E: So the band Finding Westerly has obviously gone through changes throughout its existance. Would you say that each of these changes has impacted the band just as much as the rest? Or did some alter the music more than others?
Steve: Well, obviously they all change a little... everyone has a different style, or a different interpretation of how the songs should sound. But yeah, some members had more of an edge sound to add, and some had a softer side, but we kept the music the same. But there are parts where you could tell the influences they were trying to add to it. I appreciated and enjoyed them all. I just love it when people are themselves.
E: Does the band still offer the ability to experiment? Or do you generally feel the need to stick to a consistant song pattern while being Finding Westerly?
Steve: Oh, of course. We take pride in being a different band, and I take pride as a songwriter just continuing to expand on the styles. I don't believe in one set sound, and you can tell through the songs through time. It gets boring with the same old thing; put some more heart and mind and soul into it. You know, you're always in a different mood, whether depressed or happy or whatever. There's no point in trying to stick to one style at all; it just wouldn't be right.
E: Steve, the primary singer and songwriter isn't something you've always been... is this a position that you feel comfortable with and prefer?
Steve: Well, I didn't think it would be, and I have my doubts at times... but I'm getting there. My first bands, I was just the lead guitarist... then I started writing all the music to our songs. Then I joined The Early November on bass for a while, then lead guitar and started doing a lot of the backups with Jeff. By then I was really in the mood and thought I was ready to sing lead, and I love it. I love singing and playing guitar to the songs. I mean, sometimes I miss just playing lead, but singing just gives me such an adrenaline rush... I love it.
E: Is it possible to get the same feeling out of a song when performing it at home or in a studio that you get when you play it live?
Steve: Well, it's an amazing feeling when you're writing a song and it's coming together really for the first time, and then recording it is great too, because you're finally getting it down... you close your eyes and play your parts and watch it unfold. But nothing is as good as playing live. I mean, of course there's those people in the crowd who are out there to mess with bands, but there's nothing like playing live and performing for people and feeding off them. It's such a high.
E: How could you relate being in attendance at a show as an audience member to being a band on the list?
Steve: Well, I know that when I'm on stage, I play for the people. We do the best we can to perform the songs for the crowd and to connect with them in this whole other level. You block out everything else and just play to the fans and connect with them. Same thing when I'm in the crowd-- I just get so into the music and watching the bands perform, and I really get into what the band is playing and connect with them, and I really get what the music is about.
E: How do you think members of a band can connect with their listeners--both through live performances and the album?
Steve: Well, I think everyone really goes through a lot of the same stuff--family problems, work, really any kind of relationship--and connecting with people through the songs by making them just so relatable. Making the music enjoyable for people to listen to and writing words that make sense and show people, hey, you're not alone, I'm going through the same stuff, too. And the music can make you feel just a little better or relax you or inspire you, and when you're playing those songs live, just put on a true great show, and when it's over you want to leave people saying, "That band really put on a good show and had some good songs and made me forget about all my worries for a little while, and made me feel I wasn't alone."
E: Would you rather mildly impress a large crowd, or deeply touch one person?
Steve: I would want to deeply touch everyone. *Laughs* I mean, I just want people to appreciate the music for what it is: stories of our life put into songs so that it is a way for people to connect and relate to one another.
E: How interconnected are all the songs on an album?
Steve: Well, the eight-song CD has songs we chose to select from the different times we recorded. I have a lot of songs that are from five years ago to now, and when we're ready to rehearse, we see what kind of mood we're in and what type of song we want to play... but every song I write tells a different story, a different time, or a different emotion.
E: Do you think it's possible for an artist to simply run out of things to inspire the material he writes?
Steve: Nah, never. I mean, things that may inspire you to write might remind you of something that happened before, but then there you go, a different story for a different time. Don't get me wrong--I get in huge slumps, but you'll break out of them. There's always things to be said.
E: Where do you look for lyrical inspiration?
Steve: Well, like I was saying before, things that happen in your life that are on your mind. When I come up with music, I put my thoughts into a melody, and then make it rhyme.
E: Well it sure was great talking to you about your music. Good luck in the future.
Steve: Thank you so much--we really appreciate it. |
