Artist Glimpse: Mississauga's Tom Frelek

Mississauga’s diverse arts scene is built on creators who push boundaries, and few embody that spirit quite like guitarist and composer Tom Frelek. Recently named a finalist for the 31st Annual Mississauga Arts Awards (The MARTYS) in the Established Instrumental Music category, Frelek has long been a formidable force in the Canadian progressive rock landscape. From the massive, cinematic walls of sound in his band project, Waken Eyes, to the intricate, soaring fretwork of his solo material, his music bridges the gap between technical brilliance and deep emotional resonance. In a recent conversation, Frelek shared a glimpse into his creative process, the evolution behind his latest solo release, Rewrite Tomorrow, and what it means to be celebrated right here at home.

ROB AGUIAR: Tom, congratulations on your MARTY Award nomination! The MARTYS celebrate the very best of Mississauga’s vibrant arts community. What does it mean to you to be recognized right here at home, and how has the city’s creative landscape shaped your journey as a musician?

TOM FRELEK: Thanks Rob, It’s been great. Growing up in Mississauga my entire life sure means a lot to be recognized here.

RA: Your work with your progressive rock project, Waken Eyes, beautifully marries complex musicianship with grand, cinematic storytelling and powerful vocals. When you are composing for a multi-layered project like that, balancing massive guitar arrangements with a vocalist, how does your approach to songwriting change compared to your solo work?

TF: Writing with Waken Eyes is a lot more in depth because writing everything just takes time. From guitar parts to lyrics, vocal melodies, it all has to sit right and feel together. Waken Eyes is also a heavier project than my solo stuff.  My solo stuff is more of an expression of anything that comes to mind, can be progressive, acoustic, latin etc….I usually riff out and find what sticks.

RA: For your latest solo album, Rewrite Tomorrow, you assembled an absolute powerhouse roster of international talent, recruiting legendary German drummer Marco Minnemann and Symphony X bassist Mike LePond, alongside elite mixing out of Sweden. How did these global collaborations come together from right here in Mississauga, and how did their performance shape the final vision for the record?

TF: I’ve known Mike for a while, he actually played bass on the first Waken Eyes record too. Super talented but really down to earth guy, and just an awesome bassist. Marco Minnemann is a beast, so it was a no-brainer to work with him again (he played drums on the first Waken Eyes album as well). Their playing really elevated the whole record and helped bring my vision to another level.

RA: If you could put together a dream collaboration line-up with any of your biggest instrumental or guitar-hero inspirations, living or passed, who is in the studio with you, and how have they shaped your own voice as an instrumentalist?

TF: Haha, that’s a long list depending on the day! I grew up listening to so many killer guitar players. Right now I’d say Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, and Jorn Viggo Lofstad. Those guys have had a huge impact on how I play and the kind of player I’ve become.

RA: I want to ask about your gear. Your sound has a really cool mix of aggressive bite and smooth sustain. What does your main rig look like right now to get that? And was there a specific piece of gear or tracking technique that finally clicked for Rewrite Tomorrow?

TF: Live, I switch between my Peavey JSX head with a 4x12 cab and my Fractal FM9 going into a Mesa 2x12 with an Orange Pedal Baby power amp. But I have been leaning on the FM9 lately.  For Rewrite Tomorrow, I used the ENGL Powerball for most of the rhythm tones and the EVH 5150 for the leads. That combo really gave me the bite and sustain I was chasing.

RA: Looking at the horizon ahead, what chapters are you writing next, and are there any new projects or collaborations currently taking shape on your fretboard?

TF: I’ve been playing a bunch of shows to support Rewrite Tomorrow, but I’m always writing. Right now I’m working on the next Waken Eyes album and also writing new stuff with my Polish rock band, Kompot. Writing never stops!

RA: As you know, Glimpse Productions hosts a few live music events throughout the year to celebrate this interview series. I'm hoping to put together a few Rock events this fall. Who knows, if the stars align, perhaps you and the band can join in on the fun?!

TF: Sounds great! I'd love the opportunity to showcase my work. When the time comes, let's talk!

Whether he is arranging multi-layered progressive rock tracks or focusing on solo instrumental work, Tom Frelek emphasizes that technical music still needs a solid emotional foundation. As he continues to push his music forward from his home base in Mississauga, his work stands as a strong example of the high-caliber dedication found within our local arts community. With a deep catalog already behind him and new creative horizons ahead, it will be well worth following along to see where his songwriting takes him next.