OC Music Magazine

Nisha Sharma
Staff Writer

Jonathan Korszyk is the mind behind Vienne, a new album with 2 original songs (Tales of a Thousand Fears and Be Alright) featured in Gossip Girl (CW) and Chuck (NBC).
When asked to start from beginning, the first thing Korszyk remembered is singing Michael Jackson at three or four years old. There had always been music playing in the house and Korszyk's mother served as a huge inspiration. Korszyk was home schooled and said that "music was crafted” in him, simply because he was home all the time listening to music while learning.
It was at 15 when Korszyk's musical career really began to shine. He wrote music and performed at churches, camps and conventions. Some of the events hosted several thousand people and that's when Korszyk decided he wanted to be a songwriter and singer. He began performing at different clubs and venues, including the Mosaic Church at the Mayan Club where he met Chris Franz.

Franz was touring on the road as a bass player when he met Korszyk. At the Mayan Club in downtown LA, they ended up performing with each other on stage and later decided to work together. They met up with each other to write and a friendship formed as well.
"It's one thing to do music, it's another to get to do it with your friends,” Franz said.

Seven songs later, the album Vienne was created. The album title stems from a commune in South East France. Korszyk has never been there but be hopes to visit someday. As of now, the Vienne holds a romantic and mysterious feel for him.

Korszyk draws inspiration from Queen, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, U2 and - most importantly - Bob Dylan. According to Korszyk, Dillon is the greatest American poet and songwriter. These musicians have made a connection with him no other artist has; his other inspirations originate from Franz and a friend named Jason Smart, who motivated Korszyk to play the piano more. Korszyk also plays the guitar, some harmonica and writes all of his own music.

Korszyk places his music with Pop/British/Rock. Vienne has a definite rock feel with hints of Coldplay, U2 and the Fray. His content leans toward Bob Dillon, reflecting themes of love, loss, suffering, relationships and sadness.
"It's freeing as an artist to just be myself and all it entails - no boundaries. Just to be who you are and not have to set expectations. Let's just appreciate art together,” he said.
Korszyk's favorite original work of his is She Breaks, inspired by a woman who was a victim of human trafficking; it broke his heart. He had disgusting thoughts and images of the event, leading to the creation of She Breaks.
"It's easy to be inspired by the beautiful, but just as powerful to be inspired by the ugly,” Korszyk said.
He hasn't performed the song live yet because it has such a special meaning to him, and needs to prepare himself for a live performance of that song.

One of Korszyk's goals is for the audience to be able to use his message to better people's lives. 
"I'm a dreamer. There's a difference between people that have dreams and dreamers. I dream of a million things,” he said.

Ultimately, Jonathan hopes that the image his music conveys is one of hope. He wants his audience to know they can dream and reach the impossible.

Korszyk is currently working four to five days a week in the studio and co-writing with four other artists to hopefully create a 12 song album late in 2010. For now, fans can hear his music on MySpace, Gossip Girl, Chuck and Molly Malone's in Hollywood on March 3.

 Image Courtesy of: MySpace

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