Hello everyone, it’s your host Tehillah from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by singer-songwriter Tony Lio, an alternative indie rock artist from the United States, as we explore his latest original single, “Imperfect,” released on July 3, 2026.
Blending alternative rock, indie rock, and grunge-inspired influences, Tony Lio has spent more than a decade developing a distinctive musical identity built around emotional storytelling, powerful instrumentation, and a willingness to explore different creative directions. Before we begin our conversation with Tony Lio, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
About Tony Lio
For more than a decade, New Jersey-based singer-songwriter Tony Lio has been creating original music that reflects a commitment to artistic exploration and emotional honesty. Rather than limiting himself to a single musical lane, Tony has developed a hybrid approach that moves between energetic alternative rock, indie influences, and more introspective melodic moments. His work is defined by a desire to challenge himself creatively while allowing each song to determine the style and expression it requires.
His latest single, “Imperfect,” continues that journey by exploring a question that has become increasingly relevant in modern society: what does it truly mean to be perfect? The song examines the unrealistic expectations people often place on themselves and others, challenging the idea that differences or unusual qualities should be viewed as flaws. Instead, Tony uses the track as a celebration of individuality and the characteristics that make each person unique.
The inspiration behind “Imperfect” developed from Tony’s reflections on how society defines beauty, acceptance, and normality. After reading an article about actress Aimee Lou Wood and the attention surrounding her physical appearance despite her success, Tony began questioning how modern perceptions of perfection have changed and why certain traits are often judged rather than embraced. Those thoughts eventually evolved into a song focused on authenticity, self-acceptance, and recognizing the value in what makes people different.
The single also carries a personal connection for Tony, drawing from his own experiences growing up as an introvert while dealing with a prominent stutter that influenced how he viewed himself. Over time, those feelings of being misunderstood became part of the introspection that shaped him as both a songwriter and an artist. Through “Imperfect,” Tony transforms those experiences into a message encouraging listeners to embrace who they are rather than attempting to fit into someone else’s definition of perfection.
Musically, “Imperfect” reflects the intensity of its message through a powerful alternative indie rock arrangement. Tony intentionally chose a louder and more energetic approach to communicate the song’s emotional impact, allowing the instrumentation to gradually build as the central message becomes clearer. His vocal performance and songwriting work together to create a balance between vulnerability and confidence, capturing the journey from self-doubt toward acceptance.
“Imperfect” marks Tony Lio’s third collaboration with producer and longtime creative partner Zack Miranowic, following their previous work together on “Evangeline” in 2023 and “Beautiful Chloe” in 2024. Their established creative relationship has allowed them to develop a strong understanding of each other’s musical instincts, with Zack contributing production and an expressive guitar solo that adds another dimension to the track’s sound.
The song’s visual identity was further expanded through a music video directed by John Hasbrouck, a longtime collaborator of Tony’s. Filmed in Times Square, New York, the video captures the contrast between the city’s overwhelming energy and the individuality of the people who move through it every day. The project also features professional dancer Naomi, whose performance adds another artistic element to the song’s exploration of human expression and uniqueness.
With “Imperfect,” Tony Lio continues building a catalog centered around creative freedom, personal reflection, and the belief that music can serve as a way to connect with others. As he continues exploring different sounds and ideas, this release represents another important step in his evolution as a songwriter and performer.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, I’m sure both new listeners and longtime fans are excited to hear directly from Tony. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Tehillah:
You have spent more than a decade writing, performing, and recording original music, a journey that undoubtedly comes with moments of excitement, uncertainty, and personal growth. Looking back, what first inspired you to pursue music, and how have those early experiences shaped both the artist and the person you are today?
Tony Lio:
My first inspirations for music definitely came from being exposed to the different genres my parents would listen to. My dad was into straightforward rock like the Rolling Stones and the Who while my mom was more into alternative and soul music. I believe that being exposed to that many different elements of music really opened my mind to accept all kinds of art and start to think outside the box.
Tehillah:
Every artist reaches a point where they realize music is more than just a hobby. Was there a defining experience or turning point in your life that convinced you this was the path you truly wanted to dedicate yourself to, and how did that moment influence your outlook on your career?
Tony Lio:
I believe the defining experience when I knew music was the path for me was performing at my school’s battle of the bands in 2014; I was seventeen years-old and had been playing guitar seriously for nearly two years. The band I performed with was raw and green, but when we played an original song that I wrote I felt on top of the world and that was a feeling I knew I wanted to feel for the rest of my life. Go full force without question.
