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06.24.04
A former bandmate of Pete Yorn, Waz has stepped
out on his own to create a lush alternative rock album,
Mine to Remember. We talked to Waz about life on the
road and songwriting.
 Where
did you grow up, what did you listen to and was music
always a part of the mix?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I started playing the
guitar when I was eight years old. I think my first
album was ELO (the one with the space ship on it). I
loved all the hair-metal bands growing up. Guys like
Neil Young, Tom Petty, Van Morrison are the ones that
stuck with me, though. It's amazing what an impact
a guy like Tom Petty, and his band, have had on Rock
and Roll. I met Pete Yorn at Syracuse University, and
we started the band in LA after we graduated.
Petty’s the best, isn’t he? So you left Pete Yorn's
band in 2001. What caused your branch-off?
Nothing made me happier then seeing Pete succeed.
The time on the road, the years leading up to that were
all incredible times. I just felt that if I didn't at
least try to pursue my own thing, I would never know
what could've been. Plus, Pete knew I would have done
anything for the band up until the day I left. It was
always my priority....and it still is. He's a dear friend,
and what happened was solely based on growth. It was,
without a doubt, an ammicable break for us.
Do you still talk to the band? What influences
has working with the band given you? Do you feel you
can break the Yorn mold that you may have been labeled
under - do you want to?
I'm still very close with Pete and the other guys.
They were all such a huge inspiration for me. Each member
of that band had such different tastes in music. I feel
they definitely exposed me to some great music I was
unaware of. Most people I've talked to hear a Pete style
influence, but no one makes the direct comparison. If
someone does make the comparison, I accept it as a great
compliment. We're different enough for me not to have
worry about it.
What's your favorite thing about going solo and
did your Yorn contacts come in helpful when you decided
to record the Mine to Remember EP?
The best part of doing my own thing is the expression.
I get to sing my songs for people, and then see their
reaction. I loved playing in the band with Pete, but
I knew I had more to say. I watched him connect with
the crowds every night, and I wanted the opportunity
to do the same. Fortunately, I got to know R. Walt Vincent
through the Pete thing, so when I decided to record
the EP. He was willing to produce and record it.......thank
God! He's truly an incredible producer and musician.
What's your favorite song on the EP and why?
I'd have to say "Mine to Remember". I love
the guitar line. The moment I wrote it, I knew something
really cool could come from it. Plus, the piano line
(thanks Walt), as simple as it may be, adds a whole
new level of emotion.
Where did you write many of the songs and during
what sort of mental/physical time frame?
The last three songs were written while I was touring
with Pete. The first two were written right after I
decided to leave the band. The songs written on the
road were mostly dealing with being on the road away
from a girl I was seeing at the time. Also, the road
has a lot of demons to offer (not that I'm complaining),
but there's this sort of give and take relationship
you can have with the road. Especially being in a relationship,
sometimes you need to step away, pull yourself together,
and find where your head’s at. In order to find that
peace of mind, I remember thinking of the summers when
I was a kid . Somehow that's where some of those songs
came from. Is that corny? Maybe.....but it worked.
What do you hope to do with your music?
I want to get my music to as many people as possible.
I want to use my music an excuse to play shows all over
the place, all of the time. I'm also really passionate
about music in film. So expect to hear some of my songs
in movies soon.
That would rock! So who are you currently listening
to? What indie artists do you wish got more recognition?
Right now I'm listening to Remy Zero's "Villa
Elain", Damien Rice, and Ryan Adams "Rock
and Roll". I think Gary Jules is an amazing artist
too. I'm happy to see that he now has a deal and recently
bought back his first album. There's this guy Cameron
McGill, who I've recently played some shows with, who's
amazing. He's an intense performer and an amazing singer/writer.
He's definitely inspired me and I hope the world gets
a chance to hear his music.
Ooh, cool. I’ll check him out. How do you feel
about music downloading?
I'll let you know....
Thanks, Waz! Best of luck to you!
Interviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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