Matt Williams, Canadian guitarist and vocalist for country music group Western Avenue from Peterborough, Ontario. Interview August 19, 2013.
Western Avenue Interview
1. What’s new in the world of Western Avenue?
Lots of new stuff going on with us! We just had an amazing show on Saturday opening up for Trace Adkins & REBA at the Havelock Jamboree. Was such an amazing time! Looking forward, we have started pre-production on some new songs to be released next year. We are also releasing our first single “Wherever You Are” to the US/Europe on September 3rd. We’re pretty excited about that!
2. Where did the influences come from for the self titled album Western Avenue?
The influences for our Debut album came from all over…haha. We really wanted that arena rock big chorus sing-along style on our album. A lot of that comes from listening to bands that we admire like Sugarland, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard & Keith Urban. Adam Newcomb at Newcomb Studios had the same vision that we did & the end product is something we are extremely happy with!
3. Are you keeping busy concerts and tours?
Yes! 2013 has been an amazingly busy year for us. We are still doing shows in support of our release in February & are gearing up for a crazy busy fall/winter.
4. What equipment are you currently endorsing, etc.
Right now we currently have an endorsement deal with L’amplifier Microphones. An amazing company! Keith & I both play Takamine Acoustic Guitars. I personally love the TAN76C model with the Cool-Tube technology.
5. Without Social Media could bands and musicians today manage to survive?
The way the music industry has changed over the last few years, believe that bands could still survive, but they would have to rely on those big record contracts to get by like the old days. Social Media has leveled the playing field around the World. Now you can connect directly to your fans without the support of a record company behind you. It’s truly gratifying!
6. What were your earliest influences in life?
Music influences were always around my household growing up. I remember singing with my mother all the time around 3-4 years old. As I grew a bit older, I can remember my parents listening to bands like Queen & Tom Petty. I also remember quite a bit of Celtic music being played in our home growing up as well. I was blessed to always have music in my life!
7. What would be some of your main influences today?
Today I’m a huge fan of the majority of the New Country acts. Absolutely love Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Keith Urban & have become a big fan recently of Jason Aldean. Great tunes all around!
8. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Pretty much every KISS album that has been released. Enough said…..hahaha
9. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
Our day usually starts with a great workout. Show days we normally have an interview or 2 scheduled before sound-checks. Sound-checks at 5 pm – Dinner (or protein shakes..haha) – Push-ups – Showtime! Pretty boring actually….lol.
10. Where do you see music going in 100 years from now?
Completely run by computers…..or robots! ;)
Extra questions with Matt Williams from Western Avenue
Life without music would be probably the worst thing ever
Favorite movie = Old School
Favorite sport = Baseball (hands down!)
Favorite food = anything Mexican (especially Nachos!)
Favorite drink = Depends on the night. Give me a tall cold Canadian & I’ll be alright
Favorite saying = “the best way to predict the future is to create it”
Favorite car = Ferrari Enzo
Favorite book = “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy
CD or Vinyl = CD
Favorite band = Lady Antebellum
Star Wars or Star Trek = Star Wars….all the way.
PC or Mac = MAC