By Kreig Marks, August 2024

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TRR:  Could you tell us about how your band formed and what inspired you to start making music together?

 

TW:  It actually started out as my solo project! I’m a drummer first, but had been dabbling in guitar, vocals, and songwriting for years, and wanted to challenge myself to try the frontman role. That turned into the first The Welcoming album, Decayed | Remade.

That solo album was received positively enough that I felt it warranted putting a band together, found these three talented dudes that were into the music and willing to learn the parts, and the rest is history!

 

TRR:  What would you say sets your music apart from other emerging rock bands today?

 

TW:  I think our music has a pretty unique sound. I know bands are more marketable when they fit neatly into a genre box, but all my favorite music is hard to pin down, so naturally that’s the type of music we wind up writing. For better or worse, we always stand out on a bill!

 

TRR:  How would you describe your band's sound and style? Are there any specific artists or bands that have influenced your music?

 

TW:  It’s heavy music for people who want to think and feel, a big mix of rock, metal, prog, and post-hardcore. Some of the bigger influences on this project are Tool, Coheed & Cambria, Thrice, Cave In, and A Perfect Circle.

 

TRR:  What has been the biggest challenge your band has faced so far, and how did you overcome it?

 

TW:  I wouldn’t say we’ve had any one big challenge, but a series of smaller ones. Like getting everyone comfortable with my weird drummer brain riffs, learning when to let go when the guys play certain parts differently than intended, getting more comfortable playing a less familiar instrument. Luckily the guys are all talented and driven and we push through any challenges together.

 

TRR:  Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances or recording sessions that stands out to you?

 

TW:  Shortly after I started using a wireless guitar system, I spontaneously hopped off stage and encouraged people to make noise with my guitar. It’s become a bit of a tradition. I’m not going to force people to come up to the stage, but I’ll bring the show out to them!

 

TRR:  What are your short-term and long-term goals as a band? Where do you see yourselves in the next few years?

 

TW:  Playing the Grey Eagle has actually been one of our goals, we’re stoked about it! Other than that, we’re more process-oriented than goal-oriented. We’ll keep making and releasing music, doing what we can to improve our live shows, and playing in new cities. I’d love to open with some of our favorite bands down the road, but whatever happens, happens!

 

TRR:  How do you approach songwriting as a band? Is it a collaborative process, or does each member contribute individually?

 

TW:  We’re honestly still negotiating that. Late last year we released an EP, Neptune, where each song started out as a riff or song idea by a different member of the band. We share riffs and song ideas, and I’ll combine the ones that I think work together. At that point it’s a matter of taking what I’m thinking about and turning it into lyrics, or letting the music inspire a vocal direction.

We have a lot of new songs in the works and we’re hoping to start testing them out at our upcoming shows!