an interview with Wayne H. W. Wolfson
Wayne Wolfson's story "A Little Drink" is included on this very site. Recently, he has been hard at work on a cd of music, and he was kind enough to send us an advance single to check out. This is our interview with him, wherein we discuss his cd, writing, and random things that amuse us. For more info, check out his website.
How did you get started with the music? How did the hook-up with Grenadier happen?
Although I really only consider myself a writer, music is my main source of inspiration. Grenadier is one of the better artist based out of Boston. From me trying to be man about town our paths eventually crossed. We both like doing occasional collaborations, to keep the juices flowing and maybe be turned onto something new or at the very least a different approach to our art. We bring drastically different influences to the project but the same end goal in mind so it really works and is stimulating.
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The 3am magazine review described the single as "cinema-like." Likewise, the track made us think of Snatch, or Fight Club-esque soundtracks. How do you feel about the comparison? Was that a theme you were aiming for?
Above all else we definitely aim for mood or "vibe" Cinematic is a good description because with both words and sound we hope to conjure up images. There is no actual theme to the CD aside from atmosphere an atmosphere not of time or place but a possible feeling. Fight Club I thought was a good film, snatch I didn't like.
Do you agree with being labled as "trip-hop?"
Well, with music you always need some point of reference when describing it. Trip hop may not be 100% accurate, but I am sure there are worse labels.
What influences the music?
The music for this CD was influenced by the rhythm of my reading which is done before the music. The odd sound bites and a whole bunch of other things that I don't know about.
How do you decide what becomes a story and what becomes spoken-word lyrics?
I don't actually write lyrics. I just write short stories, then Grenadier decides what to try out. I am always writing, so there is never a loss of stuff to choose from.
Speaking of stories, what exactly is the reasoning behind such short reverie?
Paris Text? I like the idea of conflicted emotions, passion turned to spite.
Thoughts on Star Wars Episode II?
I don't go to the movies often. I have been to five movies in five years. I do rent a lot of them though. I just saw (the first) Stars Wars film today. The acting was really bad and the effects were really good. Pretty much what you come to expect from a Lucas film.
The basics: Where do you write/compose? Writing influences/favorites? Do you listen to music while you write? Your own cd, perhaps?
I actually have an office, in my home. I do all my writing there. I take notes now and then if a really good idea comes to me, usually on a napkin. I am able to retain most ideas/short stories until I am home though. There is something so pretentious about those guys you see in starbucks all in black with their lap tops. Comes across as very prop-ish. I listen to music almost all the time. Mainly jazz and classical. Mahler, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. I listen to the stuff Grenadier has done without me, but I don't really listen to my own stuff.
Outside of the upcoming cd, what future plans are in the works?
Well, we have the full length CD titled The Last Martini coming out around December. I will keep writing/publishing and Grenadier will release CDs of their own thing. I know they also do producing and are pursued to do remixes. Then maybe we will do small tour together, hopefully somewhere warm!
We at hobart are huge fans of facial hair. What is your own facial hair status and opinion?
I am one of those guys that can grow a full beard/moustache in under a week, so I am always trying new things and if it looks bad or I get tired of it I shave it off. Right now I have a thicker version of a cab calloway slightly angled. Think an upside down "V" It gives me that depression era carnival barker look.
Which movie is your favorite? Silver Bullet, Wolf, An American Werewolf in Paris, or Teenwolf?
To my shame, never saw any of these films, but I did just see "Dog Soldiers" An English military werewolf flick on SCI fi channel. Good for what it was, although I still don't know why it was called dog soldiers and not wolf soldiers or something. Well, I guess that's all. Should I say something profound or funny now? How about a basic truth which has always worked for me: Don't' be afraid of the ugly side of life.
What would be a personal list of likes and dislikes look like?
LIKES: John Coltrane's classic quartet. Drinking Absinthe while listening to Eric Satie. Fellini's trilogy of loneliness (La Strada, Notte Di Cabria, il Bidone). Vox Vodka ice cold. The sound of Belle Du Berry's voice. Any woman that can discuss literature while drinking like a sailor. Long showers, strong espresso and the woman that makes you need both.
DISLIKES: Open mic poetry nights. Any of what passes as popular music now, from Limp Biscuit (sic) to all the blur into each other boy groups. Most blockbuster films. The way the guy behind the counter at Dreigers makes my espresso (brew it right into the cup, not the little paper cup you are going to hand to me). Pop-Lit that becomes huge and makes all the house fraus who discuss it feel intellectual (think Oprah book club). People who talk on cell phones when driving. Giving someone younger than me the same advice I ignored at their age.