With musical styles rooted in New Orleans jazz clubs, Motown records, and Mississippi juke joints, The California Honeydrops are a bit of a paradox. The San Francisco Bay Area white boys seem to have stumbled their way to success, despite their resistance to music industry standards.
Led by Polish-born frontman, Lech Wierzynski, The Honeydrops maintain their individuality not just through their refusal of a record label, but a tradition of setlist-free live performances. The audience might get some hits, it might get some covers, and members might be asked for requests, but one thing is for sure, fans always get a unique experience.
I had the opportunity to chat with Wierzynski before The California Honeydrops’ upcoming show at St. Petersburg’s Jannus Live on Jan. 8. Throughout our interview, the Pole with the soul discussed his early influences, his songwriting process, the band’s connection to its audience, and the importance of local music scenes in helping young bands flourish…