VT: What are some key albums in your essential listening lists? Where do get your musical inspiration from in terms of songwriting? Are most from personal experiences?
JW: Some impactful albums are “Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk; “Torches” by Foster The People; “Rolling Papers” by Wiz Khalifa and “The Getaway” by the Chili Peppers. These 4 albums are the soundtrack of the last 5 years of my life. Hearing what they have to write about in their music inspires me greatly to also write about personal experiences.

VT: For new listeners who aren’t familiar with your music, how would u describe your sound?
JW: Hmmm…It’s a weird combination. Cause there’s one side of my music that’s got an electric/electronic sound to it, on the other hand, it’s infused with a Jack White style guitar with punk rock power chords. It’s quite an odd mix. At heart, I’d say I’m a rock artist, who likes playing with different sounds and genres. 

VT: You recently graduated from high school, Victor Central Schools, which prompted you to make a video shoot and release a one-off remake track of Simple Minds’ Don’t You (Forget About Me). Share with us why u chose that song as a remake and shot the scene-by-scene remake of the classic John Hughes film.
JW: Last October director Clay Patrick McBride and I discussed shooting some sort of music video, we didn’t know what for until I suggested the idea of recording a version of “Don’t You (Forget About Me) and sort of recreating key scenes from the John Hughes’ classic film, Breakfast Club in my hometown high school. At the end of the video, we did a scene of my band and I performing the song live to the senior class all up in there in caps and gowns which was quite special. Props to my principal, Brian Siesto for coinciding with me and the director for almost a year up to the shoot.

VT: You are about to go on tour and have plans to release some new music. Can u tell us what’s in store coming up?
JW: Yes, I have about 8 or 9 songs in the can that I have been writing for almost two years now. Honestly, I took some time away from recording this year after the release of my last album NUMB, but do plan on finishing up these songs by the end of the summer. I’m really into producing and recording my music myself, but I think with this upcoming project, I want to find some like-minded individuals who can help me make them the best that they can be.

VT: What’s your view of the music industry as a whole? The way music is being presented these days is so different than the days of Pearl Jam or Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Does it make it easier or more challenging for indie artists like yourself?
JW: It’s changed a lot with the fact that there’s TikTok and Instagram and people are going viral every day. It’s honestly easier than ever to become successful as a musician. But people often think because people go viral overnight that you don’t have to put any work into your craft. It still takes someone who is driven and creative to be successful.