Getting to Know: Devoted Two-Piece Rock act, Wimps and Machos
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Wimps and Machos, a D.C. rock act that believes it’s best to have but two people in a band. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Wimps and Machos
Band Members: Charlie Sarra & Julian James – (vocals, guitar, bass, keys, and percussion)
Years Active: 1 Year
City of Origin: Washington D.C.
Who are you and what do you do?
“We are the indie rock band, Wimps and Machos. We write, record and play songs.”
In 100 words or less, tell us how your band has gotten to this point.
“Well, the good news is that we have known one another for a long time. We both hail from other bands in the D.C. area, so we have always been aware of one another. And since this is not our first band and we’ve both been there-done that, there is none of the bullshit politics that so often derail other bands’ best intentions. It’s also nice that there are only two of us. In fact, we recommend that everyone have only two people in their band!”
What is your latest release and how would you best describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your band?
“Right now, it’s digital demos only. Find us on Soundcloud, Reverbnation, Bandcamp…the usual avenues. Our sound is the West Coast meets Manchester. We blend and transcend… the Velvet Underground, Beck, the Smiths, the Stone Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, and more into a thick, recognizable, potion of simple melodies packaged in thoughtful production.”
When making an album, which aspect of the process do you put the most time into and why?
“The majority of our time is spent writing, but production is definitely a close second. We like to start with a chord progression then work a simple melody into it until we have it engrained into our subconscious. Then we usually record a scratch track and drive around with it in the car and on the iPod for a bit. Once we confirm we like it, we move on and begin to arrange and add other parts. To be honest, we have tons of these ideas that are stuck in this first stage. But, it’s always great to have that database of ideas accessible too, should another idea need a companion part. Did we mention a box of wine too?”
What is the best part about your band and why?
“We like just having two minds, egos, whatever, to deal with. In previous bands we find that it’s much like a marriage and a world of compromise. With just two, the idea doesn’t get lost in making sure everyone is happy. That sounds sort of mean, but it definitely true – for better or for worse.”
What makes your band unique from the rest?
“These days it’s hard to listen to all of the echo-smurf-gang-vocal-pop-clones – like they’re all parading down Sesame Street without a care in the world. Do any of these new bands have ANY problems in their lives? Does the chorus always need to be sung by a dozen fairies in a giant reverb chamber? Prediction: this will pass.
“For us, it’s our sound. As with most bands, we think our sound is very unique and different. It’s what drives us to keep writing because with each new track we build upon that, and we think you can hear it after a listen or two of the entire playlist.”
How does your band survive the challenges of touring/gigging?
“We actively choose not to play any shows right now. We want to finish these demos, record at a big studio and then… who knows. But we’ve been there and done that. Up and down the east coast in a van, shitty hotels, sleeping on the floor at friends’ apartments, all you can eat buffets, not knowing what day of the week it is. It’s actually a great time for the most part.”
Would you rather be critically-acclaimed; rich and famous; or an under-the-radar band with a dedicated fan base?
“So, we would argue that we’d want all three. There isn’t a band out there that wouldn’t. But we would say #1 since having critical-acclaim will help foster the other two.”
If you’d have to compare your band to another one out there, living or dead, who would it be and why?.
“Wow, so we would say the Stone Roses meet the Velvet Underground – maybe a little more Stone Roses. It’s sort of what we are trying to do…blend those two sounds. Not sure that we have it totally right, but that’s the intention, (and that’s two pretty bold comparisons, but you asked).
Which band/musician would you like to share many drinks with? What would you talk about?
“Neil fucking Young, John Lennon, The Scorpions, and the girls from HAIM. I think we would start with, how did you do it? What got you here? I love your shorts!”
Please be sure to follow us on Twitter @riffyou and at Facebook.com/riffyou.
