‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.
A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
The Wake Up are a Palmerston North based 3-piece band comprised of Laura (Vocals), Chris (Guitar, Backing Vocals & Aux Percussion) & Caleb (Drums, Backing Vocals). While the other two are from PN, guitarist Chris is from Wellington & works out at the Hutt City Rockshop. The band have just released a new single Counting Sheep. Previous single Pretty Little Caption came out in April with some good press, and they have more new music on the way. We caught up with Chris and Caleb for a chat.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
We are a female fronted, high energy, 3 piece alt. pop rock band called ‘The Wake Up’. Based up in Palmerston North but Chris treks his way up since he lives/works in the Hutt. Laura on Vocals, Chris on guitar, Caleb on the Drums/BVs.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
We are releasing a new track every month & working on an EP which will be available this winter.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
We are on Facebook & Instagram but you can find our music on the usual Spotify, iTunes and Youtube.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Paramore – RIOT!
Fall Out Boy – Infinity On High
The Rocket Summer – Life Will Write The Words
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
Lucifer Gunne, Curly’s Jewels, We’ve seen and heard some good things from those guys!
What ’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
Caleb and I (Chris) have both played in several wellington venues in our previous bands, but we haven’t yet played in wellington with Laura in The Wake Up.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band ’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
I (Caleb) normally start with the lyrics first and melody tends to happen at the same time – over the years I’ve become quite proficient at the 3 chord Pop song structures so generally I will just whack a couple of chords underneath with a rhythm I make up in my head and Bob’s your Uncle. Chris adds the “sprinkles” – once he’s figured the madness that is my sense of time and rhythm with chord changes and pauses etc and then we create a demo of the track with hilariously tuned vocals for Laura to listen to so she can sing her sweet vocals on it.
Where/when is your next gig?
Nothing scheduled at the moment. We hope to make it down to Welly at some point. Check our FB page for updates!