Dominic Piacentini
A&E Senior Staff Writer
Tonight, Wooster will host the Josh Krajcik Band, featuring X-Factor runner-up and Wooster native Josh Krajcik. The group’s front man is returning to perform for his hometown. In 2011, Krajcik entered the televised competition’s first season, qualified for the finals and competed under the mentorship of judge Nicole Scherzinger. In an interview last week, he described his performance history and voiced excitement about returning to Wooster.
DP: You grew up in Wooster, correct? When you began looking for ‘gigs’ in Wayne County, what was your experience like?
JK: “When I first started out, I was 15. My first gig was in a place called the Shady Glen in Lodi. They were a 21 and over bar so I told them I was 22. They bought it. I made $100 for 4 hours and I loved it. Later I booked shows in Wooster at places like Gemini Lounge and later Seattle’s, before playing shows in Akron, Cleveland and Columbus.”
DP: What influenced your decision to audition for the X-Factor?
JK: “I think turning 30 had something to do with it. I just kinda thought “What have I got to lose?” I’m not sure that at the time I anticipated going as far as I did on the show, though, I knew I had the goods.”
DP: What was it like to transition from bars in Wayne County to the stage of the X-Factor?
JK: “Well, there was 15 years between there. I had been playing shows in a lot of cities for a long time before hitting the TV soundstage. Besides playing regionally, I played guitar and sang backing voice for Hollywood records artist Gran Bel Fisher. We traveled the country playing shows in major cities and smaller towns. We opened for artists like The Fray, Corinne Bailey Rae and Brandi Carlile. We played big shows like Bonnaroo and did Jimmy Kimmel.
Though I have always been comfortable performing, I think all of those years working definitely gave me the experience to feel at home on any stage. The X-factor was essentially my next gig.”
DP: What are some differences, as a performer, between larger venues and smaller ones, like Wooster?
JK: “Honestly, playing over the years, any stage is where you wanna be. As an artist you wanna give it your all no matter how many people are there to see.”
DP: What do you enjoy about performing in your hometown?
JK: “I’m excited that it sold out so quickly. I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new ones.”
DP: How has your life changed following the X-Factor? Has your perspective as a singer/songwriter changed?
JK: “I’ve been working with truly amazing people over the last year. Writing with great writers and producers has taught me a lot about my own perspective as a songwriter. I feel more focused when I write.”
DP: Is there anything you are working on currently that we should be excited about?
JK: “My album is in the mixing and mastering process right now. I can’t wait to announce its release.”
DP: Have you had any weird experiences with fans or during performances from before or after the X-Factor that you’d like to share?
JK: “I’ve been recognized pretty much everywhere I go. It can get a little weird when I go out for drinks, but I love my fans and I’m always glad to say hello.”
If you have already bought a ticket, make sure to come hear Krajcik perform tonight, Friday, Sept. 21, at 8:30 p.m. in McGaw Chapel.