Interview with WOLFGANG WEBB

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Since I was a child, music has been a constant presence in my life. It's woven into my being, thanks to my Oma's extensive 45 record collection, which featured plenty of Austrian tunes alongside Elvis and Motown classics, and my older sister’s record collection (Kiss, Blondie, Pat Benatar, The Clash..)

Yet, if my path didn't lead to music, I'd  likely be delving into my passion for photography, particularly capturing still life and the beauty of nature.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Over the past few years, my interests have expanded beyond music, although it remains close to my heart. Photography has become my primary passion, serving as my creative outlet. Additionally, I find joy in co-producing and directing my music videos, and I'm intrigued by the prospect of collaborating with fellow artists in this realm. While these pursuits don't necessarily directly influence my musical creativity, they offer a refreshing  escape from composing music. Traveling is definitely a source of inspiration for my song writing, as are personal experiences, including heartbreak and loneliness.

How long has your band been around?

I’ve been composing since my early 20s.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Since turning 18, Toronto, Canada, has been my home base. Yet, my childhood was characterized by constant movement, spanning six different locales across Southern Ontario until I reached 16. In my song writing, I frequently explore themes of heartbreak and reflect on my ongoing journey to understand and articulate my life experiences.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

It’s just me.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

My former band had the chance to open for a number of influential acts, such as Love and Rockets, The Stereophonics, Hate Dept, and more. All crazy-memorable.

What is your favourite venue to play at?

Lee’s Palace in Toronto as well as The Guvernment, formerly known as RPM, was a nightclub complex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Portishead, Stereo MCs, Tom Waits, Kate Bush, David Bowie, Concrete Blonde, Tricky, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Michelle Gurevich, and Sinead O’Connor,.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Practice without overthinking. Embrace discomfort; that's where magic resides. Johnette Napolitano penned : "If I had the choice, I'd keep the voice I got 'cause it was hard to find." I resonate deeply with that lyric.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Persist onward! Keep writing, writing, writing!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

"Before You Sleep (The Pills)" tells a tragic story of contemplating suicide. Its profound resonance deeply affects me.

Which songs are your favourite to play?

I'll be showcasing two new tracks, "March" and "The Ride," from my upcoming album,   "The Lost Boy," (December 2024 release) with acoustic performances and filming slated for this fall. The album will be released on limited edition colored vinyl.

What is the creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

Typically, a line or riff will spontaneously come to mind, prompting me to jot it down or record it on my phone or play it on the keyboard in Logic Audio. I usually provide the musicians with a performance on the keyboard (including bass lines) I don’t play trumpet or cello, but I sing them all the arrangements and harmonics.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I prefer to let listeners draw their own conclusions about the meaning of my songs. I  believe that if I were to explicitly state, "It's about this," it could detract from the individual experience each listener has. That's precisely what I hope listeners will take  away from albums like "The Insomniac's Lullaby" and my upcoming release, "The Lost Boy," set to debut in December 2024.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Write every day and strive to be the best version of yourself. Keep it simple; don't overthink it.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I've just wrapped up mixing my latest album, "The Lost Boy," which features a haunting, atmospheric track called "March," featuring a duet with Esthero. Working alongside talented mixers like John "Wheels" Hurlbut and Bruno Ellingham (known for his contributions to artists like Massive Attack and New Order), has been a privilege. This 10-song album will also come with three music video singles, with the first set to release on December 1, 2024. Much of the content is being expertly directed and produced by the brilliant Kristjan Viger, and hopefully Patrick Gehlan’s magic (Game of Thrones)