‘Personally, this album is a defining artistic statement, that was one of the main goals. It’s a personal high water mark, I consider it a success as of now. I set out to create my own musical world, a triple vinyl album with creative artwork and a short story. It was a creative marathon but we crossed the finish line.’, says Bill Majoros about The Record Collector, a labor of love and a tour de force, his pièce de résistance.

 

 

 

 

 

What was the biggest fun during the making of the last album?

I loved the moments of magical, spontaneous collaboration!

I played many of the instruments on the album but the true joy was when musicians I love made brilliant contributions.

It’s like telepathy; the chemistry between people can create wonderful, unexpected results.

That’s when a song comes to life;

the second the music transforms from black-and-white into technicolor!

Everyone’s heart and soul illuminated the songs.

Lovely moments of joy frozen in time.

Carl Jennings would always come up with mind-blowing bass lines and brilliant recording sonics. Kori Pop, Wim Oudijk, Rebecca Everett and Steve Eggers would create imaginative and beautifully soulful parts.

There was a magical, creative flow to every song on the 3LP set.

Recording can often be a very difficult process, this was the complete opposite..this was highly inspired.

It was amazing fun to work with great visual artists/friends as well. The album has elaborate artwork and a short story included, I truly enjoyed working with everybody. Brilliant people like Greg Vickers, Jenna Gregory, Madoka Kumagai, Brian Hetherman, and Bob Rich.

It was a fantastic day when we finally picked up the finished records from the pressing plant.

It was a wonderful feeling to put the needle on the vinyl and spin the album for the first time!

A dream come true..pure fun.

It was a long, challenging creative and highly emotional process.

There were also moments of deep heartache; ultimately making the LP was a joyous and adventurous journey.

I’ll always remember the small pleasant details and funny,  conversations about everything under the sun!

I even recall a couple of spontaneous “dance parties”!

 

 

 

The meaning of “success” has changed over the years. When will the new album be a success?

To me, success is living a creative, compassionate and loving life.

It’s about pursuing dreams and enjoying each day. It’s about lifelong friends. My definition of success has little to do with economics.

Personally, this album is a defining artistic statement, that was one of the main goals. It’s a personal high water mark, I consider it a success as of now.

I set out to create my own musical world, a triple vinyl album with creative artwork and a short story.

It was a creative marathon but we crossed the finish line.

The ending is now the starting point for the next album because I love the process; it gives me hope for the future.

As I was saying, my idea of success is based on striving for creative goals and day to day happiness & the happiness of those around me.

It’s the pursuit of artistic excellence and the grand unknown. In other words..the song I may write tomorrow.

It’s also about the artistic adventure and following creative bliss.

Success is continuing to grow as an artist and contributing something positive to grand tapestry of music, no matter how obscure.

Commercial success and personal success are different animals.

The two can co-exist but that’s not necessarily the case.

One of my favorite movies “It’s a Wonderful Life” was a commercial and critical flop at the time of release, decades later it’s considered a masterpiece.

Artists such as Nick Drake and Big Star were considered failures initially but are now very highly regarded. Everything is relative.

I always hope that my music reaches a wider audience but that’s not how I define success.

It’s a deeply personal concept.

Being successful is interwoven into positivity, kindness, enjoying life and doing what you love.

Shining a little bit of light in a dark world.

Do you feel part of a Community, The power pop community?

I think so…Yes!

I’m from Hamilton Ontario which has a fantastic musical community in general.

Ever since I began playing music artistic friends have always been there to help each other.

It’s a diverse, incredibly creative town.

Local luminary Daniel Lanois (Bob Dylan, Neil Young, U2) was very helpful in my early days of recording and writing for example.

Dave Rave from preeminent Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers is always a highly inspirational and supportive friend.

The international “power pop” community is supportive and vibrant. Record labels like Kool Kat Musik and festivals such as the IPO

(International Pop Overthrow) have been very good to me.

Psychedelic/power pop radio has been kind as well.

I’ve very lucky to receive thoughtful, articulate and very enthusiastic press operating on the fringes various genres.

 

 

Can you still remember the moment when music became important to you? What happened to you?

