A QUICK DOZEN with THOMAS WYNN

Shane | 1 July 2017 | Reply

A QUICK DOZEN with THOMAS WYNN
By Shane Pinnegar

When we heard Thomas Wynn & the Believers’ stunning third album, we were moved to write, “Thomas Wynn & the Believers have made a stunning record that could only be improved upon by hearing it played live.”

Their blend of Americana, soul, folk, rock, gospel and magic is so utterly moving it should be mandatory listening far and wide.

We got Thomas Wynn to share a few thoughts about life, and were not in the slightest bit surprised that his answers were so thoughtful and profound.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. Are there any hidden nuggets the band / you put in the material that only diehard fans might pick up on?

Our new album Wade Waist Deep is so special to us as a group. We were able to spend the time and energy needed into this record to fully realize our vision. Hopefully capturing the feeling and intense nature of what we desire in our live shows onto tape. There are some cool changes that happened in the studio to some of these songs – that if you’ve heard them before you’d be able to pick out. Specifically some changes in You Can’t Hurt Me and We Could All Die Screaming.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realised you wanted to be a musician?

We, Olivia and myself, got into music at an early age playing in the church. That love of music instilled into us then has been a wonderful building block for what we do now. I wanted to be a musician before this, but when I was about 17 I saw The Rolling Stones and I was pretty close to the stage, and Mick pointed at me during Brown Sugar. It seemed a little odd, but I remember thinking, “man, I’ve got to do this!”

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

For me I’d say, The Band, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen… but I’ve got many many others.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Tom Petty, or Bruce, Or Dylan…how can I choose if it’s anyone?

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

I say “rock and roll”. But a nice term I’ve heard said about us is “southern soul rock n’ roll”. I like that.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

The ability to play with other musicians. It’s wonderful to feel other people’s essence’s when playing together.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Either myself, David, or Olivia cooks. We all get the drinks! And Chris Bell would definitely be the first to grab the acoustic.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

My other dream job, who’s to say… I’d love to be a metal artist, making sculptures and what not, or a mushroom farmer. Wild edible mushrooms, and gourmet mushrooms are a passion of mine.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep, or you would like to be able to “do over”?

I think I would tell my younger self not to slack off any, to always be writing, always be creating….to never have the mindset of entitlement.

10. If you were made ruler of the world, what would your first orders be?

Ugh. NOT a job I would desire ever, but I think I’d if the job existed and I had to be the one to do it, I’d get rid of money and possessions. Whatever I could do to try and make people realize we’re all equals.

11. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I think I’d like to be a part of Abbey Road. That album has changed my life multiple times… it can be months between listenings and I’m moved all over again on different levels…the musicianship, the sounds, the creativity is of the highest caliber in my opinion.

12. What, for you, is the meaning of life??

To be a good husband, father, child and friend, and to pursue something that moves you towards being a better person, in all ways.