Q&A: Woz Talks Creating an Artistic Haven, Vulnerability in His Music & the Ideal Listening Scenario for New EP ‘No Medicine for That’
NOT ONE TO SHY AWAY FROM USING HEAVY EMOTIONS FOR THE SAKE OF HIS ART — Woz is back and more honest than ever with his new EP No Medicine for That, and that’s something to be thankful for.
Using real experiences and difficulties he has faced, Woz aims to provide a place of solace for his listeners, showing that it’s okay to have been there, and that there is something beyond. With a sound both reminiscent of classic rock yet completely his own, No Medicine for That is an EP that belongs at the top of your listening queue.
Read below to hear more on Woz’s creative process, the ideal situation to hear the EP for the first time, the song he's most proud of, and more.
LUNA: Hi, Woz! It’s great to be chatting with you after your new EP, No Medicine for That, was just released! For you, what is the most fulfilling part of finally getting a creative piece like this out into the world?
WOZ: Totally people hearing everyone’s response! The songs talk about things like abandonment, addiction, and mental illness, and seeing people relate to it warms my heart so much — they message me so many sweet but also heartbreaking things. It’s just as validating for me as it is for them, seeing people who have gone through so many similar things.
LUNA: Is there a particular song on the five-track EP you would say you’re most proud of writing and putting out? Which one, and why?
WOZ: I think “Medicine.” Singing that song destroys me every time. It condensed everything I've ever tried to say better than I could ever express. At the time, I truly felt there was no medicine and I was doomed to be self-destructive forever. The song was a huge part of my recovery.
LUNA: How in your creative process do you find the balance between your smooth, classically alt musical aesthetics and your lyrics that delve into heavier and seemingly very personal topics?
WOZ: It took time. It took a lot of writing about girls and that kind of thing to really feel comfortable writing about the real deep stuff. Wounds needed to heal as much as was possible at the time. Once they did, everything just came pouring out, and all my influences came with it.
LUNA: What influences would you say are most important to your creative work in terms of inspiration?
WOZ: It comes from everything, honestly. I’m big on the idea of living for experiences. Throwing myself into as many crazy situations as I can. I seldom stay in my comfort zone, to a fault, [and] it’s gotten me into some crazy situations. Also new and old music, movies, TV, and, recently, books and podcasts.
LUNA: If you could set up one perfect situation or scenario for someone to hear No Medicine for That for the first time, what would it be?
WOZ: Totally in a car. On a highway at night, maybe some backstreets. One image this project conjures for me is those orange-looking street lights. There or on the LIRR [Long Island Rail Road] would be perfect!
LUNA: How does it feel for you as an artist to use aspects of yourself, your past, and your experiences artistically, and how are you hoping it affects your listeners?
WOZ: It is all I’ve ever wanted, to be honest. So many things have built up in my little heart for so long that I’ve always wanted to express. Truly heavy emotions, and I want people to relate to that. I want the people who never were cared for, who struggled with addiction, or who have just felt alone to find a voice in those songs. That’s all I wanna do.
LUNA: Lastly, what can we look forward to from Woz after getting hooked on this new EP?
WOZ: Where do I even start? Shows, new music, fun videos. I can’t wait — 2023 has so, so, so much left in store!
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