"I think the blues taps into the human psyche. The blues appeals to the very basic emotions that we all experience and, you know, rock music is directly connected to the blues but with a much more prominent rhythm component that we cannot help but move to, respond physically. I mean, when you think about it the first music made by humans was banging two rocks together, it was pure rhythm."

Stefan Palicki: (Rockin') Blue Eyed Devil

Sometimes, what people say to your face and what they say behind your back are more often than not two totally different things. Only true friends or loved ones will be direct. It's the sentiment that Oshawa, Ontario blues rock guitarist Stefan Palicki used as inspiration for the meaty blues rock diamond and his latest single "Blue Eyed Devil" (2024), the title track to his new EP. Palicki first became interested in music not from picking up an instrument but from the BBC television series Top Gear and seeing host James May drive a Bugatti Veyron at maximum speed. Although not quite music-related, Palicki discovered May had a degree in piano, which sent Palicki off on his musical odyssey. After six years of the Royal Conservatory of Music's piano instruction, Palicki earned his seventh level with first class honors. Around the same time, Palicki began guitar lessons, leaving the piano for the love of another instrument.

(Photo: Stefan Palicki)

His influences range from the late greats like B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Gary Moore to Jimmy Page and more modern blues guitarists including John Mayer. After playing in school bands and playing a variety of horns in high school, as well as bass and percussion, Palicki graduated high school with honors and received a music award. Performing around the Durham Region of Ontario including spots in Ajax and Oshawa and developing his name as a quality guitarist, Palicki released his debut EP "Blue Eyed Devil" of original material produced by Rob Laidlaw. "Blue Eyed Devil" is a song that will put Stefan Palicki on the Canadian and international blues rock map.

Interview by Michael Limnios                 Special Thanks: Eric Alper

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Actually, I'd say it's the opposite. I think the world has affected my music and how I want to express it. It's current issues and world events. It definitely influences the type of music I want to create.

Something that had a huge impact on me and changing my path towards wanting to be a performing musician was a big band performed at my high school where I was in the music program and watching that group perform and seeing the joy on their faces and they were close to my age, made me think "that's what I want to do". It let me know that it was achievable.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

I guess my sound is sort of a bluesy rock with some more modern progressive influences sprinkled in. I don't have many songs that I've written, but I like to think they cross a spectrum of genres. Some bluesy, southern rock and some with a more funky pop feel.

For myself a lot of my playing is feel, emotions, letting the guitar speak for me. There's always a technical aspect to playing, but I'm not really thinking about it when I'm soloing, you're not really conscious of where your fingers are going to take the song.

"Something that had a huge impact on me and changing my path towards wanting to be a performing musician was a big band performed at my high school where I was in the music program and watching that group perform and seeing the joy on their faces and they were close to my age, made me think "that's what I want to do". It let me know that it was achievable." (Photo: Stefan Palicki)

Why do you think that the Blues Rock music continues to generate such a devoted following in Canada?

I think the blues taps into the human psyche. The blues appeals to the very basic emotions that we all experience and, you know, rock music is directly connected to the blues but with a much more prominent rhythm component that we cannot help but move to, respond physically. I mean, when you think about it the first music made by humans was banging two rocks together, it was pure rhythm.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

The most fun I've had at a gig was the first time I did a show of Stevie Ray Vaughan's music. We went into it thinking there wouldn't be many people there, it was in the middle of March Break, most would be away, but it was a good sized crowd and we (the band) were all on fire and sharing Stevie's music with people who loved it. It was great.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I mean, I'm only 20 so there's not a lot behind me yet to miss but I do wish some of the greats were still here, like Stevie, Jimi and newer musicians like Chris Cornel Taylor Hawkins.

A big concern about music for me is the whole rise of generative AI. Something I've been wanting to cover in my music and the apparent aim to remove the human element from art at all levels.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I'd say I've learned a few valuable lessons about choosing who to work with. Just in general learning what it takes to create music, to create art and learning how to get that art out there so it reaches the public.

"I guess my sound is sort of a bluesy rock with some more modern progressive influences sprinkled in. I don't have many songs that I've written, but I like to think they cross a spectrum of genres. Some bluesy, southern rock and some with a more funky pop feel."

(Photo: Stefan Palicki)

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I'm part of the new generation and yet I play some pretty old music so I'm not sure I can confidently say I know what I'm doinglolololol I think all you can do as a musician is play/write what speaks to you and hope that when you set it free it speaks to others. Perhaps my love of the blues will bring it to the kids coming up behind me.

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