Toronto based singer/songwriter Carl Lorusso Jr. has released Murder Tools, his fourth album. Lorusso’s 2017 release, 100 Broken Words, was nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award in the category of Best Folk/Blues.

Working with 2-time NOW Magazine Producer of the Year Harrison Fine, Carl Lorusso Jr’s new record presents a fresh chapter in his decade-long songwriting career, with artistic nods to Tom Waits & John Prine, as well as contemporary artists such as Nathaniel Rateliff & Ben Caplin.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Carl Lorusso Jr. about the new album, motivations, challenges, music consumption preferences and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create?

I grew up in a small town called Tottenham, Ontario, and moved to Toronto around the time that I turned 16. I sing folk songs with lots of words, & write mostly about late-nights, early-mornings & the thin line in-between.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I started writing when I was fourteen, as a form of escapism. I found some old Leonard Cohen albums in a box of CDs my mother had, and that inspired me to start writing guitar parts to accompany the words. When I moved to Toronto I started frequenting open mics & eventually started booking shows. As far as motivation is concerned; I’m not sure where or what I’d be without music, & I don’t much care to find out.

How is your new album “Murder Tools” different from your 2017 album “100 Broken Words”?

The songs from both albums mostly come from the same place, a bar in Toronto called Graffiti’s where I played a residency gig with my dear pal Erik Bleich for nearly 4 years. The production on the two albums varies somewhat; “100 Broken Words” was real raw & intimate, recorded live off the floor at my good buddy Dave Planks beautiful & smoky home studio. “Murder Tools” was recorded at FINE Productions over a longer period of time, with a lot more layering of instrumentation, & a lot of intricate detailing by producer Harrison Fine. But both albums are (I’d like to think) honest representations of where I’m at in life; stumbling through my 20s trying not to break anything important.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

There’s tons of new music dropping at all times it seems, which can make it tougher to stand out from the pack. I just keep my nose in the notebook & try to come up with the best stuff I can.

I’ve been at it for a while, & the ability to self-promote has certainly never been the sharpest tool in my belt. Social media can allow interaction on a more individual basis, which certainly makes it easier. My producer Harrison & a few of my friends were buggin’ me for a long time to start an Instagram account, which I finally did a short while ago. I have no idea what I’m doing but I have cool friends & I like watching their Insta stories.

What was the last song you listened to?

I was just listening to Larkin Poe’s new album; their new stuff kicks like a mule. Was also revisiting some of my dear pal Noah Zacharin’s older work at about 4am this morning. He’s one of the best songwriters I’ve heard. I recommend pairing his work with a coffee & Baileys & a sleepless night. (feel free to add that to your press kit, Noah!)

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Digital streaming for sure, but I’ll still buy CDs from local/touring indie artists to try and support the cause. When somebody buys one of my CDs at a show I usually mention that it doubles as a coaster.

Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I’m a big fan of Bandcamp as someone who makes albums, but I do most of my everyday listening on Spotify. I listen to music all day, so convenience is a big factor. User-created playlists have also been a great place for me to discover new stuff.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music.

Anything else before we sign off?

Live long & prosper, good night & good luck, please buy my album.