Michael Zuzek Unveils New Single “Graystone” — A Sonic Homage to Pop-Rock’s Golden Era
Renowned for his profound musical prowess and heartfelt melodies, Michael Zuzek is thrilled to announce the release of his new single, “Graystone,” available on all major streaming platforms from June 21st. This track promises to be a captivating addition to the pop-rock genre, merging nostalgic influences with a fresh and invigorating sound. The track is from his upcoming 2024 album release, Everest.
Michael Zuzek’s “Graystone” is not just a song; it’s a journey through time, encapsulating the essence of the 60s and 70s while infusing it with contemporary vibrancy. Zuzek, who hails from the musically rich city of Toronto, draws inspiration from legendary artists such as Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, whose dynamic frontmanship and timeless melodies have profoundly influenced his sound. His new single also echoes the syncopated charm of ragtime piano, reminiscent of the transformative music from the 50s and 60s.
Zuzek says,
“In February 2022, while playing piano for my friend Scott, I stumbled upon the main riff for ‘Graystone,’ and within a couple of days, I completed the chord progression and lyrics. The song, named after my childhood street, reflects on my nostalgic and bittersweet memories of growing up and a past relationship that ended in front of my house. Drawing inspiration from The Beatles’ nostalgic tunes and Lou Reed’s minimal yet impactful string melodies, I crafted ‘Graystone’ as a simple yet evocative piece, incorporating reversed string parts to create a psychedelic vibe reminiscent of ‘Strawberry Fields.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello there, I am Michael Zuzek. I am a Toronto-based piano player and singer-songwriter! I have been playing piano for 16 years now and have been playing professionally for over a year. I love the golden era of music from the 60s/70s and my goal is to recreate and reimagine those legendary songs!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
My most recent release “Graystone” is an acoustic ballad about growing up and getting old. It is nostalgic, melancholic, and deeply personal from the words to the notes. It was written entirely by myself and co-produced/mastered by my dear friend Aydn alongside myself. The song is my way of introducing the world to my music and what my upcoming album “Everest” will hold.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
On August 1st I will be having an album release party at a local social house in my neighborhood. It will host hundreds of my family members and friends while me and my band perform my album live!
If given the chance, which Canadian artist would you love to work with in the future?
I would have loved to work with Canadian legends like The Band and The Guess Who in their respective haydays. Obviously I was not alive then, but if I could even meet Burton Cummings one day, it would be a true blessing. Playing alongside him would be something even more special.
What’s your goal for 2024?
My goal in 2024 is to have a very successful album release on August 2nd. It is a very dear project to me and has been in the works for over 2 years! I would love nothing more than to hear my songs played on the radio stations in my area!