Album Spotlight: Szymon, ’Tigersapp’

If it weren’t for his dedicated family and support from Sony’s Craig Hawker and EMI’s Mark Holland, Szymon Borzestowski’s music mightn’t ever see the light of day.

Born and bred in Newcastle, the 23-year-old was a passionate lover of music, often spending days perfecting his signature art-pop in his bedroom studio. His creations would often blend soft synths and indie beats, together with the distinctness of his mellow voice.

Craig Hawker, former EMI A&R exec and now Head of A&R for Sony/ATV, told TMN he was “stunned” upon discovering Szymon’s music.

“Mark Holland (A&R scout at the time) received the unsolicited demo in the mail to us at EMI and once he had a listen, immediately came in to my office to play me the music.  It was a four track demo, three of them instrumental and one with vocals.  The music we heard was so beautifully composed that we were both quite stunned by how good it was.  It really was one of those moments when you couldn’t really believe what you were hearing - especially from an unsolicited demo!”

Hawker and Holland got in touch with Szymon straight afterwards, and once they met, they offered to sign him on the spot. However Szymon, then 19, was battling depression at the time and it was decided that his health must come first. As his mental health became more debilitating, Szymon never stopped writing and creating music. In the end, Szymon would take his own life in December 2012.

Losing him was heartbreaking for his family, but they were determined that his music and talent would be shared with the world.

"Szymon had a rare energy and enthusiasm for his craft,” said Hawker.

“I'd told Szymon that whenever he was ready I would love to put out his music but I never expected that it would be without him here. His music has felt like a secret for a long time now and I’m proud to play a part in helping people to discover and celebrate a young talent’s life and work.”

Szymon’s debut album Tigersapp will be released on August 21 via Eloper Music, with distributon by EMI Music. In the meantime, listen to his third single Medusa here.