Oshawa Blues Rocker Stefan Palicki Delivers Gritty Power in New Single “Blue-Eyed Devil”
Sometimes, what people say to your face and what they say behind your back are more often than not two totally different things. Only true friends or loved ones will be direct. It’s the sentiment that Oshawa, Ontario blues rock guitarist Stefan Palicki used as inspiration for the meaty blues rock diamond and his latest single “Blue Eyed Devil.” Palicki says the song’s title originated from a phrase his late grandfather used to say regarding people being somewhat two-faced.
“The lyrics were written drawing upon an expression Stefan’s grandfather had about this common thing that people do and the kind of personal experiences we all have had,” the artist says. “He would say, ‘If they’re talking badly about me, they’re leaving some other poor soul alone.’ “This is paraphrasing as grandpa would use much more colorful language.”
Although Palicki’s grandfather passed in 2021 before “Blue Eyed Devil” was written, the musician says the “song isn’t just a response to negative experiences but it’s also kind of a tribute to him as well.” Palicki, who wrote the song, was given a week by producer Rob Laidlaw to create a riff that would work with the lyrics. Although initially frustrated with not finding that perfect riff, Laidlaw and Palicki worked on tweaking the track resulting in a gem that oozes “very southern rock” while being “bluesy and a bit gritty.”
“Blue Eyed Devil,” written by Stefan Palicki, Kelly Palicki, and Laidlaw, wastes little time delivering a big, robust sound and atmosphere. From the opening 15 seconds, you know this single is going to deliver and deliver in spades thanks to Palicki’s confident but beefy approach on guitar, while the drum steadies the course for a musical path groups like Big Sugar and Big Wreck have made careers from. Palicki hits the chorus perfectly as he describes the “Blue Eyed Devil” which is surrounded by saints. If you’re not moving some limb, nodding your head, or doing your best air guitar listening to this, check your pulse.
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6Zt5no8oLY5oOc3uS3mCzw
Palicki worked with Adam Newcomb at The Chalet, who mixed “Blue Eyed Devil.” But recording was a bit of a challenge during the pandemic as often one of Palicki, Laidlaw, or Newcomb was under the weather, preventing any progress on the song. Fortunately, the song was released, and audiences and fans of beefy, blues-tinged rock are better off for it.
Palicki first became interested in music not from picking up an instrument but from the BBC television series Top Gear and seeing host James May drive a Bugatti Veyron at maximum speed. Although not quite music-related, Palicki discovered May had a degree in piano, which sent Palicki off on his musical odyssey. After six years of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s piano instruction, Palicki earned his seventh level with first class honors. Around the same time, Palicki began guitar lessons, leaving the piano for the love of another instrument. His influences range from the late greats like B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Gary Moore to Jimmy Page and more modern blues guitarists including John Mayer.
After playing in school bands and playing a variety of horns in high school (saxophone, trumpet, trombone) as well as bass and percussion, Palicki graduated high school with honors and received a music award. Performing around the Durham Region of Ontario including spots in Ajax and Oshawa and developing his name as a quality guitarist, Palicki released his debut EP of original material produced by Rob Laidlaw.
Now with the “Blue Eyed Devil” musically resembling a bull in a China shop, Stefan Palicki is intent on taking the bull by the horns with this fantastic, finely tuned track. Saying it straight, “Blue Eyed Devil” is a song that will put Stefan Palicki on the Canadian and international blues rock map.
Stefan Palicki’s Tour Dates:
November 2, 2024 — Old Flame Brewery — Newmarket, ON
November 23, 2024 — Two Blokes Cider — Seagrave, ON
November 29, 2024 — Old Flame Brewery — Port Perry, ON
December 6, 2024 — Old Flame Brewery (Distillery District) — Toronto, ON
December 20, 2024 — Old Flame Brewery — Port Perry, ON
December 21, 2024 — Old Flame Brewery — Newmarket, ON
January 24, 2025 — Old Flame Brewery — Port Perry, ON