Street Style Huntress: wtchdctr

I first met Zach Ulaszonek while we both waited for coffee at Starbucks en route to rock out another year of Sled Island, and it was only a few weeks before I bumped into him again at Folk Fest. It was then that I realized that his personal style is not only cool, but certainly influenced by his love of music.

So it came as no surprise when I found out that he’s also a musician himself. With influences ranging from Aphex Twin and shlohmo, to Nirvana and the Beach Boys, Ulaszhonek’s love and passion for music is apparent the minute he begins speaking on the subject.

“I was initially a lofi/surf solo act and recorded guitar, drums and vocals on my own and started about two years ago. I released three albums in that genre,” said Ulasczonek over a chai latte.

“I transitioned into electronic music when I featured one song on my last surf album Kill Me called wrtchd which was basically a remix of Broken Social Scenes’ Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl. Since then, I’ve released one full electronic album and an EP.”

As he gets ready to release yet another album, You Can See All My Sad, scheduled for release in May, Ulaszonek also took some time to answer a few more questions for me, revealing a few favourite spots in Downtown Calgary and some of his music and style influences.

• When did you get started with music?

I took up drums when I was 11 years old, and then started playing guitar and bass as well. I wanted to learn as much as possible. I even play ukulele and the banjo. I played in various bands in high school before taking off on my own.

• What is your favourite band and why? 

Wavves is my favourite band, and the whole reason I started writing music. The lead singer started making electronic music with his brother, which is what I’m really into, so that’s an inspiration.

• What are some of your future plans? 

I want to travel and keep writing and recording music. I sent an application to play Sled Island this year for the first time, so fingers crossed. I’m also considering sound engineering and film making as a future career.

• How does music influence your personal style? 

I used to look up to various artists and see what they were wearing and that would influence my personal look. I was super into the emo thing back in the day, but then I grew up and grew out of it. Now I incorporate different looks and styles into my wardrobe. I like clothes!

• What else influences your style and artistry? 

The internet is a big influence, especially tumblr.

• You’re rocking out quite a few tattoos. When did you get your first one and what are your tattoos all about? 

I got my first tattoo when I was 18 years old, and the one has definitely turned into more. These are my life story, and a lot of art that I enjoy.

• What are some of your favourite places Downtown Calgary to hang out? 

The first venue I ever played in was Vern’s, so that’s a classic. Stephen Avenue is cool, and I’ve even busked there. I enjoy The Core, and Cora’s for breakfast!

• What are you wearing today? 

My black coat and my jeans are Cheap Monday, the hoodie is American Apparel, and shoes are vintage from Value Village.

Check out wtchdctr’s music here: http://soundcloud.com/wtchdctr

Tagged as: aldona, Calgary, downtown, fashion, music, shopping, street style, wtchdctr