Getting To Know... Better Person

With his highly-anticipated debut album 'Something To Lose' set to arrive on the 23rd October, Polish synth-pop balladeer Adam Byczkowski aka Better Person has now returned to share the latest cut from his forthcoming full-length 'Close To You'.

Taking strong cues from the likes of Sean Nicholas Savage, John Maus, Molly Nilsson, and Patience, 'Close To You' is a wonderfully rich and 80s-tinged offering from the artist. With its light synth work intermingled with his own soaring vocals, this new delight is sure to become one of your favourite new releases of the year so far.

So with the new album nearly with us, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?

I’ve never been in love with an instrument before! It’s been humans only so far but of course full respect if someone’s into that!

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

I think it’s always been a steady mixture of my own life and music I like.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

My taste as a teenager was definitely leaning towards more experimental and heavier music than today. Also some folk and lot’s of indie classics. Really boring stuff! I wish someone told me to listen to some classic pop when I was a teen.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

I do not remember a specific song doing that for me but since I was a small child it was very clear to me that there’s nothing else I want to do but make music. From very early years I’d perform for my family, sing, make little recordings and listen to music non-stop.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Usually some kind of soft 70’s music. I also like listening to the radio as I make my first coffee/breakfast. When I do, I mostly listen to NTS. There’s a show called Do!! you!!! breakfast w/Charlie Bones that usually suits my mood and taste in the morning.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

My whole new album is pretty much about my partner - Jane. So - 9 songs! Before that I was usually writing about my own experiences and how they affect me. Lots of complaining. This time I wanted to try to open up a bit more and write something more open, universal and positive.

What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?

Touring Asia was definitely one of those moments. I loved playing Tokyo, had a crazy time in China, ate the spiciest food in Bangkok and I got to spend some time in Hong Kong back when it was still a free place. I think about this trip a lot and I’d love to do it again as soon as it’s possible.

Outside of music, what are your biggest passions?

I really like drinking alcohol with friends (alone is also very good). Other than that I recently got a projector and a criterion channel account so watching movies has been a huge pleasure. I also like reading books. Normal human stuff.

If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?

I’d probably be a music journalist. Knowing me, most likely an unemployed one.

And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?

Focus on songwriting. Try to write melodies that move you deeply and make you miss everything all at once. And then move to a big city (if you don’t live in one already).

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Better Person's new single 'Close To You' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.