In anticipation of Wakey!Wakey!’s show Thursday at Northstar Bar we managed to finagle a few minutes out of his busy schedule for an interview…
TWIPC: When did you know you wanted to make a real go at music professionally?
WW: I’d always planned on working as a professional in the arts. I was really lucky to hook up with Family Records a few years ago, cause before that it wasn’t working out so well. I feel really lucky to not have a day job right now. Hopefully it’ll last a while!
TWIPC: I’ve heard that in the past you’ve had a large assortment of instrumentalists share the stage with you but you seem to have found a consistent backing band. How’d you find them and what are the benefits of having the same people around night after night?
WW: It all started with Anne Lieberwirth. She was the first, and has been the only bassist for W!W! We found Patrick Doane (violin) at a huge open call, and he had it the second he walked in the room. Tanya Buziak and I were really good friends, and one day she started singing with us, and sort of never stopped. Our drummer changes a fair amount, but all of the guys we play with are awesome. I’ve always been a pack animal, and I’ve fought really hard to have a consistent band. With the whole TV thing, life can get a bit weird, and I need a close family around me to keep me sane. Everyone has a very specific role, and I honestly would hate to do it without all of them.
TWIPC: In your new role on One Tree Hill you find yourself in a whole different sphere of entertainment has it changed your perspective on music or performing at all?
WW: It most definitely has. The cast and crew of OTH is a huge well oiled machine. They’re all so professional, and it’s really inspiring. It always reminds me how hard we should be working, and helps keeps us on our toes.
TWIPC: Almost Everything reflects a good mix of known and unknown WakeyWakey material where do you see yourself going for your next album, refining or exploring?
WW: I hope for a bit of both. The band is much closer now than we were even a few months ago. Touring has helped us understand our audience much better. That being said, we’re living and breathing music 24/7 on the road, and we’re all really inspired to spread our wings a bit.
Be sure to check out Wakey!Wakey! and his crew as well as Spring Standards on Thursday night. A perfect way to jumpstart your weekend.