White Wizzard hails from Los Angeles CA. Tired of the same old down-tuned screamo metal that seems to be everywhere these days, Jon Leon formed White Wizzard in the summer of 2007. The goal was simple - to bring the songwriting, melody and good times back into metal and rock. He then reformed the line-up releasing two albums and a third on the way called "The Devil's Cut". Vocalist Joseph Michael and guitarist Will Wallner talk of this all new release and plans for even more new music and more!
1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in White Wizzard, and how long the band has been together.
Will: I'm Will Wallner, one of the lead guitarist's. This line-up has been together for about a year but the band has been around for about 5 years.
Joseph: I am Joseph Michael the lead singer and general cause of trouble.
2. So tell me about White Wizzard.
Will: That's a difficult question because the band has been through many line-up changes. I would say the bands sound is classic heavy metal. But each member has vastly different backgrounds and influences.
Joseph: White Wizzard is an evolving entity... I think that the bands identity will be established throughout the year. The band has always had great songs. Good Singers. But this line-up takes the band to a new level and now that we are all starting to write together i see big things on the horizon.
3. You guys are based in Los Angeles, California, how do you think being in LA changes your sound?
Will: For this band I don't think being in LA particular affects the sound. The main influences of the band are British (Maiden, Priest, Sabbath etc.).
Joseph: I think that Jake watches more porn out here than he would in Florida... o wait... that's not about music.
4. How did you come together?
Will: This line-up came together after the previous singer left in 2012. I knew the band needed a strong singer if the band stood a chance of surviving another line-up change. I knew Joseph from working with him previous to joining White Wizzard.
Joseph: Will and I worked together on another guitarists demo. Funny thing is, Jon and I had exchanged emails a year before but I was only taking on Studio projects. In reality I don't think there are many singers that could sing this stuff. Between Luna and Wyatt there is a lot of ground to cover. Personally now that the "Devil's Cut" is being released I am pretty confident that White Wizzard fans won't miss any of the previous voices.
5. What's the origin of the band's name?
Joseph: Ask Jon...lol.
6. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Will: As a guitarist I would say I'm a melodic blues based player and I try to incorporate my style as much as I can into the bands music. My influences are British Hard Rock most importantly Deep Purple.
Joseph: My Style changes by the song... I think that is one of the biggest differences between myself and some of the past singers... I like everything from Colm Wilkinson to King Diamond... Mozart is a personal favorite... Dream Theater... Bruce Dickinson... Sebastion Bach.
7. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?Joseph: So far since I joined the band a week before a tour and a month before the recording process started Jon has written 99% of the lyrics... Jon is an intense and introspective guy... I think he gets on a tangent and can't get off ... that's where his songs come from... Myself, I just kinda let life wash over me and won't pick up the pen until the song is solidified. We have already started writing the next record and I can tell you now, that the new White Wizzard is fucking sick!
8. You guys are signed to Earache Records how did this happen and are you happy with the results?
Joseph: I believe Jon sent in some demos of "High Speed GTO" to Digby Pearson and He loved it. Here we are five years later now working with Century Media in the US. Seems like we are doing okay.
9. Can you tell me about the new single you have coming out, what's it called and whats it all about?
Will: "Kings Of the Highway". It is somewhat of strange choice for this band as it's not too heavy. There are two good leads from myself and Jake which highlight our own personal styles very well.
Joseph: Kings is the single because it is a big chorus... My vocal is very expressive and dynamic and might appeal to non-metal fans.. I'm guessing that's what the label is thinking.
10. What about the new album, is there any story or concept behind the title The Devils Cut?
Joseph: Well, I may be wrong... but I happen to have some Pentagram Tattoos... and some anti religious views. I think it was a nod from Jon. Well... Jon was it? lol.
11. Who produced The Devils Cut and what was it like working with them?
Joseph: Ralph Patlan,.... Dudes worked with Megadeth and Michael Shenker.... It was a blast.. and a great learning experience... being a producer myself watching his workflow was educational... though he wouldn't let me cook a steak at his house.
Will: The thing I liked most about recording with Ralph was he let me record on my own terms. I prefer to record at my home studio where I have full control and he encouraged me to do it. As a result I was able to give my best work.
12. Who did the cover art for The Devils Cut and how much input did you have on it?
Joseph: Cameron Davis and it is fucking awesome. He is the genius behind the Guitar Hero Drawings Including KING DIAMOND!
13. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Will: For me the goal was to make sure every member was able to have their own identity on the album. As we didn't write as a band I was worried we might sound like session musicians. But the way the album was produced allowed us to be our selves and let the fan base hear each musician for who they are.
Joseph: As the singer it was my job to re-write the vocal melodies to suit my Style. I'm a bit bi-polar vocally weaving in and out of styles and ranges. Creating vocal harmonies that carry the hooks really just to make Jon's ideas shine.
14. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Joseph: Preparing for tour and writing the next record.15. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Will: Damn it's all over... but the link to the new single is below and you can find more info at:
www.hrxrecords.com/whitewizzard
www.whitewizzardofficial.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnKnQ_EahYI
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