ON TOUR AND INTERVIEW WITH WAX OWLS!

Wax Owls was so kind to have me join them on their east coast tour to capture them every night on stage. On top of an already amazing tour run, we were lucky to spend a weekend at Peach Fest: Scranton Pennsylvania’s good times and good vibes music festival founded by the Allman Brothers in 2012.

Surrounded by tie dye and jam bands, we soaked up all the sounds as we walked the festival grounds. Each stage had its own setting: one in the middle of a water park, which also provided a midafternoon yoga session, the main stage set at the bottom of a perfect slope making nearly every seat a good one, and the Grove stage, the smaller of the three but delivering tons of fun and major grooves.

Following tribute band Brothers and Sisters, our main attraction, LA based Wax Owls took the stage. After a brief set at a lazy river acoustic set, we knew the anthemic indie band had something upbeat and powerful to offer and the crowd was looking forward to it. Once on stage, front man singer/songwriter Gerry Hirschfeld, chuckled as he told the crowd of their comeback story: the band was wearing the same outfits as last year after being rained out three songs into their set. He offered heartfelt thank you to the crowd, many of whom had returned to see the band finish what they started the year before.

Kicking off the set with a strong instrumental intro, the euphonious folk indie band got the crowd swaying with arms up. To add to the energy there was not only a little bit of trumpet, but also a trombone. The crowd interaction was top notch; Hirschfeld talking to the audience like an old friend, bass player Matt singing harmonies with a warm smile, and drummer Chris’ lively stick tapping during new hit “Bring The Rain”.

Wax Owls played an immersive and energetic hour, with moments of clapping along and even a part in “Carry Me” which had every person singing along with the band. Some other song favorites include the catchy, “Stay A While”, as well as slower tune “The Lawyer” and their newest release “The Appetite”.

After the set, we got to catch up with the band. Read the interview below!

Wax Owls members include singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Gerry Hirschfeld, Drummer Chris Tsaganeas, Keys/Trombone Katie Velev, bass player Matt Moody, and guitarist Chris Bullard.

INTERVIEW

Q: It was your second time at Peach Fest, what was different this year versus last year?

TS: “The rain, Ha. I think having more shows under our belt, and adding new keys and trombone player Katie full time also really adds another dimension” said drummer Chris Tsaganeas.

GH: “There were definitely some same faces that wouldn’t have known who we were from last year. It was really cool to see those people singing along”.

Q: We caught your acoustic set at the water park earlier. It was awesome and quite the setting. What would you say is the most unique or memorable place you’ve played before?
GH: Bonnaroo, definitely. We also played Pilgrimage and had 3 shows in one day. Our third show started at like, midnight at the earliest, so there were drunk people just falling asleep. Oh, and Chris had no cymbals. That was the most memorable.

Q: We see that you’ve added new trombone and brass player Katie Velev. Katie, We love the trombone, it’s really adding to the set. How did you get roped in with these guys and how is it going so far?
KV: Well, I met Gerry in law school, and we played in a band for the law school. And then Wax Owls asked me to play with them when they were on the east coast last year. Shortly after that, I moved to the west coast and have been playing with them ever since. It’s going great.

Q: We love your new hit, “Bring The Rain” which has recently been played on Grey’s Anatomy. How did it feel to get a song on such a long running and popular show?
CT: Surreal. It was pretty special and hit me harder than I thought watching it in real time.

Q: For each of you, would you say you’re more of a Meredith Grey or a Cristina Yang?
CB: I really don’t know. If that says anything about my personality, you can fill in the blanks [laughs].
CT: Meredith. Coco makes me cry.
GH: Meredith.
KV: Which one is the type A one? Cristina, yeah Cristina.
MM: Is McDreamy an option? I choose McDreamy.

Q: We know you’re looking to release your debut EP soon. Anyone you took inspiration from?
GH: The National for sure, Bon Iver is also a huge influence, and I was really into Julien Baker. Oh, and Elliot Smith.

Q: Anything you want fans to know about the upcoming EP or anything you hope really resonates with them?
GH: I really hope the whole EP does resonate with them. I want them to listen to it as loudly as they reasonably can listen to it, without offending a neighbor.

A major thank you to Wax Owls for having me on their tour. Be sure to look out for their debut album, Cowboy Cologne, out this year. Also, a major thank you to Patricia Wood who coordinated and assisted with the interview and tour logistics.

Coverage and Interview by f28 Senior Editor Ricki Wood