Ed Kowalczyk, Former Lead Singer of Live, at TCAN on Thursday, Oct 24

Best known as the legendary songwriter and former lead-singer of the multi-platinum rock band, Live, Ed Kowalczyk is now touring with “I Alone, Acoustic,” a nod to one of one of Kowalczyk’s most famous songs. His distinct voice and outstanding songwriting abilities will be highlighted in deep harmonies and singular sounds at this acoustic concert at The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN). Kowalczyk’s impressive résumé includes eight full-length albums with his former Live bandmates that have reached gold and platinum status in 9 countries, and nine Top 10 radio hits such as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” and “Selling The Drama.” His much-anticipated new solo album, The Flood and the Mercy, will be available October 29.

In this interview, Kowalczyk looks back on his career and how his rock past has affected his future in music. He discusses Thursday’s show at TCAN and what he loves about performing acoustically. For tickets, visit the TCAN website.

Q. Congratulations on the birth of your son! Has being a father impacted what music means to you?

A. Thanks! I would say being a father has definitely deepened me as a person and has had a huge impact on my overall outlook on life. Being an artist, anything that changes you that profoundly will have an effect on what you create and why. What is interesting to me is that I wrote “Lightning Crashes” before I had any kids; so my children have deepened my appreciation of some of my older material as well as inspired me in the present.  

Q. The Flood and The Mercy is your 2nd solo album coming out on 10/29. Where did you find the inspiration for these new songs, and how is this album different from your earlier albums?

A. I took inspiration for this record from some of the personal challenges I had been through over the past few years. Without veering off into too much needless detail, let's just say I managed a little bit of anger through my songwriting on this album. That said, The Flood and The Mercy goes to many new places for me emotionally and sonically. I really think it's my finest album to date in that respect.

Q. Your voice is incredibly distinct and recognizable. Are there any vocalists that influenced you as you developed your voice? Who did you admire in your formative years?

A. Thank you. I would say the trifecta of vocal and artistic influences on me over the years would be; Bono, Michael Stipe and Peter Gabriel. Of course, there are many others, but these three have that blend of a unique voice and mysterious, intelligent lyric, and melody that is timeless and always inspiring.

Q. In what ways is the energy different when comparing a solo acoustic show to performing with a band in a stadium? Are there any ways that the experience is similar?

A. I think the acoustic show reaches deeper into the power of the lyric for the audience and for me. Don't get me wrong, I still love to rock full band shows, but the acoustic environment is very unique in terms of intimacy and power. 

Q. Are there any current artists that you’re into right now?

A. I really like The National. They are one of the few bands around that are just doing their thing, their way. I know how difficult that can be to maintain over the years, so I have a lot of respect for it.  

Q. What can the fans in Natick expect from your show on October 24?

A. I perform with my good friend and bass player, Chris Heerlein. Chris is an amazing musician and singer, and the harmonies we have developed for this approach really deepen the impact of the new and older songs. We perform for almost 2 hours generally, and try to get to ever era of my songwriting career. We play all of the “hits” of my work in Live as well as a good number of songs from my three solo releases.

Q. If you could collaborate with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and in what capacity?

A. I've always wanted to work with Peter Gabriel and would do so in any capacity; as a producer, songwriting, singing, whatever!