Standing out among Texas Rock bands with their literary-inspired name, The Wayfarer Incident blends guitar-driven compositions with unexpected influences ranging from Phil Collins to Howard Hughes. Frontman Matthew Wattles discusses his distinctive approach to music creation, pandemic-era challenges, and much more in this exclusive interview.
1. Your band name and debut album are both ‘The Wayfarer Incident,’ was that always the plan, or did it just happen that way?
The band name was based on a Dante Alighieri book. Our debut was self-titled because I couldn’t think of a name that fit without being wordy or corny.
I wanted something with literary value, but also something mysterious and downright strong. The Wayfarer Incident encapsulated that well, I thought.
2. Texas Rock bands often have a distinctive flavor. What elements make The Wayfarer Incident uniquely Texan?
I always thought we kinda missed out on that. Which was sad because we were all residents. I was heavily into Rocky Erikson’s story and vibe, but I also dug Texas Country and Tejano.
“Trespasses” definitely has a Texas Outlaw sort of theme or suggestiveness to it. I love being a Texas band, but I was aiming for something out there.
The creative process can be very mystifying or supernatural at times, so I thought about how to transport myself to Detroit or London without taking a plane. I’d still go to White Horse every once in a while, though.
3. Your album dropped in 2021 when the music scene was pretty chaotic due to the pandemic. How did that timing affect the creation of the record?
I decided to re-release the debut at some point. It was originally released in 2016. It seemed like a good idea to have something familiar around. I started working on its follow-up during the pandemic.
It was called ‘Super Mary Poppins and Rambunctious F*** Cat.’ I think it helped my creative instincts to have pressure around, but it was hard to see the world changing so drastically.
I never gave up and tried to put the energy and emotion into my playing and songwriting as much as possible. I survived, and a couple of great tracks did too.
4. Which track on the album are you most proud of and why?
I love them all, but I really like the lyrics to “Bad Condition.” I think they express some of the mechanics of the band’s strongest features. For instance, moving in a more computational direction.
5. How does your creative process work as a band? Are you jamming together, or does someone bring in finished ideas?
I try to never settle for a single approach. I might do things based on what I have. For some songs, I’ll hire a drummer; for other songs, I’ll force myself to play drums.
An acoustic guitar and a good lyrical idea are an unbeatable combination, though. Our jams get rad too. All my bandmates bring something unique to the table, and I love how the band modifies based on who I am playing with.
6. What bands or artists influenced this album that might surprise your listeners?
There were so many. I love talking about music with my friends. I think the unlikely ones were Phil Collins, Howard Hughes, and Dante Alighieri.
7. What’s a lyric from the album that you feel really captures what The Wayfarer Incident is all about?
Meet everyone we can, and show each other cool new bands.
8. If your album were the soundtrack to a movie, what kind of movie would it be?
A mix between Pineapple Express and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
9. Has any fan reaction to the album stood out as particularly unexpected?
Yes, both good and bad. I’ve received praise and compliments, but also intense accusations and insults. I’m thankful for the ones who gave kind feedback.
10. What direction are you heading with your sound next?
I’ll never give up on Space and Stoner Rock, but I definitely want to get back to my roots as a Folk artist and build upon that.
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