Tehillah:
Your music moves comfortably between powerful alternative rock, indie influences, hard-hitting hooks, and slower, more melodic moments. That versatility feels like an important part of your identity rather than simply experimenting with different sounds. How would you describe your artistic identity, and why has it been important for you not to be confined by a single musical style?
Tony Lio:
I would describe the artistic identity of Tony Lio as a chameleon in which I can weave back and forth between musical styles without compromising my core sound. To me you need to challenge yourself in your art in order to keep things fresh and new; if you stay in one lane for so long the spark dies out.
Tehillah:
Throughout your career, you’ve continued developing what you describe as a hybrid style instead of following trends or fitting neatly into one genre. What has that creative freedom allowed you to express that might have been impossible if you had limited yourself to a more conventional musical direction?
Tony Lio:
By not staying in one particular music genre it’s allowed me to expand my songwriting past its original limitations and experiment with composition. I can obviously unleash high-energy rock like my songs “Lost Again” and “Blood and Magik” to let out pent up angst but can ease back into introspective with “Skocean” and “Better to Sleep”. I view it as not being afraid to use songwriting as a conduit for true expressions.
Tehillah:
Imperfect centers around a question that many people wrestle with in their everyday lives: what does it actually mean to be “perfect”? What first sparked your desire to explore this idea, and why did you feel now was the right time to turn that message into one of your most powerful songs yet?
Tony Lio:
The genesis to “Imperfect” came from many different inspirations, but the catalyst ironically came from reading an article on an actress. Sometime last year I found an article on an actress named Aimee Lou Wood; at the time she was gaining attention and acclaim from being on the show “The White Lotus”. However, despite all this, she was still getting constant attention on her slightly large, gapped front teeth. This caused me to start wondering if she was around in the 1950s or 60s, would this obsession with her teeth matter? That in turn caused me to start thinking about how modern society has morphed the idea of perfection and made people think that slightly off traits are not acceptable, which is far from the truth.
Tehillah:
Society often encourages people to hide the qualities that make them different, yet Imperfect challenges that way of thinking and instead celebrates individuality. Was there a personal experience, observation, or conversation that made this message especially meaningful for you?
Tony Lio:
Personally, “Imperfect” also stands as something that I crafted from personal experience. Growing up, I was a quintessential introvert as I had a prominent stutter that caused me to be quiet for most of my childhood and get labelled as “weird”. For a number of years, of course, I got lost in my own head thinking there was something wrong with me when in reality there was nothing wrong, and without realizing it I directed my introspectiveness into songwriting, and that led me to becoming the artist I am today.
Tehillah:
Rather than delivering this message quietly, you chose to express it through loud guitars, explosive energy, and an unapologetically bold sound. How did the musical intensity become an extension of the song’s message, and why did that approach feel like the most honest way to communicate what you wanted listeners to hear?
Tony Lio:
I felt that the best way to express the message of “Imperfect” was to have it be loud and powerful. When expressing a topic of what’s perfect and not music-wise, I wanted to draw the listener in slowly and then increase the strength of the music as the message was becoming incredibly clear. Better to go loud to hit the message home.
Tehillah:
Your songs often balance memorable hooks with emotional storytelling. When writing Imperfect, how did you approach the lyrics so they could challenge people’s ideas about perfection while still remaining relatable enough for listeners to connect with their own experiences?
Tony Lio:
When writing the lyrics to “Imperfect” I wanted to keep the lyrical theme simple but effective and went with the route of a camera lens capturing human authenticity (“Caught on 16mil bright tones, showing unique unreal overload”). By the time the chorus comes in, the true theme comes out, in which the camera shows the true perfect (“Relive something you’ve never seen, a lens never lies never lies. Relive something you’ve never seen, immortal in time imperfect all mine”). Essentially, no matter how hard you try, your “imperfect” traits are a part of you forever, and you should be proud of them.
Tehillah:
One of the strengths of songs with universal themes is that every listener can interpret them differently. As the songwriter, what conversations or personal reflections do you hope Imperfect encourages once people have spent time with the lyrics?
Tony Lio:
I hope that when people listen and talk about “Imperfect” they actually take time to think about what is truly important when discussing what makes us all unique. Would you rather try to be something you’re really not or embrace what has made you unique all along?
Tehillah:
This marks your third collaboration with producer Zack Miranowic, someone you’ve known personally for many years. Creative partnerships often evolve over time as trust deepens and both people grow in their craft. How has your relationship with Zack developed since your earliest collaborations, and what made this particular project feel like your strongest work together so far?
Tony Lio:
I think Zack and I have managed to develop a great creative rapport when working together; I can present ideas to him that he can take and develop into something more and he won’t be afraid to express if some of those ideas aren’t working for the overall sound. I link that to us having known each other for over a decade and learning our distinct musical tastes that we both know what can and what can’t work, what we’re trying to create; obviously it has worked, as with “Imperfect” we were able to make something we are both incredibly proud of.
