Eddie Witz on Reinvention, Resilience, and the Evolution of ‘In California’

With the reimagined In California setting the tone, Eddie Witz opens up about the power of transformation—both personal and musical. In this conversation, he shares the inspiration behind revisiting his signature track, the delicate balance between melancholy and hope, and what’s next for his ever-evolving sound.

What made you want to rework ‘In California’ rather than just let the original version stand alone?

Reworking In California felt like a natural evolution rather than just a remix. The song’s meaning deepened for me over time, especially after the fires that took my parents’ home. I wanted to bring a new energy to it—one that reflected not just nostalgia, but resilience and renewal.

With the new production, we were able to highlight different emotions in the song, making it feel even more alive. It wasn’t about replacing the original but giving it a new perspective, much like how our relationship with home and memories shifts over time.  

‘I Am What I Am’—love the title. Is this an album of personal reinvention, or is it more of a declaration, like “This is me, take it or leave it”?”

Thank you! I Am What I Am is definitely a declaration—an unapologetic statement of self-acceptance. It’s about embracing every part of my journey, the highs and the lows, without filtering or pretending. At the same time, it’s also about transformation. The album reflects my own evolution through trauma, healing, and ultimately finding peace with who I am. So in a way, it’s both—acknowledging where I’ve been while stepping fully into the person I’ve become.

You’ve got this ability to mix melancholy with hope—how do you strike that balance without getting too heavy or too upbeat?

 For me, the best songs live in that space between sadness and hope. Life is never just one emotion—it’s layered, and I try to reflect that in my music. I don’t shy away from the weight of loss or struggle, but I also believe in the power of resilience and gratitude.

Sonically, I balance it by blending warm melodies with reflective lyrics, and rhythm plays a big role too. Whether it’s a reggae groove or a folk-inspired progression, the music itself keeps things moving forward, even when the lyrics are heavy. It’s about honoring the hard moments while reminding ourselves there’s always light ahead.

If someone is just discovering your music through ‘In California,’ what’s the next song in your catalog you’d want them to hear?

 I’d love for them to next listen to In Too Deep. It’s one of the most personal songs on the album—raw, emotional, and reflective. It explores themes of loss, resilience, and finding light in dark moments.

I’m also excited to share that my next single release will be a remixed and remastered version of In Too Deep, dropping before the end of May 2025. This new version brings even more depth and intensity to the song, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.

There’s something about California that keeps pulling artists back—whether it’s the landscape, the culture, or the contradictions. Do you think you’ll ever write a song about leaving California, or is it too much a part of who you are?

California is deeply woven into who I am—it’s where I was born, raised, and built my life. In California reflects my love for it, but also the struggles and impermanence that come with living here. That said, I do plan to leave soon, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that journey inspires a song. Leaving a place that has given you so much—but has also taken so much—is bound to stir up emotions that need to be put to music. So, yeah, a song about leaving California might be inevitable.

Your music blends genres in a way that feels effortless. When you sit down to write, do you think about style first, or do you just let the song take you where it wants to go?

I never start with a specific genre in mind, unless it’s a specific genre related project—I just let the song lead the way. The emotion behind the lyrics and melody dictates the style. Sometimes it leans folk, sometimes reggae, sometimes something else entirely. I love blending influences naturally rather than forcing a sound. It keeps the music honest and organic.

Imagine you’re curating the perfect playlist to sit alongside ‘In California.’ What’s on it?

haha, ok, well a perfect playlist to sit alongside In California would capture that mix of nostalgia, wanderlust, and reflection. Here are a few songs that would fit the vibe:

“Going to California” – Led Zeppelin

“Wide Open Road” – Tom Petty

“Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” – Jack Johnson

“Hotel California” – Eagles

“Southern Cross” – Crosby, Stills & Nash

“Fire and Rain” – James Taylor

“Waiting on the World to Change” – John Mayer

“Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley

“Changes” – David Bowie

“The Sound of Silence” – Simon & Garfunkel