Hello Readers, We have typed up a good amount of FanView questions for our favorite local band based out of our home state of Arizona!
We aren’t going to waste your time much longer and cut to the interview so we can immediately link you up with (the reason why we are all here) music! FanView is stoked to be able to share this with you and introduce some music lovers and readers what El West has to offer, We don’t think you’ll be disappointed after this.
An introduction to the names of El West along with their talent:
Bryant Powell – Vocals/Guitar
Thomas Brenneman – Lead Guitar
Ricky Powell – Bass
Marty Welker – Drums
Interview
FV-How long have you been making music together?
EW-We’ve been creating music together for almost 3 years now, with this current line-up. The band had been around for a few years with Bryant and a few others, but after a few lineup changes, here we are!
FV-Best coffee in town?
EW-So, 3 out of of 4 of us are kind of sticklers with coffee…very picky haha. The other goes for red bull instead, but Luci’s Marketplace serves some of the best coffee in Phoenix… Probably the strongest too haha.
FV- Something the band is working towards in the studio as far as the music process and overall sound?
EW-We’re always trying to create the best music we possibly can. We work really hard to create music we all love, music we all contribute stylistically to. We all have different backgrounds in music and its about finding a cohesive sound while allowing each other to share their own musical tastes. I think thats what we bring to table. Kind of a cross-genre blend of music and were constantly working to culminate that sound.
FV-Best moment/ news the band has ever received?
EW-To date, the best piece of news we have received was the phone call from Time Warner to open for Capital Cities, Grouplove, Leon Bridges and The Chainsmokers at the 2017 March Madness Music Festival. Receiving the news that Beau Burchell had agreed to produce our new EP is probably a close 2nd to that though.
FV-Dream Collaboration?
EW-Oh man, We’re all pretty big Radiohead nerds, so I’d have to go with that on this one. Writing with Thom York and Jonny Greenwood would be an amazing, and probably also a very interesting experience.
FV-Best fan interaction?
EW-I mean, all fan interaction is the best fan interaction! The most fun is probably through our vlog series on our YouTube channel. We have fans record an intro video to our vlogs and send them in to us to put in the video. It’s a really fun way to get everyone involved, and honestly, really cool that they would take the time to do that.
FV-If you had to pick one song from the bands discography for a music fan to get hooked on El West what would it be?
EW-At the moment, I’d probably say “Olivine”. Its definitely a crowd favorite and a sing-along at shows. It seems to be really striking a chord with people, which is really awesome to see.
FV-What does “Olivine” mean to you guys and whats the songs message?
EW-It’s just a really special song to us. I think in a number of ways. It was definitely a defining moment in us kind of finding our sound. Also, the lyrics were written by Bryant for his wife. He wrote the song about their honeymoon in Greece. Its about escaping everyday life. Getting away from the mundane and experiencing new things.
FV-News for the fans? Anything getting worked on now that you want to spill the tea about?
EW-Well…! Like I mentioned earlier, we just finished recording a new EP! We were lucky enough to work with an amazing producer named Beau Burchell, the guitarist of Saosin. He’s produced some amazing records as of late and it was an amazing experience. We couldn’t be happier with the finished product and cant wait to share these songs with everyone. For now, its getting sent of to be mastered here shortly and then we have some more work to put in to it before it gets released, but it should be coming soon! So keep an eye out!
FV-We know where the “El” came from for the name but what about “West” and significance?
EW-There’s really not too much of a crazy story behind it unfortunately haha. Bryant spent some time in Barcelona, and fell in love with a city called El Born. He thought it would be a cool band name, but it was already taken. So as we hail from the West, El West it was. We all really love where we come from, and we thought it would be cool to pay homage to it.
FV-Who were you most excited to open for Capital Cities, Grouplve, The Chainsmokers, or Leon Bridges?
EW-Thats a hard one haha. They’re all really great bands and have marked their place in the industry. Leon Bridges is very refreshing though and Grouplve is phenomenal, live as well. Bryant’s got a little dance music in his heart though, so he may say The Chainsmokers.
FV-Advice for FanView a music blog inspired to create the best content for the bands and their fans!?
EW-Just keep doing what your doing! It’s people like you all that make the industry special. The people that truly care about the artists and just want to give exposure.
FV-What artists brain would you want to pick or potentially interview?
EW-I would probably have to revert back to Radiohead for this one too. They have changed the game both on the industry side, and as artists. Especially in that cross-genre area.
FV-Which Coast is the Best Coast?
EW-We’re not trying to start any turf wars here, but WEST!
FV- Would you agree that a lot of music today just like El West cannot qualify for one singe genre and there is a New Sound Era that has to do with multl-genre sounds cutting ties from the music industries labels? What do you think contributed to this shift in music?
EW-I would say that there definitely is a surge in music that can’t be defined with a single genre. I love that. As far as it cutting ties with the labels, I’m not sure I would say that. I think there are a lot of great labels out there that represent bands that are kind of in the same boat as us genre-wise. I think a lot of labels are also opening there doors to more bands of different genres, instead of what they are used to signing. I think the cutting of ties with the labels is more so due to the fact that the industry is changing and many labels are just very old fashioned. They aren’t changing with the times. It’s not as important to have a label backing you anymore. Sure, the financial aspect of it helps, but there are plenty of other ways to make a living in the industry these days, or to get “noticed”. As time goes on, and labels have to keep finding new ways to make money, it becomes more and more unappealing to artists, because ultimately, their profits are at stake.
FV- Is there still a tour to look forward to? and where would you be performing?
EW-There will definitely be a tour to look forward to. For now, were focusing on getting everything finished up for the new release, but plan to be on the road in support of the new music. We will probably start out with west coast runs and move on from there. We’ll see where the road takes us from there!
FV-Dream Venue?
EW-Red Rocks! That place is amazing
FV-Who out of the bandmates would be left at a gas station on tour, and who would be the one driving away?
EW-I would have to say Ricky would be left at the gas station… and Bryant would be the one driving away haha. They’re twin brothers and they have that sibling rivalry thing going for them a bit.
Well, There you have it! This band responded with such awesome attitudes and in addition gave FanView a great new coffee spot to visit!
Thanks to the FanView readers and featured band, El West for providing us with content that the fans want to know about, per request! We are confidently that whats in store for this band is nothing short of fame. Take care everyone and we hope this interview was a good introduction to your next favorite band.
~Much Love,
FanView, M