“However, I prioritize soul – technique is only a tool for expressing emotions and feelings. I don't focus on correctness and consistency; I'm interested in developing and discovering new possibilities for the instrument as my means of expression.”

Krzysztof Toczko (pARTyzant):

Beyond of Rock Music Borders

Poland-based musician pARTyzant, or Krzysztof Toczko, is a guitar virtuoso recommended by Joe Satriani. He owes his artistic career to the band DŻEM, with whom he continues to collaborate to this day. He is accompanied on drums by his son Mikołaj Toczko. Krzysztof "pARTyzant" Toczko's unique style allows him to play two guitars simultaneously independently, eliminating the need for a bassist in the band. This virtuosity has already been recognized by over 6 million viewers on the artist's YouTube channel (YT/partyzgit). The duo skillfully navigates various styles, as Ingeborg Nałęcka Ring describes: "A completely unique, individual way of hearing sounds and translating them into the possibilities offered primarily by guitar and drums. This isn't just playing; it's projections, sound installations. There's jazz and metal... in other words, painting a mood.                         (pARTyzant aka Krzysztof Toczko / Photo by Dariusz Gackowski)

Poetry of sound and theater." The group's performances feature powerful rock riffs, bluesy flourishes, humor, and playfulness interwoven with contemplation. Interaction with the audience is an essential element of the concerts. The repertoire consists primarily of original compositions, occasionally interspersed with original interpretations of well-known themes. SpoonMan or pARTyzant aka Krzysztof Toczk’s guitar experiences has not limits.

Interview by Michael Limnios

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

First of all, I'd like to thank you for the invitation to this interview. I'm happy to have the opportunity to speak with you about important topics!

Music has been with me since my earliest years, thanks to my father, Edward, who played the accordion and harmonica. The accordion was my first instrument, and I learned to play it through private lessons, where I also learned to read music. I was 11 years old then. A major breakthrough occurred on February 11, 1987, during a Metallica concert at "Spodek" in Katowice. The band was promoting their iconic album "Master of Puppets" at the time. Enchanted by the concert, I decided to become a guitarist. From then on, I practiced several hours a day. Music became very important to me. I tried various styles and techniques, searching for my own musical identity. I was passionate about rock, metal, and classical music. Finally, the biggest breakthrough was meeting the band "Dżem," who approached me on the recommendation of Jarek Gronowski from the metal group "Dragon." They asked me to transcribe their new album, "The Band Plays On," into sheet music. This was required for ZAiKS (Polish Society of Authors and Composers) to protect the copyrights of individual songs. I had previously transcribed material for "Dragon," so I took on the challenge. When I first heard "Dżem," fronted by Rysiek Riedel, I was very surprised by the energy, charisma, and sensitivity that hypnotized the entire audience, including myself. That's how I first encountered the blues, and I immediately fell in love with this music. From then on, I knew I would be a musician – that was 1989, so I was 18 years old.

“Rock music has energy, rhythm, sound, lyrics... We pass on our love for this genre from generation to generation – my son Mikołaj is an example of this. Poland is a suitable, friendly place for rock.“ (pARTyzant aka Krzysztof Toczko / Photo by Mariusz Skiba)

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I really like to experiment with both sound and playing techniques. On one hand, I enjoy the music of Chopin, Paganini, Ennio Morricone, and on the other, I'm fascinated by B.B. King, Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Korn, The Beatles… I enjoy playing all musical styles on the guitar. I am musically open and always searching. However, I prioritize soul – technique is only a tool for expressing emotions and feelings. I don't focus on correctness and consistency; I'm interested in developing and discovering new possibilities for the instrument as my means of expression.

You’ve a very interesting music projects with spoon (pARTyzant aka Spoonman) or tapping (featuring your son, Nikolaj). How did that idea come about?

To play piano music on the guitar, you need two musical parts simultaneously – a backing part and a melodic part. Two-handed tapping technique is, in my opinion, the best for this purpose. There's also fingerstyle, which I also use sometimes, but two-handed tapping offers greater possibilities. I've been perfecting this technique since I started playing guitar. The brilliant Stanley Jordan was an inspiration. It turned out that I have a predisposition for this type of playing due to good divided attention and ambidexterity – my right and left hands are equally adept. My son, Mikołaj Toczko, is a brilliant, versatile drummer who approaches his playing very conscientiously. He's been playing with the band "Kobranocka" for over a year. The group is very active, performs frequently, and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. For this reason, I currently mainly perform solo because Mikołaj is irreplaceable.

The spoon was a complete accident. Already in the early 90s, I combined two-handed tapping with slide technique. Later, I replaced the tube with a ring. This January, when I wanted to record a reel in that style, my ring went missing, and a spoon was lying on my desk. I thought I'd try using it instead of the ring, and that's how I played the theme from "The Bridge on the River Kwai." I didn't expect such popularity for that clip. The video was viewed several million times across all social media platforms, and someone then called me "Spoonman." Since then, only half a year ago, I've been developing this technique, and to my surprise, my Instagram profile is followed by Slash, Dweezil Zappa, and Bumblefoot, among others. This motivates me greatly.

“I look forward with hope that many interesting musical discoveries, activities, and cooperations are still ahead of me. I wish you many beautiful moments.” (pARTyzant aka Krzysztof Toczko with his son, Nikolaj Toczko / Photo by Mariusz Skiba)

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

Rock music in Poland has always been very important. Despite limited media promotion, it was copied onto cassette tapes and passed around. In Piotrowice, we would borrow Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin vinyls and listen to them intently. It was a voice that spoke to us. Rock music has energy, rhythm, sound, lyrics... We pass on our love for this genre from generation to generation – my son Mikołaj is an example of this. Poland is a suitable, friendly place for rock.

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

I don't miss anything from the past. Music, like every field of art, evolves, and that's natural. People used to play lutes, and today they play double-neck guitars connected to powerful amplifiers. At this point, I'd like to emphasize that the Polish luthier company "Mensinger" greatly contributed to my development by building a double-neck instrument for me. This opened up new musical possibilities. And that's exactly what I expect from the future – increasingly greater equipment possibilities that will enhance artistic expression. As for my concerns, I'm worried about dangerous geopolitics, which literally and figuratively kills life, openness, and sensitivity. I also have concerns about AI – will we learn to use it wisely, or will it dominate us and make us lazy and unimaginative?

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

Rysiek Riedel taught me humility. This trait made me consistent and hardworking. Thanks to this, I'm developing, so I don't have complexes. This means I don't pretend to be anyone else and I'm simply myself – therefore, I am sincere. This trait is crucial in life and art.

“I don't miss anything from the past. Music, like every field of art, evolves, and that's natural. People used to play lutes, and today they play double-neck guitars connected to powerful amplifiers.“

(pARTyzant aka Krzysztof Toczko / Photo by Marek Toczko)

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

At the beginning, I already talked about the most important events in my life that shaped my artistic endeavors. I look forward with hope that many interesting musical discoveries, activities, and cooperations are still ahead of me. I wish you many beautiful moments. See you at the concerts.

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