unique. BUT - of all of these bands you listed I'm probably only influenced by U2 - I've always been a big fan. I can't even hold my lyrics in the same court as Bono's though. As far as my stuff being "personal" - I have a hard time writing about anything that isn't. Sometimes when people around me are going through hard times I can put myself in their place and imagine what they must be feeling. I guess in general music is a very personal thing for me.

Q:  In a song of your record, "City of Idiots", you show your hate for Los Angeles. You are not the first musician who thinks that L.A. is not a good city. But for many Europeans Los Angeles seems the dream city, can you tell me what are the bad sides of a city like L.A.?
A:  I live in Virginia- LA is the last place I would want to live. I have spent months out there working on different records and stuff and I'm always ready to leave after a few days. I just can't buy into it - it seams so fake.......... To each his own however. City OfIdiotswas actually written by Terry Glaze - a great singer in his own right. It was a short acoustic piece that I loved the first time I heard it. He sent me a tape and I added a 3rd verse and recorded it for fun. I debated about putting this song on my cd because I really had very little to add to it. I called Terry and told him that maybe he should hear it and what I added to see if he wouldn't mind me including it. Without even hearing my changes he insisted I go for it. He actually didn't hear it until after it was released but he does really like it - and so do I.

Q:  I was really touched from "Hear the Violins", "My Mistake" and "Candle To You" : can you tell me something about these songs? In my opinion they show an introspective side of your being musician.
A:  My Mistake is about my best friend going through a divorce. How you think and assume that things will last forever and don't. Relationships constantly need attention....

Candle To You is one of my favorites - this song was so easy to write. It's about loving something or somebody so much that nothing else comes close - my wife will tell you it's about her and part of that is true - but I really wanted to keep it open ended so the listener could make it about anything he/she wanted to.

Hear The Violins is my music, but the lyrics for that one were written by Andy Waldeck (Earth To Andy - Giant/Warner Bros.) This was my last band. AND FANTASTIC. I just found out yesterday that Roger Manning from Jellyfish dug our record and that made me extremely proud! At this moment in our career/songwriting we were very frustrated that the business couldn't see what we were trying to do. They weren't "true believers" ---- "only true believers hear the violins"

Q:  As a songwriter do you prefer writing mellow songs or hard rock songs?
A:  Both - I think it very much depends on my mood. I also enjoy playing both stills live as well. Especially when you have a great audience...

Q:  What are your influences as a musician? Do you have any artist who has touched you and your way to play or write music?
A:  Old days - Peter Frampton (under-rated guitarist) -Boston- Aerosmith(Rocks/Toys era) - Foreigner

Modern Days - DaDa - Jellyfish - Jude Cole - Coldplay is great I love pop music. The bottom line for me is a great melody...

Q:  I read you are married and you have kids. It's difficult being an husband, a father and a musician always on tour?
A:  Interesting that you found this out. I try to keep my personal life "personal". Touring and being away from home is very difficult. It makes me appreciate even more how lucky I am.

Q:  You have a website (www.facemusic.net) where you keep yourself in contact with your fans. Do you like this "internet generation", all these persons who contact you through Internet?
A:  I do - i think the web is a great thing. I enjoy answering emails and seeing what people have on their mind.

Q:  Why you chose to become a musician?
A:  I don't ever remember wanting to do anything else. It has been very difficult at times, and extremely rewarding at other times....

Q:  You were, in the past, member of a band called Earth to Andy. Can you tell me something about this band?
A:  A heavy/melodic rock band with incredible musicians and all 4 members sang - incredible live band as well. We toured with Stone Temple Pilots - Live and some other bands, but our label never got behind us and eventually folded.  Our management failed to find us another label and we decided to part ways and remain friends instead of beating a dead horse until we started to blame each other. We may do a show again next year - who knows. I am currently packing a full schedule touring as the guitarist/Back-up singer with Train.  I am happy to be on the road again. I am seeing several places I've never been before. Hopefully that will include Italy next year.

Q:  You played in a band and now you have your own career. Do you prefer being part of a band or you like having a solo career?
A:  This is a tough Q. I have never actually toured as a solo artist, and being in a band is always interesting. A pro and con to recording and writing by yourself is that there is nobody around to bounce ideas off of. I like having both - haha

Q:  Do you have a favourite musician, a song or a band you love, in this moment?
A:  I encourage people to listen to whatever touches them. I have several favorites right now. I just finished producing an album for a currently unsigned band called Small Town Workers - and I think they're one of the best things coming down the pike.........

Q:  I read that you are a little bit Italian, is it true?
A:  I am - 25% - This must be my good side. My great grandparents (Eugenio's) came to the US from Sicily. The came to Milwaukee,WI where I was born to a father in the US Navy and I've been on the move ever since!

Q:  What are your next plans for the future?
A:  I am thinking about bringing "Face" to life, but finding the time may be difficult. I'm rally not in a hurry because I'm happy where I'm at and I tend not to look to far ahead. My first goal is to get dressed for the Train show in Maine tonight.......