When I was very young I’d run home from school and watch The Monkees on TV! I was also hypnotized by rock & roll magazines and record stores.

I clearly remember the first time I listened to The Beatles Revolver.

That was the moment, it sent a lightning bolt of emotion through my heart!

Around the same time I had 45’s such as Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys, I listened to it a million times.

The local AM radio station was very eclectic. It had a major impact.

I’d stay up late at night and listen to mysterious music I’ve never heard before;

David Bowie to Stevie Wonder.

Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin to The Cars and XTC. Kate Bush and Neil Young to Blondie.

To this day when I’m writing an album, I think of it my imagination’s radio station or jukebox.

All of this music was incredibly exciting. I was inspired to learn drums and guitar. My parents were wonderful and supportive.

Life in a band seemed like so much fun! Right out of high school, I went out on the road playing across Canada. All of this wonderful music gave my life direction.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did and didn’t it bring you?

It’s always been a challenging labor of love.

It’s a mixed blessing.

When I first started playing live there was more money for new and mid-level bands.

A band/artist would work hard to get a local or national following then save money to make a record and try to sign a deal.

You could make decent money as a young, relatively unknown musician 5-6 nights a week.

Now it’s almost the opposite, the floodgates have opened.

The middle-class musician is disappearing, all the money has gone to the very top.

Having said that, home recording equipment is much more affordable and Everyone has access to a platform.

I think that’s a good thing but there’s also information overload and a devaluation of music.

It’s a fractured mirror.

I’ve personally been honored and humbled to receive wonderful feedback from all over the world.

Without a major label record company this would not have been possible years back.

I truly believe if you make good art people will discover it…

Eventually.

When things change there’s always room for new ideas and creative opportunity. I’m a very nostalgic person yet change is elemental in life. It’s likely best to embrace it.

Hopefully, artists of the future will take things to a higher level.

Magic can happen when you’re playing in front of a crowd. Can you recall such a moment?

When the chemistry is right between the band members and the audience it’s definitely magical!

I’ve been lucky to play some legendary venues such as The Cavern Club in Liverpool, CBGB’s in NYC, Prince’s club in Minneapolis, The Stone Pony in Asbury Park NJ etc. These places all had an incredible vibe and enthusiastic reaction!

Sometimes a show in the middle of nowhere with a small audience can be just as exciting.

The stars can align when you least expect it!

Which is the song you wish you had written? Why?

Wow, it’s hard to pick one.

Pretty much any Beatles song, because I love them all!

Other than that maybe a standard like Moon River, What a Wonderful World or Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

The other songs that come to mind are The Things We Do For Love by 10cc, Good Vibrations or Waterloo Sunset. Perfect, lovely songs that feel like musical sunshine!

Now that I think about it more I’d pick Happy Birthday Lol!

It’s a pure and simple song with a truly beautiful wish and sentiment.

If the budget was unlimited how would how to record the next album?

Imagination is more important than a big budget, limitations often create the best art.

Having said that I’m sure we could have a good time with an unlimited budget!

I’d artistically approach it in a similar way, using many of the same people and pay them incredibly well lol

It would be an amazing adventure to record in exotic locations and try out a few legendary studios.

Various cities/countries would have a truly interesting creative impact.

I’d definitely bring my talented musical friends along for the ride…

In the private jet lol

It would be fantastic to have unlimited time with total focus.

Having said that I wouldn’t change anything about my 3LP set.

Musical creativity, tasteful sonics, good songs, and playing don’t require a big budget.

You can’t buy heart and soul.

Every family birthday same story. Again, you have to explain what kind of band you’re in. What’s the story this time for Aunt Jenny and Uncle Clive.

I’m very lucky to have a wonderful and supportive family! I truly love them for the support and encouragement.

When describing my music I’ll say

something general “It sounds like 1960’s and 70’s pop/rock”

I’ll name a few influential artists they may know-

Beatles, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, ELO.

I won’t mention really obscure influences. That gives people a general picture.

I think many creative people have an odd relationship between the art they create and relatives/friends.

I think I’m a mild curiosity who makes slightly strange music and doesn’t have a “real job” lol

My family and true friends are absolutely wonderful, I’m forever grateful and thankful.