Tehillah:
Zack not only produced the track but also contributed the guitar solo, adding another layer to the song’s character. What conversations took place during the production process that helped shape the final sound, and were there any moments where the two of you pushed each other creatively beyond your comfort zones?
Tony Lio:
The discussion of the guitar solo was fairly simple: originally I was planning to compose and play the solo myself, but Zack offered his talents, and you would have to be insane to turn down his talents. The only notes I gave Zack when it came time to record the solo was make it seem like it was screaming to life, and I believe he succeeded tenfold. Zack has always been a skilled musician, and to me the contributions he’s made to this song have been some of his best.
Tehillah:
The music video for Imperfect takes viewers into the heart of Times Square, a place celebrated for its brilliance, diversity, chaos, and constant movement. What made that setting the perfect visual representation of the song’s message, and how did filming there add new meaning to the story you wanted to tell?
Tony Lio:
Filming in Times Square definitely gave “Imperfect” another layer of identity, as on the outside you see bright lights and towering buildings among a concrete jungle, but among the streets are many unique individuals living their lives their own way, and that is real authentic human nature. It definitely helped elevate the lyrical theme as any camera flash within the city captures a unique person or story in real time forever.
Tehillah:
You’ve continued building long-term creative relationships with people like director John Hasbrouck, guitarist Zack Miranowic, and dancer Naomi. Instead of constantly seeking new collaborators, you’ve chosen to grow alongside people who understand your artistic vision. What has that consistency brought to your creative process, and why are those relationships so valuable to you?
Tony Lio:
I have been very fortunate to have made such strong connections with various artists in multiple different fields who are in the same mindset that I’m in and that is trying to develop our craft and become better and better as time goes on. It’s always a pleasure to work with John Hasbrouck, as he brings a true creative eye in crafting a video that matches the vision of the song, and watching a talent like Naomi work really puts into perspective how different art, whether it be music or dancing, can merge and create something truly unique.
Tehillah:
You described Imperfect as a song that could take your career to the next level, which speaks to the confidence you have in both the music and the message behind it. Looking back over the past decade, what makes this release feel like such an important milestone in your artistic evolution?
Tony Lio:
I view “Imperfect” as the song that pushed me to the next level as a songwriter, as I was able to not only stay true to the roots in the music I play but also express ideas that can hopefully connect to many people. Over the years, I have put out a lot of songs with themes that I am proud of, but “Imperfect” definitely stands out among them.
Tehillah:
Many people spend years trying to fit into someone else’s definition of success or perfection before eventually learning to embrace who they truly are. If someone finishes listening to Imperfect while struggling with self-doubt or feeling like they don’t belong, what do you hope they take away from your music, and how do you hope this single shapes the legacy you’re building as an artist?
Tony Lio:
I truly hope that the people who are currently struggling with their self-doubt and worth will listen to “Imperfect” and come to realize that there are others out there dealing with the same thoughts and questions, and come to realize there is nothing wrong with them. In the end, no one is truly perfect; we all have something that makes us different and slightly weird, but that’s what makes us all unique.
“Imperfect is a powerful reminder that the qualities people are often encouraged to hide can become the very things that define their strength. Through bold instrumentation and an honest personal message, Tony Lio transforms vulnerability into a celebration of individuality, creating a song that invites listeners to look at themselves with greater acceptance and understanding.
~ Tehillah (DULAXI Team)
MY EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
Tony Lio’s “Imperfect” stands out as a deeply personal alternative rock statement built around self-reflection, emotional honesty, and the courage to embrace individuality. The song’s combination of expressive songwriting, dynamic guitar-driven production, and powerful vocal delivery creates an atmosphere where its message feels both personal and universal. Beyond its energetic sound, the release highlights Tony’s ability to transform personal experiences into a wider conversation about identity and acceptance.
~ Tehillah (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
A special thank you to Tony Lio for taking the time to share the story behind “Imperfect,” his creative journey, and the experiences that shaped this meaningful release. Through this conversation, we gained insight into the inspiration behind the song, the collaborative relationships that helped bring it to life, and the personal message at the center of the music.
We encourage listeners to experience “Imperfect” and discover the story, emotion, and artistry woven throughout the track. As Tony continues exploring new sounds and creative directions, we look forward to seeing where his musical journey leads next.
Thank you for spending time with DULAXI, and we invite you to stay connected for more conversations with artists from around the world. Until our next interview, keep discovering new music and the stories behind it.