We had the good fortune of connecting with Edward Cuozzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Edward, how do you think about risk?
Well, my whole life from 15 years old onward had an air of risk to it. I wanted to be a working musician and I knew it would require a lot work. It still does. Being a musician does not always pay well, if at all. But that’s not really why I make records, and tour. I do it because I love it. The mind set of doing what you love simply because you love it has brought more fruitful situations then when I had the mindset of “I need to make this my career or I’m a failure”. I accept wherever the puzzle pieces of my life will fall. I just know at the end of the day no matter what I’m doing for work, I will always be writing and recording songs, and playing shows/touring. Anything else good that comes of it is a bonus.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been writing, recording, and performing music for just about 21 years at this point. I’ve been involved in a lot of different projects over the years, I currently have a project called University Drive that I started 7 years ago, and it’s definitely been the most fruitful experience of my musical life. We are an alternative rock band based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. We put a big emphasis on creating deeply reflective and emotional music with an edge. I’ve always strived for originality and finding my own “voice” as an artist (something that every artist strives for) but it’s been a long journey to figure out what I was trying to say and express exactly. It’s never been easy, but it seems like it comes easier now than when I was younger. I think experience is a big part of this, and learning to trust your gut instincts. Also, learning through trial and error. I’m probably most proud of our most recent release “HEAL” which we spent almost two years writing and recording at Eight Days A Week Studio with producer Paul Smith. While I am very proud of each record we’ve put out, “HEAL” seems to be the most cohesive and universal of the three records (“On/Off: Reset, and “Clear” being our prior LPs) – It was the first record in our bands existence where we faced some truly heavy challenges artistically and interpersonally during the recording sessions. We had 60 demos to go through to whittle down to 12 completed songs which was also one of the greatest challenges I ever faced as a songwriter trying to find the narrative and sentiment of the record. With our prior records I went in with a pretty clear cut idea of what the record would sound like, and what the message was – but for “HEAL”, the narrative quite literally just slowly revealed itself over the course of two years.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a difficult question because outside of making music, and playing shows my interests are definitely lacking. However, I would have taken them to see a show at one of the two all ages venues in our area: Karl Hall (which is sadly closing now) or The Keystone Stage (a new all ages music venue). I would definitely take them out to The Bog or The V Spot for a drink and possibly see a band at either of these locations as well. I do love to frequent two great coffee shops downtown called Adezzo and Northern Lights, so I would definitely take them there as well. Lastly, I would just take them to every pizza place in our area because Pennsylvania has the best Pizza.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so much positive support from my wonderful wife, family, friends, and everyone who participates in someway in the Northeast Pennsylvania Music Scene. However, I think my biggest cheerleader in so many ways though was my mother Doreen Cuozzo (who has since passed away.) she was just a big believer in what I was trying to do, and celebrated any tiny victory like it was something extraordinary. So, even thought she isn’t here anymore, she gets my shoutout.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universitydrive
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uni_drive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniversityDriveBand
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@universitydrive9235
Image Credits
Keith Perks Matt Montella