We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ted Hajnasiewicz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ted below.
Ted, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I was VERY young. It was before I could play an instrument (though I was plunking out melodies from songs on my grandma’s piano – “Star Wars” theme vocal melody to “Rhinestone Cowboy”, etc.). I used to make up pretend songs, and sing them into our cruddy little tape recorder device, tapping on it to keep a beat. I made up fake bands and albums. For years before I ever owned an instrument or learned to play, I was a rock star in my mind. I don’t know that I’ve ever outgrown that.
Ted, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I grew up as a kid in the 70’s and a teen in the 80’s. This greatly influenced who I was as a budding musician and songwriter. It was after high school, when I discovered I don’t have to be THE BEST at what I do, but instead could share my heart. I slowly learned more and more how to do this in song, and I feel like “maybe” I’m getting it down now (30 years later).
I am a fan of song, of musician, of singer, of ALBUM. I want to take that music in, as a holistic experience. And so that is how I strive to present myself – be it in a live setting or on an album, EP, single.
I LOVE songwriting. And I love songwriters. Willie Nelson is one of my heroes, in that he not only wrote some of the best songs – he, as a lover of songs and songwriters, COVERED some of the best songs (most of his hits as a songwriter, were hits for someone else. And most of his hits as a performer/artists, were written by someone else). I think this is a great way to approach music. Do what you love. WE GET TO DO THIS, is something I say all the time. It’s truly a gift.
I’m really blessed in that I have ability to write and play in various different styles. I’m in a rock and roll band called HebbaJebba – we basically take my singer/songwriter songs and “rock” them up, Tom Petty/Soul Asylum style. I’m in a duo with my dear friend Doyle Turner – together, we are the International Treasures. We get to collaborate, and take songs in directions I don’t naturally do (bluegrass band, doing singer/songwriter things). I also get to write with so many friends, or on my own, and do my own thing. The only limitations are ability and confidence – both of which thankfully I can continue to work on.
All of that to say – this is pure joy for me.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think one thing would be to learn to “consume” less – meaning, don’t just take in what you are fed (radio, social, internet). Go LEARN about that artist or musician that just floated your boat with some song you heard. Likely you can get to know a little about them as a person, understand who they are. And you might just love other things they do.
And much like we binge tv today – go BINGE albums. Shut everything off, put on some headphones, go for a walk, or just lay on the floor in your room, and tune out everything but that album. And do it front to back. And then again….
So to that end – I love the Patreon/crowdfund/patron mentality. Put your money behind what you like, with your choice. I think that might be what artists could most appreciate. But what do I know.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Oh my – this is the human connection. Every show, I meet someone amazing. Every one. Sometimes, it could be the only time I ever meet them. I love that. And I’ve been very blessed to have folks connect with my records – they feel what I felt, OR maybe what they feel completely separate from what I felt when writing – that just blows my mind….
Human connection. Such a tremendous reward!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tedhtunes.com
- Instagram: tedhtunes
- Facebook: tedhtunes
- Youtube: tedhtunes
- Other: https://www.theinternationaltreasures.com – Treasures site! https://www.hebbajebba.com – HebbaJebba site!
Image Credits
Tom Smouse Bo Allen Karmelia Tritz