Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "the-right-thing"

Today I am thrilled to be featuring one of my favourite musicians. Chris Wyse plays bass for The Cult, and has toured and played with many famous musicians and bands, including Ozzy Osbourne, and Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains.

A few years ago, Chris started up his own band, OWL. Their excellent debut album, also called Owl, was released in 2009. You can listen to that on their website: http://www.owltheband.net/music/

This year on 9th April, they released a follow up album, The Right Thing. It's available via their website, or on iTunes and Amazon

OWL features two other musicians, Jason Achilles Mezilis of Black Belt Karate, who I interviewed on the blog last year, and Dan Dinsmore, of The Clay People


INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS WYSE:

OWL is a progressive rock band and you are creating some very original music. Which musicians/bands have influenced the type of sound you create with the OWL albums?

Thanks. Initially Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and Iron Maiden of course because of my love for Steve Harris and his bass playing. I think these bands had a "no boundaries" mentality, and opened me up to music in super creative new way. I like being different and sometimes that comes with a lot of criticism. I always heard stuff like "you can't do that on bass!"

I like things that are "different" :)

Having read a few of the recent interviews, I understand that the new album is much more of a joint project between yourself and the other band members, whereas the first album was mainly your creation. Has that changed the sound of the music in any way, and if so how?

Our debut album, I had written beforehand. It was like the flood gates opening and I had much to get out of me. Our new release "The Right Thing" was done with a more open canvas. I would maybe have a song close to done but missing something, and be happy to let Jason and Dan to fill in the blanks. We have grown immensely and know what works and how to maximize each other's talents. I don't think I had much to say to Dan ever. We just played and I was like, "I can't believe the drum stuff he is coming up with". One day Jason was just playing his acoustic guitar and I said, "Man that's really beautiful. What song is that?" and he said, "Chris, that's ours." We had worked on it one day previous and he happened to record it on his phone. It's been organic and has developed in a great way.

One of the most original things about your band, OWL, is that you play the upright bass (or double bass). To many people that wouldn’t seem like a very “rock” instrument; at least it’s not a common instrument to find in a modern day rock band. What made you decide to use the upright bass for OWL?



Its funny how it all has flipped. The original Rock and Roll was Elvis and bass guitar didn't even exist yet. The only option was upright bass. So it is really cool to bring awareness in our times. I really was getting extreme on bass guitar and upright just seemed like the next step. Playing with a bow and using effects seemed so amazing to me so on I went on a new and challenging journey studying classical double bass in college.



Another original thing about OWL is that there are only 3 members. Most bands tend to have 5 or more members. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having less band members?

I just always like trios. It allows each member to be fully expressive and cover their ground. If we are missing something we can always have a guest.

You’ve been promoting the first single from the album, ‘The Right Thing’. The video is great. I like it when bands make videos that are like short films for their songs. Not many bands are making videos anymore. How important do you think it is for bands to have a good video for a song?

I think the visual part is imperative.

Who designed the cover for the new album, and was it based on any ideas that came from the band?

Dan did all the art. Cool stuff.



When you write songs, is there any structure to how the songs come together, do you think of the lyrics first then add music, or does the music come first?

I write mostly from choruses. I usually hear the music and basic lyric in my head. Otherwise it's jamming and improvisation.

What inspires your music?

Emotions

Do you keep up with the music scene, and if so, are there any new bands that you’ve heard lately that you’d recommend?

I go see bands all the time. I watched "Vintage Trouble" come up here in Hollywood and think they are killer.

I've never heard of them; will have to check them out!

You have played with many famous musicians, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jerry Cantrell, and Ace Frehley, as well as now being a member of The Cult. Are there any musicians that you haven’t had the opportunity to play with that you would like to?

I'd like to play with Jack White and Dave Grohl. I'd like to play upright with Snoop.

I understand that you were a fan of The Cult long before you started playing with them. What did it feel like when you first started playing bass in a band that you’d long admired?

It’s interesting because as a pro you just go in and bring your best energy and let it flow. Bob Rock called me and I just jumped in and recorded "Beyond Good and Evil". (This is in 2000 when I first met them). They wanted some new energy and I didn't worry about anything. I was very comfortable. Ian's voice made a big impression on me in person. He is very loud and strong. I've learned how to project more singing with him. Billy has such a distinct style and sound and I really respect that attention to detail. I've really been blessed because it all feels very natural. I'll go on a limb and try or suggest things.  Some fly, some don't. I really try and honor their history while also bringing in the new stuff when it's called for.



If you were putting together a “supergroup” of the best musicians (living or dead), who would be in the band, and what song would the band cover?

David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, John Bonham, and Geezer Butler.
"I did it my Way"

Wow! Great choices. That would be an amazing version of the song!

I know that you were into music from a very young age, having seen a YouTube video showing you as proficient on the bass at the age of sixteen! When did you decide you wanted to be a musician?

At 8 years old when I saw "Kiss Alive 2" in stores. At 14 I picked up bass because of Iron Maiden.



You recently played bass on a version of "I Love Rock’n’Roll" for the Music is Hope Foundation, tell us more about that and how you got involved.

I'm friends with producer John Jones and I love the cause. John and I just spoke recently about me doing another track.

As a successful independent musician, do you have any tips for bands that might be starting out?

Play out. Don't be afraid to be different.

As I’m interviewing you on a website full of book lovers, can you tell us whether you like to read, and if so, who are your favourite authors?

I read anything self-help and factual. I like Eckhart Tolle and just got Ace Frehley's bio on my Nook.

With The Cult, you have toured worldwide. What are some of your favourite places to play?

South America has the best crowds. Hands down.

Who were your favourite musicians when you were growing up?

Steve Harris, Eddie Van Halen, Jim Morrison, Ozzy

What are the tour plans for promoting the new OWL album?

We have been performing NY and LA based shows around our record release. And we have been opening for some national bands including In This Moment and 10 Years.  We have another west-coast run in June, and will be performing with our good friends in Killcode at the Viper Room on June 22nd. We also have a video out for the title track "The Right Thing" and a new video on the way for "Destroyer"

What are the best places for people to connect with OWL online and keep up with the latest news?

Social sites. FB, Twitter, Owl's website

Apart from The Cult and OWL, are you involved in any other projects at the moment?

Lately I've been popping up as a guest with bands. I love that I can do some bow stuff on top of the band. It is great to change it up and experience other bands and learn from people all the time. 



Thank you, Chris, for taking the time to answer my questions!

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If you're in the area, you should check out OWL's upcoming shows:

Fri June 21
Whiskey Richards, Santa Barbara
9pm


Sat June 22
The Viper Room, Hollywood
8:45 - KILLCODE
9:45 - OWL

I'd also highly recommend both their albums if you're a rock fan!