Hero

The Many Talents of Polychuck – A Special Saturday Interview

Today’s chat with Montreal’s POLYCHUCK revealed many insights to his music and career thus far.  It was a wide-ranging interview covering the following subjects and more:

  • His new single “Hero” and its personal meaning
  • The band on “Hero” and working with Derek Sherinian
  • Playing live and the complications of the pandemic
  • His next album that we can exclusively reveal is a concept record called She
  • Teaching (and a special question from Tee Bone)
  • Managing social media and how each platform has unique demands
  • Mixed martial arts
  • Cooking, yes, cooking!
  • And because we are Canadian…the weather

Support original talent like Polychuck!  The new single “Hero” is out now on all the usual platforms.  The next single drops in May, with the concept album in late 2022 or early 2023.  Keep your eye on this exciting new artist at Polychuck.com – all the links to his socials are there.

Also a special thanks to Tee Bone who wanted to co-host this episode but could not due to a natural disaster!  I used his questions and observations, which were excellent.

REVIEW: Polychuck – “Hero” feat. Derek Sherinian (2022 single)

Montreal’s Polychuck is a heck of a prodigy.  He’s a megatalented singer / songwriter / shredder / teacher / mixed martial artist (!!) who does it all, and now he’s expanding his palette and progressing.  Far beyond his first two EPs.  When we spoke to Polychuck on the LeBrain Train last year, he expressed his desire to get more progressive on his upcoming recordings.  By collaborating with former Dream Theater/Kiss/Alice Cooper keyboardist Derek Sherinian, he’s made a huge leap.  Also playing on this track are drummer Philipe Landry and bassist Frédérick Filiatrault.  With the added firepower, “Hero” has a fuller sound than previous Polychuck songs.  It’s like the playing field just got a whole lot bigger.

So let’s get to it.  Cut to the chase.  Polychuck, who is of Ukrainian descent, says “Hero” is a cry for peace, directly about current events.  In times of crisis, music helps sooth.  In turn, crises often inspire great music.

“Hero” commences with steely rhythm guitar with a wicked tone.  It bounces from heavy rocking to acoustic picking and an instrumental outro.  When Sherinian comes in near the start, he’s instantly recognizable.  His solo work here is lyrical, and the perfect compliment to the song.  Not to mention Polychuck’s own lead work, which is both impressive and melodic.  All the playing here is just awesome, period.

“Hero” is an impressive construction.  It’s complex, with several different sections including one at the end that reminds me of the keyboard part in “No More Tears” by Ozzy.  Importantly, all the sections work together like chapters in a story, and the flow is natural.  Best of all, “Hero” never stops being great through its 3:26 length.

Support up and coming talent like Polychuck and buy “Hero”.  If you love that Dream Theater vibe, you will absolutely dig it.

5/5 stars