Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Wes and I play drums.
Photo credit: Marie Renaud
How has living in Chicago affected your music?
Chicago is a pretty big and gritty town so I think that subconsciously comes through in our music. We don’t necessarily try and write music that “sounds like Chicago” but perhaps it’s made us want to tap into that city angst.
What kinds of things are influencing your music right now?
Our influences are forever changing and usually quite diverse. Right now in quarantine we’ve been listening to a bit of ambient music. Also on the complete opposite side of the spectrum I have been listening to a lot of hardcore/metal.
What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on?
We’re working on several songs that we hope to release as singles or an EP sometime soon!
What do you want a listener to walk away with after hearing your music?
I want people to walk away thinking they have heard something refreshingly unique.
Can you share one of the best or worst reactions you have gotten as a result of your music?
This isn’t the worst but it was a funny roast, someone on YouTube said the song “Fitness” sounds like a Home Depot ad lol.
What is one of the bigger challenges you and/or other musicians are struggling with these days and how do you see it developing?
Well obviously the COVID-19 pandemic is making things difficult for everyone. What’s so crazy about it is that no one knows when things will go back to normal. Bands are rushing to reschedule tours for the fall/winter but are also hearing that there will probably be a second wave of infections. Who knows at this point. Hopefully things will get back to normal sooner than later!
If you had to explain your music to a stranger, what would you say?
Interplanetary heavy pop prog rock.
What was the last show you went to that stuck out to you?
I saw Caroline Polachek in January and it was incredible. Sound was huge and her voice was angelic.
What do you do when you’re not working on music?
I work at a restaurant as a second job. For fun I like to work out, yoga, meditate, hang with buds, get into nature if possible, watch YouTube lol.
Where do you plan to travel next?
As a band we’ll travel around the states once we get our full US rescheduled. For me personally, I want to take a trip to India within the next year or so!
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
I got real stoned before a set at SXSW and had a huge gear issue on stage that took close to 20 minutes to figure out. Crowd was watching the whole time and I was stoney baloney which is a terrible combo. Luckily my buddy Kevin saved my ass and helped me fix the issue.
What other musicians are you interested in right now?
Chicago artist Nnamdi just released a record called “BRAT” that is excellent. Super genre bending and unique.
Who would you ideally like to collaborate with?
Nnamdi!
What is your snack/beverage of choice when recording?
Love a kombucha and obviously coffee. Could snack on chips and hummus till the cows come home!