Austinist Interviews: The Wrens
We’ve all heard heartbreaking stories about bands not getting the breaks they deserve, but we think The Wrens’ story wins the prize. If you want the long story you can read all the gory details here. In short: The Wrens have been making music together for over 15 years and have had record label nightmares and little commercial success up until the release of 2003’s The Meadowlands which catapulted them to instant indie-stardom…sort of.
The Wrens play tomorrow night at Emo’s with the excellent Centro-matic and label-mates Jim Yoshi Pile-Up. Kevin Whelan (bassist/vocalist) responded to some of our questions via email about what it’s like to finally get a little bit of respect.
Keep reading for the interview and a chance to win a pair of tickets from us!
[mp3: The Wrens – Everyone Chooses Sides]
First off, how did you guys manage to stay with it for 7 years between albums?
I think it was just insanity really - and we knew it was taking a long time - but time just went by so quickly and we were just nuts - we just wanted it to be good for us.
I think the beauty of your music is that it doesn't fall into any trend or sound of the moment. I guess that's why The Meadowlands would have been great 7 years ago, just like it is now.
That is really nice - we do try not to follow one thing or another - especially when we enjoy so many different kinds of music - and from the start the band back in the mid-7th-century, our goal was to be "original"... or let’s say, identifiable.
Well, lets start at the beginning...How did you guys meet and why did you decide to start the wrens?
I met Charles at a house party where a bunch of guys would play cover tunes, while the partiers would sing, smoke pot, drink, etc - it was fun. Greg is my brother so he is stuck - Jerry I met in high school - We started the band for the same reason all people start bands, "so they don't have to get real jobs"
[Editorial Note: The Wrens all still hold down their day jobs.]
What were your musical influences at the time?
As Charles would say, "influenced only by the bands on the Live Aid 84 bill".....
Do 3 of the wrens still live together in the same house?
Nope, only two - but the third lives 20 steps away - jerry the drummer lives two hours away.
Are all of your song lyrics as personal as they seem to be?
Yes
You are having a documentary being filmed about the band...do you like all the media attention the band has been getting the last couple of years?
Its been very nice - the good thing about being a band for sooooo long is that you're not that big of a jackass... meaning, we don't take if for granted, we don't expect anything - so all of it is just amazing.
[Editorial Note: Little Quill Productions is making the documentary about the band and you can help fund the film by donating some money here. Little Quill Productions has some Austin ties which we will discuss in an upcoming post.]
Do you feel more pressure to deliver now that The Meadowlands was on several "Best of" lists?
Not at all - actually, the band feels better now than ever before - I would say this will be our high point - after our next record, we will make bad music, fight, have shitty side projects, marry our managers, go bankrupt, etc.....
We haven't caught you guys live just yet, but have heard great things. We here you guys go crazy onstage. Is performing live a big part of what the Wrens are about?
Its a different thing for us - records are one thing - live is another - we have something many "new" bands don't have, ummmm... 16 years together... same guys, same old bullshit, so live its about a vibe "between us"....
Do you remember the first sold out show you guys played? What was it like?
YES! You have to remember this happened after 14 years of playing to NO-ONE! Making NOTHING ($$$). It was at the mercury lounge - it was our record release party and it was one of the most exciting nights ever for me.
What was the first sold out rock show you went to?
I went to see pavement on the first leg of the slanted tour at Maxwell's in New Jersey - a club that holds only a 150 people - it was simply amazing.
When is the new record coming out...2010?
ahahahaa - around then, yes.
We have a pair of tickets to the first person that emails us the correct response to the following question:
What are The Wrens’ day jobs?
[hint: the answer can be found in this article.]
[Update: We have a winner! Thanks for playing Fred, and enjoy the show.]
The Wrens / Centro-matic / Jim Yoshi Pile-Up
Emo’s
Firday. August 26th
10pm
