When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens,
Neil Diamond, and Simon and Garfunkel, the first time I ever heard Kiss's
"Detroit Rock City,"
it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious, aggressive and
mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphany's
since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and
revolutionary to your ears.
What have been your musical epiphany moments?
There are so many but one that stands out occurred before we became Wizzerd. One afternoon we plugged a phone into a bass amplifier and blasted Elder’s self titled record. That was the day that we became overtaken by the Doom.
Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?
Every song has a different story, it is a very collective effort all around.
Who has influenced you the most?
Tony Iommi.
Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?
The road.
We're all a product of our environment. Tell us about the band's hometown and how that reflects in the music?
Kalispell, Montana is a bit removed. The scenery is beautiful and the mountainous landscape definitely reflects tonally. In addition, being removed as well as being in a place with not a huge rock’n’roll population definitely adds to some of the energy.
Where'd the band name come from?
It was granted to us by the food of the gods.
You have one chance, what movie are you going to write the soundtrack for?
Shrek 5.
You now write for a music publication (The Ripple Effect?). You're going to write a 1,000 word essay on one song. Which would it be and why?
Syborg by Frank Zappa, because it is a relevant commentary on the implementation of technology into society.
Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?
Well, we have lots of guitars and we throw up on tour a lot. Plus there was this one time that Sam and Layne couldn’t find their way to the stage from the green room.
Tell us about playing live and the live experience for you and for your fans?
We thrive on high energy shows. We like intimate settings; the best shows have been in sweaty basements. If you come to see us, expect to get wet.
What makes a great song?
*who, Tony Iommi. Not Merlin, that’s for sure.
(Go listen to Merlin and find out https://merlin666.bandcamp.com)
Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?
The first Wizzerd song was Forest. We had other bands beforehand and had been playing together for a while, but this song was the first one to stick and give us some direction. We performed it multiple times before the band name Wizzerd came into play.
What piece of your music are particularly proud of?
If you have ever seen us live when there was a birthday in the house, you may recall our happy birthday song. We are particularly proud of this song because it is unique in its nature, and it has evolved into our most ambitious piece yet.
Who today, writes great songs? Who just kicks your ass? Why?
There are so many great things happening in music right now, but only Merlin gets to kick our ass.
Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?
All three.
Whiskey or beer? And defend your choice
White Claw. No defense necessary.
We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music. What's your home town, and when we get there, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?
Old School Records in downtown Kalispell, Montana.
What's next for the band?
Follow us to find out! @wizzerddoom on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc
Any final comments or thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?
Praise Iommi #bringbackthegrilledstuftnacho
