Adam Lazzara, the charismatic lead singer of Taking Back Sunday, shares his journey from bass player to frontman. He opens up about how the iconic album 'Tell All Your Friends' transformed his life. The conversation touches on his evolving relationship with bandmate John, navigating the complexities of the music industry, and balancing his personal life as a touring musician. Lazzara also hints at his exciting solo project, reflecting on growth, nostalgia, and the lessons learned through music.
Adam Lazzara emphasizes the importance of collaboration in music and how it facilitates personal and artistic growth among band members.
He shares the challenges of balancing fatherhood with a demanding music career, underlining the struggle to manage personal and professional responsibilities.
The discussion reveals Adam's concerns about nostalgia overshadowing new music, highlighting the balance between honoring past achievements and pursuing artistic evolution.
Deep dives
The Importance of Collaboration in Music
The conversation emphasizes the value of collaboration in music creation, as highlighted by Shane's interaction with Adam Lazara from Taking Back Sunday. The two musicians discuss how their partnerships and shared experiences over the years contributed to their growth as artists. Adam reflects on going from being a bassist to a lead singer, stressing how collaborative dynamics fostered a smooth transition despite initial challenges. This underscores a broader idea that collaboration enhances creativity and fuels artistic development, allowing artists to push their boundaries.
The Balancing Act of Family and Music
Family life is a significant focus as Adam shares insights about his personal experiences balancing fatherhood with a career in music. He discusses the complexities of being away from home for tours while trying to provide for his family, expressing his desire to prioritize quality time with his children. This highlights the struggle many artists face in managing their professional ambitions alongside personal responsibilities. The sentiment resonates deeply as it reflects the universal challenge of finding equilibrium in one's passions and familial obligations.
Navigating Personal Growth Through Difficult Experiences
Adam’s journey reveals the profound impact of personal experiences on his artistic expression within Taking Back Sunday. He recounts periods with challenges within the band and personal life that led to growth, including the complexities of past relationships influencing his songwriting. The discussions about being in a band that had its ups and downs show an evolving dynamic among members over the years, characterized by a gradual reconciliation process. This illustrates how adversity can foster resilience and a better understanding of oneself and the group as a whole.
The Legacy of Nostalgia in Music
The duo examines the intersection of nostalgia and contemporary music, particularly how past works can sometimes overshadow new efforts. Adam candidly expresses concerns about becoming a nostalgic act, fearing that it may hinder creative innovation. They deliberate on how bands can navigate this fine line by evolving their sound while still honoring their roots, emphasizing the significance of transparency and growth in artistic identity. This conversation sheds light on a common dilemma within the music industry regarding legacy versus progression.
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Adam shares a unique story about Taking Back Sunday’s guest appearance on the popular show Degrassi, linking it to their cultural footprint. The unexpected opportunity to connect with a show he followed as a teenager exemplifies how artists can draw inspiration from various avenues outside music. This also demonstrates the importance of being open to different forms of media and interactions that can enhance an artist's profile. In essence, this reveals the multifaceted nature of creativity and how it can emerge from diverse and sometimes surprising experiences.
Episode 11 - "The Best Episode Yet" according to Shane, Adam Lazzara of the platinum selling band Taking Back Sunday joins the show. The discussion talks about the early days of the band, how "Tell All Your Friends" changed the course of his life, his fallout and rekindled friendship with John, and how he is "still getting a handle" on his role as a lead singer. Shane discusses the launch of his brand new solo project, River Oaks.