Meet Warren Thomas Fenzi | Musician, Songwriter & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Warren Thomas Fenzi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Warren Thomas, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because even as a younger person, I had a hard time imagining myself being truly happy doing anything else. I was certainly given a lot of encouragement by my family and friends growing up, which I do feel had a big impact on my life decisions, but at the same time it never made much sense to me why anyone wouldn’t follow and pursue what makes them happy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I try to make music that I would enjoy listening to. Music that makes me feel something.

From a young age, rhythm really sparked my interest. The classic banging on pots and pans as a baby led to me getting my first drum set at a young age, which eventually led to me leaving my hometown of Prescott, AZ to study Drum Set Performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.

After leaving school I took a year or two back in AZ and CA before moving to Minneapolis, MN, where I lived for 7 years. During my time in MN, I was a founding member of 5 different groups, 4 of which I played drums in and 1 of which I led as my own personal project. I recorded 3 of my own full-length albums as well as contributed to countless other recording projects, touring, performing and collaborating.

I like to think that my musical journey thus far has proven to be relatively prolific in the sense that I’ve had, and continue to have, many interests and goals when it comes to music. I love all different types of music and often find myself gaining inspiration from various sources whether that be electronic music, experimental soundscapes, film scores, singer-songwriters, heavy rock, rap… you name it! My focus is shifting regularly depending on the day and what is inspiring me in the moment.

More recently I’ve been trying my best to allow myself to follow whatever it is that’s calling me in the moment while also making sure I finish what I start. That’s actually a big one for me. Finishing. I would make the argument that finishing is the most important part. One of my favorite books (“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield) describes this never-ending battle to finish as resistance. Resistance that, as a creative, I come up against every single day with a million excuses as to why not to create something. It’s hilariously frustrating the amount of ways I will try to distract myself from just doing the work. Over the 15+ years I’ve been performing/writing/recording music, I would say the most important thing i’ve learned is to just finish! Every time I’ve finished a project, something beautiful happens.

First, I feel a true sense of accomplishment within myself. Not because I’ve shown anyone else what I’ve created but because I finished what I started and in doing so, given myself a tremendous gift of confidence towards creating and finishing more projects.

Secondly, I learn a tremendous amount during the process of whatever it is I’m creating and
now have that knowledge I’ve gained, to take with me into the next project (and yes there will ALWAYS be another project. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect).

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?
I would be wanting to spend a lot of time outside, enjoying hikes, bike rides and nature. I would certainly take them to enjoy the sunset at Gates Pass overlook. I would also suggest some of my favorite hangout spots like Dillinger Brewing on 4th Ave. I would most likely see if there were any performances to enjoy at Rialto Theater or 191 Toole as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my wonderful family and parents as they’ve always shown me so much support in my musical and personal journey, I’d also like to give a shoutout to all of the challenges I’ve faced as they’ve led me to a happier life than I’ve ever known.

Website: https://www.warrenthomasfenzi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfenzi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wtfenzi/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1V_Klks41j3JT1Tlt2lBpw

Others: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtfenzi,

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3UXPRok, Apple Music: https://apple.co/3C4beLP

Image Credits
Josh Hild (first two photos). Baby photo by Unknown. That’s my grandpa as a baby.