Heavily influenced by classic, alt, and hard rock, all rolled up into one, Woz navigates his way through dysfunctional family relationships, childhood trauma, and a boring and mundane suburban town that he dreams of leaving far behind. His gritty baritone voice, mixed with his Keith Richards-inspired guitar riffs and mysterious Jim Morrison-like style, set the tone of both music and personality.
With his latest release ‘Child Support’ Woz chronicles the tumultuous relationship with his estranged father who was the front-man of ‘90s rock band Marcy Playground. This release comes off the heels of Woz’s debut EP At the Gulf, released on November 9th. The EP title is inspired by the Gulf gas station where Woz works on Long Island, New York to make ends meet.
Watch the video for Woz’s new single, “Child Support (Acoustic)” shot at the Gulf location where Woz works.
Why is this song special to you?
I have too many reasons to list honestly. Mainly, it’s super honest. I have a lot of feelings of anger towards what the song’s about, it’s so cathartic to sing. I love to play it live, and also when I hear it, I think about havin fun with my friends at band practice.
Why did you feel the need to write it?
Almost for the same reason. When you have so much pent up emotion about something, and when you feel wronged and deserved better, you wanna just scream and sing those feelings out, till it hurts. Rock and roll dawg.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this?
I want them to feel a lifetime’s worth of trauma and hurt leave their little bodies. I want them to see themselves singing it, that’s all I could ever ask for.
What does this title At The Gulf mean?
Gulf is where I work and being at the Gulf has been the one constant in my life. I’ve worked there mopping floors and pumpin’ gas for years, and weirdly enough, its survived the natural changes that life has brought, so titling the ep “At the Gulf” felt like the only decision.
Was this record inspired by any life experiences or events?
Totally, all of it actually, from the super blunt stuff about my family, to even something like Gilgo Beach. Though “Gilgo Beach” pulls from a made-up romantic situation, the memories I have attached to that place and those feelings of desperation come through from the most genuine parts of my life experiences.
Which is your favorite track on the record and why
Easily Pennsylvania. I was sobbing the whole time writing that song. Every single word of it rings true, and there’s even stuff in those lyrics so personal, only my friends know what I’m referencing. I’m so proud of that song.
What was the most difficult track to unfold and bring to life in this record and why
I don’t know if i’d be able to pick one honestly. On the ones about my family, all I could think about was what my parents would think if they heard the songs, but I knew I had to be honest and talk about it. I feel like I didn’t have a choice in the matter, everything in my brain was telling me I needed to talk about this.
What do you want a stranger to feel when listening to you?
Empowered. I want the people who have dealt with family problems to relate to the things I talk about. I want them to feel justified, and I want them to be able to say to themselves “I went through that,” and feel represented enough to be able to own that fact.
What are your future plans?
In the new year, I hope to be playing more shows, meeting more fans, and writing new songs
What’s a mantra do you live by?
I watched Steve-O’s interview with “Hot Ones,” and he talks about how he gets himself to do scary things. What he does is go “one, two, THREE,” and just goes for it. It almost forces your body to do it. Say “one, two, three,” and you’d be surprised what you can make yourself do.
