16. Plans Change, So Make a Band: Adrienne Swiatocha’s Musical Rebirth

Adrienne Swiatocha didn’t grow up playing in bands or chasing music dreams from the jump. She built a career, had a family, and then picked up a guitar… and thank God she did. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to discover your creative voice later in life, how her band Plans to Sand came together almost by accident, and why she believes playing live music is one of the purest joys there is. We also get into her political punk side project, Octopus Knife Fight, and the real emotional weight behind writing songs that matter. Whether you’re raising kids or just trying to raise your voice, Adrienne’s story is gonna hit home.We Chat About:How Adrienne started playing guitar after becoming a mom and launching an architecture firmThe origins of her band Plans to Sand and their debut albumWhy their sound reminds listeners of Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and SaraThe meaning behind the band name (and the Nico Case lyric that inspired it)Touring Philly’s indie scene, from the Grape Room to the FillmoreHer political punk project Octopus Knife Fight and using music as activismAdvice for creative parents trying to make space for their artWhy live shows > recording, and how music helps fill her emotional gas tankAbout Adrienne Swiatocha:Adrienne Swiatocha is a co-founding member of the band Plans to Sand, a Philadelphia based indie-rock band. Adrienne’s musical career started later in life; after having her second child and establishing an architecture firm she began fulfilling a long awaited dream of learning how to play guitar. Soon the love of playing and performing took hold. With her band Adrienne writes original songs, plays guitar, and performs lead vocals and harmonies. The band has performed at various venues in Philadelphia including the Foundry at the Fillmore, the Grape Room, and PhilaMOCA. Recently Adrienne began a side project, Octopus Knife Fight, allowing herself to explore advocacy through music.Connect with Adrienne:Instagram: @planstosandbandThreads: @octopus_knife_fight_bandSpotify: Plans to SandBandcamp: Meredith Street – Plans to SandOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:“Tell Myself” – Plans to Sand“Look Happy” – Plans to Sand“Do You Think It’s a Good Idea?” – Plans to Sand“Meredith Street” – Plans to Sand“Caught Up” – Plans to Sand“Already Broken” – Octopus Knife Fight“Waiting for Superman” – The Flaming Lips (covered by Adrienne)“The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” – The Postal Service (Plans to Sand cover coming soon)“Friend of the Devil” – Grateful Dead“Rock & Roll” – The Velvet UndergroundAlbums:Plans to Sand (self-titled debut album)Artists & Bands:Death Cab for CutieTegan and SaraThe CranberriesBen GibbardNico CaseThe Flaming LipsGusterLed ZeppelinGeorge HarrisonThe Postal ServiceVelvet UndergroundGrateful DeadElton JohnSantigold