Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’ve been playing music since I was very young. My dad played in bands so there were always instruments around the house and my parents introduced me to some great artists early in life. Growing up, one of my favourite things were the nights when my dad had his band over to practice. The whole house had this warm glow of music and I would sit there doing my homework, just loving it.
Then, when I was 13 I started my first band with my best friend Neuman – we played together in it for eight years. Many years later I played bass in his band on tour opening for Guns N Roses, and he played bass for me opening the Shania Twain tour all across Canada. It meant a lot for a couple dudes who spent years paying to zero people in crappy bars to get to rock out in sold out arenas.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Wes Mack”?
A: I try to focus on the creative aspect of all of this and let that guide any promo I do. I try to make things that make me feel better in my brain, and I hope that in doing so I’ve made music and art that does the same for the people listening to it.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I find Noah Kahan to be a very inspiring musical artist. He writes conversational songs and sings them with a vulnerable, yet powerful voice. When I listen to him I feel like I’m not being sold a package – I feel like I’m just getting a slice of his life… the pretty parts and the tough ones. I like that. I also am currently feeling quite inspired by the actor Jeremy Strong. He strikes me as very passionate about his craft and willing to fully swing every time. I like that a lot. I also love everything John Mayer does. What can I say? I’m a fan.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the EP, “Hummingbird.”?
A: Hummingbird came together over the last four years, beginning in March 2020, just a week before the Pandemic really kicked off. Like most people, my life was entirely changed by that, and this record was too. It became an album of zoom calls, facetime writes, files transferring around the continent between studios, and a lot of insular solo work. In that time I noticed a hummingbird repeatedly coming to my window. My girlfriend commented one day that hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly forward AND backward. She suggested the title of the album and that felt right to me. Indeed it was a time where I often needed to go backward and forward and throw away any sense of linear progress to get the record done and to get through a strange time in the world. That hummingbird brought a little magic every time it flew by, and I hope this album does the same.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Atmospheric.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Hummingbird”?
As I mentioned above, the pandemic really threw a big curve ball at this record. But I’ll say that in the end I think it forced me to evolve and grow and get better at a lot of the things that go into making albums and for that I’m very grateful.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I dunno that I have a singular message across my music. Every song has its own story, and I care more that in the end the people listening to them find their own meaning in the work. I can only take it so far. In the end the listener makes the choice as to what a song means and to me that is the highest honour as an artist. Having someone bring your song into their own life is a real blast to watch.
In terms of goals, I guess I would have two. The first is the self-centred one to just be able to make art and music throughout my life. I think that’s quite a privilege in and of itself and if I can do that in a way that grows and reaches people in the world then I count myself as lucky. I’ve been very fortunate in that thus far. The second goal is loftier. I’d love to have a large enough mouthpiece to increasingly help people around me in the world more directly. Through art, yes. But also through direct outreach in the form of charitable works, programs and support. I’ve tried to be involved in that kind of thing when possible and it’s one of the parts I enjoy most about being an artist. Sometimes you get the chance to shine a light on something that would otherwise go unseen and I like that a lot.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Tough call. I wonder if it would strip some of the magic in collaborating with a hero of mine. I’ve often avoided hero artists of mine at festivals where I’m playing because I want them to stay mythical to me. That said, I’ve mainly done that because a hectic festival is sometimes not really the best place to meet someone in a meaningful way. Then on the other hand I’ve had some truly awesome interactions working with some of my heroes directly when the chance came up organically. What can I say? Liam Neeson was a gem to work with! But let’s say The Beatles in their prime because man oh man would that ever be cool.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: That’s a tough one too. This answer has changed many times for me. The era of TikTok and short form content has changed the industry profoundly and sometimes I think turned much of the artist building process into chasing very quick payoffs that often don’t have a ton to do with music. However, I think there is still a tremendous amount of great music being made. And in the process allowing people to make it who otherwise may have been ignored by the monoculture industry of the past. Looking at artists like Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan makes me happy. They’re authenticity seems to shine through. And in this era there is a niche for every sound. There are people out there who want to hear you if you make something true to you. So I think the big thing is working on your own craft and ditching any sense of a blueprint. Make stuff that feels like you. Do it the way you want to do it. Write hard and true on that and I think you can make a career of it.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: You will never feel ready for what the next step is. Take it anyway.
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