Oct 19, 2013- At T-Mak World, we’re always on the look out for great new rock bands and we found another one, called Womb last week when they played Measure at Brunswick and Bloor on October 11th. We wanted to get to know what they’re all about so talked to bassist Joey Henry after the show to set up an Emerging Artist Spotlight.
Tell us about the history of the band, when did you get started and how did it happen?
WOMB: Womb got started in a serious way about a year or two ago. Ragwax (Guitar/Lead Vocals) had written a bunch of songs and recorded ‘Basement Filth’ the summer before the band was formed. He had recorded the EP by himself, but felt that a full band was needed to get the new sound out there. Bassist Joey Henry was looking to start a new band, and knew Ragwax well, having attended the same high school and university together. As for drums, Raymond Cara was the natural choice, as both Ragwax and Joey had played in bands with him in the past. The three started jamming in the basement and played their first gig as WOMB at the legendary (and now defunct) Siesta Nouveaux.
Who are some of your musical influences?
WOMB: Our individual influences range from Keith Moon and Geezer Butler to Django Reinhardt and Stax Records. The band’s overall sound however, is greater than the sum of its parts. Our music is pretty firmly rooted in the blues (think Son House, John Lee Hooker) and R&B (James Brown, Stax Records – Booker T, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave) but I think we also borrow from jazz artists and big bands of the 20’s and 30’s (Gipsy Jazz, Cab Calloway). We also have a soft spot for garage/psycobilly music from bands like The Cramps and Flat Duo Jets. Of course, we’re all also heavily influenced by modern music, and staple classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. We could go on forever, but let’s call it here.
So based on the above how would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?
WOMB: Start with a litre of home brewed Mississippi Blues. Add a couple quarts of roaring 1920’s raucousness – be generous with the swing. Mix in two table spoons of southern Memphis soul, and a dollop of deep fried groove. Bring to a boil and add a crusty punk rock mix tape, cream of Dali, and plenty of syncopation. Season with the sweat of James Brown’s brow and serve cold.
Why do you believe that a music fan should come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
WOMB: Originality and captivation. Our music can only be heard from us. You can generalize it as garage rock or blues rock but its really more unique than that. Our music has much more swing and syncopation than standard garage rock music and also has chords and chord progressions that you simply don’t hear in rock music. Our live performance leaves one captivated in our music. Our energy is resonant with the viewer; they always want more. Come see for yourself.
What is your favourite single line of lyrics the band has written and why?
WOMB: Ragwax: Honestly this changes every jam session for me. What kind of writer would I be if it didn’t.
What does the rest of 2013 and 2014 hold for you?
WOMB: This Oct 31st we are having a huge Halloween bash at Clinton’s Tavern. There’s a costume contest with a $100 cash prize, and the night is sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon, which means tall cans are $2.50. Come check it out! We will also be releasing our music video for our single Baby Don’t Love Me on Halloween. And we have just begun the pre-production for our first full length album. After that we’ll probably live on the road for a while.
Imagine that you were asked to be the opener for any band’s world tour (both current and historical). Which band and tour would be your dream opening gig.
JOEY: Frank Zappa
RAGWAX: Ke$ha
RAY: Black Sabbath
What is the future of the music industry? With the concept of the album and physical CD’s facing extinction, how will we be consuming music in 10 years? Are the economics feasible for emerging artists?
WOMB: Economics could not be any worse for emerging artists. I cannot count the number of times some two-bit promoter has tried to hustle us. The music industry, at least on the live side of things, is plagued by greed and apathy. We could go on for hours about the state of things today, but that is a discussion for another article. Suffice to say, we’ve been dragged through the mud before, and we know what it tastes like.
As for the future of CD, I don’t think anyone can comment on it with any authority. The LP, cassette, CD, the internet – they all rendered their predecessor obsolete and yet, they all still exists in 2013. I honestly don’t think any of them are going to disappear any time soon. Each medium has it’s own advantages, and it’s own niche. I think the world is a richer place for it.
Any closing remarks for our readers?
WOMB: Nooses give, you might as well live.
Thanks so much to WOMB. We hope that you can see them live. They are playing Clinton’s Tavern on Halloween night. Wear you’re spookiest!
The band’s website is http://wombofficial.bandcamp.com/ and as you would expect they are on Twitter https://twitter.com/WombOfficial and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WombOfficial. In the meantime check out their video for Baby Don’t Love Me below.
Interview and Photos by Steve Mallinson
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