10 Quick Ones with PHILLIP VILENSKI of WAYLAND – August 2017

According to a recent press release: “Wayland will release their debut full length album “Rinse & Repeat” with Mighty Loud / InGrooves later this Fall. “Through The Fire” is the first single going to radio and can be now be downloaded on iTunes or streamed at Spotify as well as other digital outlets. Wayland consists of Mitch Arnold (vocals), Phillip Vilenski (guitars), Dean Pizzazz (bass) and Nigel Dupree (drums). A high-energy, rock band from Michigan, Wayland who hail from the city of the same name formed in 2010.   The band was originally signed to actor Kiefer Sutherland’s Iron Works Records by hit singer/ songwriter/ producer Jude Cole.  Managed by Jesse James Dupree (Jackyl), Wayland released their first single “Welcome To My Head” which charted on Mainstream and Active Rock charts.” We get guitarist Phillip Vilenski to answer our 10 Quick Ones about new music, his influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This album has a lot if depth to it musically. We had so much fun in the studio recording with Producer Justin Rimer that we would record every little melody or counter melody that any of us thought of. It really came alive when Jeff Tomei mixed the record because he got to sort through it all and bring out certain parts where they needed to be with out it sounding cluttered or chaotic. Every step of making the record is it’s own art form, from writing, performing, recording, mixing and mastering. My favorite textures to listen closely for are the mandolin and piano on this record.

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

I’ve wanted to be a professional musician since I was a little kid. I remember being memorized by any live music I saw when I was younger. It was usually a cover band at a family wedding or at my hometown’s summer festival. I can remember making Elvis poses in the mirror at an early age. I’ve always been a bit obsessed.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

My top 5 influences would be The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Blackberry Smoke, and BB King.

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

If i could call any one collaborator I think I’d take that opportunity to work with Paul McCartney. I mean come on, it’s Sir Paul!!

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

If you’ve never heard Wayland before I’d describe it as song-based, sincere, whole-hearted, sweaty, loud rock n roll.

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

The best thing about being a musician is that I get to do my job with my 3 best friends. A “company meeting” is hanging out with the 3 people I love and respect most, and we’re constantly in a huddle planning our next move. We get to step on stage every night with each other and move mountains 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?

When we’re all hanging out, Nigel is the first one to suggest a margarita. We love sharing new music with each other in hopes to inspire one another. We go on a lot of walks together after sound check. It’s fun strolling around towns we’ve never been in talking about our ideas for the show.

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

If I weren’t a Musician? That’s a scary thought. I’ve never had a back up plan. We’ve always felt like we’d be doing this if we were homeless under a bridge in Los Angeles, or on stages in front of millions of people.

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

I don’t spend much time thinking about doing things over. All the decisions we’ve make and career moves have all been part of our journey. We’ve all grown so much in the last 5 years on the road and we’ve been so lucky to have the guidance of Jesse Dupree and Jude Cole to help us think through all of our big decisions.

10. 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?

EASY!! Rolling Stones, Exile on Main St. Living in the south of France at Keith’s mansion, recording in the basement!

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Category: Interviews