CanEh Entertainment
Interview Sunday June 4/2006
Introduce us to Way Of Life and tell us a bit about the music:
Way
Of Life is, and always have been, a guitar band. The songs are driven
by the twin, co-lead guitarists Nathan Walstedt and his younger
brother, Shawn. However, as guitar oriented as the music is, without a
solid rhythm section, you're nothing. The backbone of the band is
bassist Dennis Fox and drummer Andrew Jarvis.
Any special meaning behind the name?
The
name makes sense for what we do. It's simple, to the point, and allows
the music to do the talking. It can mean whatever you want it to mean.
How long has the band been performing together?
The
band Way Of Life have been performing for about 3 years, or so. There
was some difficulty finding a steady drummer for the longest time.
Andrew has only been with us for a couple short months, but we had some
shows lined up so he had to learn quickly.
What do you think sets Way Of Life apart from other bands out there today?
Every
member of the band is a "perfectionist" in their own right. I suppose
the level of musicianship and precision is what makes Way Of Life
special. The quality in the songwriting. We are a rock band, but
there's that conviction in the performance that a lot of current acts
lack. A true belief in the songs and how we present them. Big guitar
riffs and melodic vocals are nothing new or original, but it's how we
get there that makes the band stand out.
What is the inspiration behind the music and lyrics?
Well,
inspiration can come from anywhere. Mainly, listening to other music
can push you to pick up the guitar, or whatever. The theme of a movie,
a dead end job, a dream, or something as simple as what somebody said.
At the end of the day, it all filters through somehow into what makes
Way Of Life what it is.
In a business that can be quite rough how do you stay focused and positive?
It's
a shame that it has to be such a rough business when it seems like such
a simple concept; "Hey, I wrote a song! Now I want to play it for
people". I suppose a general, and basic, belief that you can do it and
that you possess the songs to do it can help keep you focused. As far
as keeping positive... Well, if you have the people you want to work
with working with you to attain that ultimate goal, then those are your
shoulders to lean against if things do get rough.
If you guys could be working with any of your favorite artists who would it be?
There
are too many to mention. It would be a blessing to one day make working
with our favorite artists a reality. Someday soon.......
Got any advice for struggling musicians around the globe?
Well,
we're all struggling. Trying to get to the level you want doesn't
happen overnight, at least not often. Even if you eventually achieve
that level of success, there should still be that struggle to get to
the level of songwriter, guitarist, musician, or singer you believe you
should be. I'm looking forward to that consistent fight to better each
new record and each new song.
Any messages for your current and future fans?
It's
cliché to say it, but without the people it's for nothing. If nobody's
listening, nobody's applauding, then what's left. For the people who
have supported us up to this point, Way Of Life is very grateful. For
the future fans, well, it's only a matter of time isn't it? |
