"Music was a lifeline of hope to a better life". A sentiment by Laszlo who at one point almost called a bus shelter home.
This is his story...
Growing up poor, Laszlo's mother’s had one requirement - her children had to take piano and violin lessons. This involved a lot practicing and countless recitals. But his childhood was also dominated by a fundamentalist religion. For as back his could remember, music of all genres would play throughout the house.. From progressive and classic rock with The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix in one room, and Pearl Jam and Nirvana in another.
His fondness for guitar playing began in high school. He was hooked and played every chance he got. Despite not having any money for his own guitar, he eventually was given one from his brother, often with only 4 or 5 strings. The very first CD Laszlo purchased was "Farewell to Kings" by Rush. He wasn't allowed to play the album openly; his parents were much more strict with him than his siblings. He would hide the CD under his bed and listened to the album with his ear pressed against the speaker so no one could hear. His parents eventually acquiesced to his guitar playing and his love for rock music. It was at that time he learned his guitar chops, going over and over each song and figuring it out how to play it on guitar. By the end of high school, the church became the focus of his life, but he always made time to practice and improve his guitar chops.
Over time, he came to disagree with the church’s ideology and this came with drastic consequences. He was shunned by every family and friend he’d ever known. It got to the point where he almost lived in a bus shelter. Lucky for him, things did not go that way. Still trying to grasp his new reality, emotions of profound sadness, devastation and resentment consumed him. At that point, music took centre stage. Since then, songwriting continues to be a cathartic and healing outlet for him. Much of his songs reflect his unique experiences growing up and the events that unfolded when he left a fundamentalist religion. With his music, Laszlo hopes the joy, sorrow and healing will resonate with listeners. Having journeyed this far, his life has only begun. "Still Rock n' Roll"!
