Born and raised in the Sundre area on a livestock farm with pigs and cattle, Brian Dziadek is breaking the mould of the average hip hop artist.
Nearly 130 people came out on Friday, June 1 at the Sundre High School to attend the launch of his debut five-song album, Addicted, which the 34-year-old released under the artist name of ONUS.
“For 128 people, it was quite a turnout,” he said.
“To do a hip hop show in Sundre, of all places, and to have that many people turn up was pretty good in my opinion.”
Despite some technical difficulties that put a temporary damper on the event after a computer crashed, people waited patiently as organizers managed to improvise an alternate solution with an iPod to continue the show, he said.
“The crowd was full of love and support,” he said.
“No one minded the fact that everything fell apart technology-wise.”
The delay only lasted a number of minutes, and he was able to begin his live performance, which included the participation of his and his brother John’s children on stage.
“It was an all around good time.”
Inspired by lyricists such as Eminem and Dr. Dre, as well as additional influences including classical music and country, Dziadek has been writing songs since he was 18, when he graduated from high school.
Although he had begun to record in a studio at that time, he felt his performances were missing something and that he was not prepared to go public until he was proud of his work.
So he ended up deciding to hold off and forged ahead down a career path as an electrician, which for a time included working in Calgary. Experiencing the ups and downs of the roller-coaster of life along the way eventually instilled that additional inspiration that had been missing before, he said.
While some of his lyrics cover themes that delve into his personal struggles and the curveballs life threw his way, the musician is committed to creating songs for all ages.
“Kids are able to listen.”
But for Dziadek, releasing the tracks that he has poured himself into is not so much about seeing how many albums he can sell.
“It’s about lyrical therapy,” he said.
“I just like word play.”
During his time as an electrician in Calgary, he and a co-worker would write down a word on a two-by-four and come up with as many rhymes as possible.
“Someone will say one word to me and I can write a song about that.”
Dissecting words and building up from that process to create a blend of empathy and hip-hop music is something he is passionate about.
Additionally, he said maturing and growing as a person since his teenage years helped him develop a capacity to express himself with more descriptive words to reach out and connect with people by striking common chords.
Also drawing inspiration from his faith, Dziadek said he is a firm believer that everyone is granted a potential for certain talents and added he felt blessed for his abilities.
The artist admits one of the biggest compliments for him would be to hear someone else listening to his music.
But he said none of his achievements would have been attainable if not for the unconditional love and support of family, friends and fans.
“I feel truly blessed by the people in my life,” he said, adding that includes “friends that I haven’t gotten to know yet.”
He already has plans to work on another album and said he gladly accepted an invitation to perform at an upcoming show in Cochrane called Ofar 5, which is a charity event.
Although he committed to make an appearance on Saturday, June 23, Dziadek said he also plans to take in the 39th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo, which takes place that same weekend.
“I’d never miss the rodeo!”
