 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| ::Interviews:: |
 |
|
| review & interview content, as well as web site graphics & design, copywrite 2003-2004 Euphonia Online. use of materials granted only with reasonable purposes. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| interviewed by robby sumner |
|
 |
Wes Cryder - Vocals, Guitar |
|
| Interview with Wes March 31st, 2004 |
| E: Wes, you're just finishing up the release of your first CD, titled The Musicbox EP, under the moniker "One Left Standing," which consists of you and an acoustic guitar. How do you think being a solo artist differs from the many multi-membered bands out there today? Wes: The difference is night and day. I used to be in a "multi-membered" band before this and you can do a lot more; it is easier to get booked on shows, promote (because there's more than one person), and it's a full band. Some people don't fully dig the acoustic stuff yet, but I have the feeling it is going to be on the rise. Don't get me wrong, though--there are pros to being solo, such as, I never have to worry about trying to work out scheduling with other guys, and it's super easy to schedule. Either way it's fun to be out putting smiles on people's faces. E: What made you decide to pick up the acoustic guitar and distance your style from the one found in your former band Distand Future? Wes: Well, my old band was great. I had my three best friends rockin' it out. Unfortunately, scheduling and distance kept us from shows and new material, and eventually two of the guys started a new band. The third was away at school, so I was kind of the "One Left Standing," which is how I coined the act name. E: Do you think it's easier to break out on your own nowadays than it was a while back? Wes: Well, I can only speak for nowadays... but it is easier especially now because people respect solo artists and what they are trying to accomplish. Some people still tell me I would sound better with a full band, and I am not arguing with them--I wish I had a full band! But it is very difficult in the Pittsburgh area to find a group of people who are dedicated enough to make a serious run at this crazy business. E: Was there any pressure on you to get the EP out? Wes: Not really... just money pressure. I wish I had more, so I could record more songs. The songs on the EP came easily to me; some of my most popular ones were lyrically and musically written while I was in the studio laying initial tracking. Overall, I am proud that nothing was forced... it just came naturally. E: What do you think was the most complicated aspect of recording? Wes: This was my fourth time in the studio, so I am becoming more prepared each time I go. The only thing I would consider a complication is the hour drive out to the studio. Well, that, and obviously recording without friends, because it can get real lonely when it's just you and the producer sitting in a room the size of a medium-sized bathroom for hours on end. E: But you're happy with how the album came out? Wes: Stoked. There were only a few things I would have recorded or done differently now that I have had a ton more time to really dissect the songs... but that can now be intergrated into my live show instead. E: How is it, putting on a live acoustic show? Wes: Interesting, to say the least. The first show after the EP that I played was in front of a sitting-room crowd. It kind of freaked me out. But the next night I played the same venue and it was a regular show--I felt much more comfortable. Sometimes promoters think that because I'm an acoustic act, they should book me for things such as weddings, funerals, sit-down concerts... you know, all that fun stuff. But in reality, my high-energy stage presence blends in best with an electric show. Just throw me on the show somewhere, somehow, and I will rock it. E: How important are the fans? Wes: Very important. Obviously the first step is getting good music. The next step is to achieve a good fanbase, and the only way you can do that is if you A) get some shows, B) promote the living hell out of yourself and your music, and C) hope that people dig the cause and the music. Fans are an integral part of my success thus far and I cannot thank them enough for all their support. Some of these people are great, too--they IM me all the time, sign my online journal, e-mail me... all while coming to shows and buying my CD. E: Do you think that maintaining a fanbase is a difficult process? Wes: Well, it's hard to say. Factor in some schooling, and obviously part-time employment, and it becomes real hard. I am still in the process of contacting about 750 people from my first wave of promotions that began in January. But I will get to all of them, and maybe some newbies as the spring progresses. E: Are there songs on the EP dedicated to specific people? Wes: The only song that comes to mind that could be dubbed a "personalized entry" would be "Fall To Pieces"... but I'd feel bad if I disclosed why. *Laughs* All of my songs' lyrical content is real. It is what I was strongly feeling at the time that I wrote it, whether it be of a serious, sad, or pleasant nature. E: In songwriting, lyrics are most often used to convey the emotion felt by the artist... do you think that any other aspects of the song, such as vocal pitch or guitar song, help to reflect this emotion? Wes: Definitely. Feelings can be expressed not just in lyrical content, but in the way a song is sung or played. Compare two of my songs off the new album: "The Way You Feel" and "Final Goodbye." There is a tremendous difference in all aspects of style. E: Do you expect One Left Standing's style to change over time as your influences change? Wes: I don't know if I will conform to one set sound. I am willing to experiment with many different styles and sounds. I am also trying really hard not to listen to music similar of a similar genre (i.e. other acoustic acts like Dashboard [Confessional], the Rocket Summer, Gregg Wood, Time and Distance, et cetera). I know I am probably missing the best music out there right now, but I do not want to fall into the trap of songs that sound like every other acoustic artist. E: Before One Left Standing, did you ever plan on going solo? Wes: Nope. I kind of live life one day at a time. E: And there's no doubt that you'll go far in the future. That's all I have. Wes: Rockin'. Thanks, man. If anyone is interested, check out my website: www.oneleftstanding.com And if you have six bucks, buy my EP. |