Weesp was founded in 2008, since then the band has gone on to receive the recognition that they deserve, playing many concerts, including music festivals, being featured in various publications worldwide, as well as release material in terms of their own unique variation of music. Electronics synth member Stak discusses their time as a band, from the start to the very present day down to the future.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Stak: At the start of 21th century(2000-2002) Lex (vocal) came up with idea to create a band. His school friend Mike (guitar) really liked this idea, even despite the fact that both of them couldn’t play any instrument or sing. Then a little bit later guys decided to look for a bass player through local newspaper. And Mi (bass) was found there.
In the beginning Weesp (in fact there were no Weesp yet) had bad luck with drummers, changed a lot them, but after another casting Gul (drummer) became a perfect addition to the team in 2010. Also guys decided to improve their sound by adding some synth and that is why a twin brother of Mi - Stak (synth) have joined the band in 2010. Gul and Stak have changed few bands before they became Weesp.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Stak: The name ‘Weesp’ came out just like that long time ago. We just wanted the name to be short and unobtrusive to avoid putting us in any musical style limits. We like that it means nothing, just a name. Then we found that there is a small town called Weesp near Amsterdam. It was funny when local news reporter contacted us for an interview and asked about our name and I had no idea such town even exists. :) Later we came there and even gave an interview to a local radio.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Stak: We started from the deepest underground of the Belarusian scene and belive me it is very deep. :) In fact Belarus is known as the latest dictatorship in Europe, so no music market or good stage there. It grew a little bit lately but still is very poor. Major bands are coming at the stadiums, and it’s great. But it is hard times for small gigs even for the local bands. Anyway we keep playing gigs in our home town, and we enjoy it. You can see it on a live video ‘Live in TNT’ from ‘The Void’ presentation in Minsk, that was awesome. (Link here: https://youtu.be/vPVlzqJyhqI ).
And of course we have very cool bands here. For example:
Lastborn (link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgHwfW3LbgoNLhc4pwId6Q/videos )
The Burner (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU6gdHY2ovk)
Nebulae Come Sweet (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV2YdTLyWAk )
4. How would you describe your style?
Stak: We experiment with different styles, give the music all of ourselves, so do not adhere to some kind of cliche. I would say we play heavy something with guitars, electronics, in general clean vocals and stuff. It’s dark and heavy, but not metal music you just imagined. it’s depressive but dancing, guitar riffing but electronic, heavy but lyrical. To be simple - we play modern complicated alternative metal utilizing not only low tuned guitars but also a lot of analog synthesizers, with high attention to details.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Stak: We have quite a lot of releases since 2008. Three EP albums, a few singles (including tracks that were not included in any EP or album) and a long play album. Within a few months we plan to release a few new singles and eventually a new album which is called Black Sails. All releases are distinguished by excellent sound, full of electronic synth details and downtuned guitars - plus great clean vocals over it.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Stak: We have already recorded the material for the new album, and now we are preparing for the release. Also, we have several music videos for the new album in the process of filming. Follow us everywhere to know the news first!
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Stak: The next tour is scheduled for first half November. We will visit about a dozen of cities in Poland and Germany together with our friends Redlake Circus from Germany and Tension Zero from Poland.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Stak: Now we are working on a new album and before releasing it we plan to put out 3 singles and support them with music videos and tours. First video is being filmed now. It will be very interesting art experiment. First single is to be released in October.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Stak: You can support us on iTunes, Google Music, Spotify, YouTube, Soundcloud and almost any other streaming services. Also you can get our official CDs, t-shirts and other merch on our official website or Bandcamp. But the best way is to come to our show to get more from listening and having a memorable time with us.
Follow Weesp at social media and stay in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/weespband/
https://weesp.bandcamp.com/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/weesp/id925286149
http://weespofficial.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/weespwilldestroyus
https://twitter.com/bandweesp
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Stak: The goosebumps. Believe me, you’ll have them, ahaha. To be serious we’d like our listener to feel and remember all that energy, that we try to put in our music, as well as in our live performances. And for a moment to forget about an unavoidable fate and inevitable running of time. Stay true to yourself and to what you believe in!
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