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Alternative Addictions Exclusive Interview with Ryan Jordan of Greenwheel:
Ryan: No
band really inspired me to start a band. I never even thought about it
till we started this band. Which was pretty nonchalant. I've been
inspired by so many different bands/musicians it would take me forever
to list them. I've just always been drawn to honest art, whether it be
music, movies, books, paintings, etc. Art that is unique, honest, and
not filtered through this corporate idea that a lot of art seems to be
drawn through today. Ryan: Soma Holiday came from Aldous Huxley's book "Brave New World." It was a description of a euphoric feeling or escape and that is what music is to us. |
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Intense vocals, strong
hooks, and roaring guitars: this is Greenwheel. Quite possibly the
best new band of the year, this rocking quintet out of St. Louis is preparing to take the
world by storm. Their music has been compared to a cross between
Matchbox 20 and FUEL, but the only way to truly appreciate the talent of
this amazing band is to hear it for yourself. The incredible first single 'Shelter' from the upcoming Island release 'Soma Holiday' is just the beginning of the energy and passion that the members pour into every track. From the love sick 'Sustain You' and the frustration filled 'Breathe' to the incredible lyrics of 'Dim Halo' this album undoubtedly reflects one of the best new bands to grace the pages of Alternative Addiction. Take a listen to the song samples below, and prepare to be amazed by the extremely addictive sounds of Greenwheel.
Ryan
Jordan Vocals
The Debut Album from
Greenwheel
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AA: I know that
legal complications forced you to change the band name, why did you
guys choose the name Greenwheel?
Ryan: After being extremely saddened
by the fact that we had to change our name, Greenwheel was one of many
names we came up with. We stuck with it b/c of its simplicity and
familiar ness. It has no meaning, just a symbol for our music. Ryan:
It wasn't really a choice it seemed
reasonable and affordable. Malcolm was finishing a record so we thought
that we would compile all of our work before we joined with him. When he
finished we packed up and when to the Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg,
TN. to a remote cabin, and that's were it really all came together. Ryan:
I think the shed messed with our heads a little, but we were more coming
together as a band at that stage. In Gatlinburg was were we really
poured ourselves out and I think it had a lot to do with what we did.
The remoteness and scenery were truly inspiring, and I'm sure we will
take that into consideration when its time to write again. Ryan:
Whatever environment you're in, inspires
you. Whether it be a bathroom or a mountaintop. I would like to try a
few different environments for the next record that really inspire us.
Whether it be the beauty of the environment or the inspiration that
comes from another country/culture. I would like to have options and try
everything possible. Ryan: Malcolm really brought us together as a band. He showed us how to work as 5 people and how to tap into each other. We all gained a mutual respect for each other working with Malcolm and found a lot of talent within ourselves that we never knew was there. I think that Malcolm truly made the "band" in this collaboration of five completely different individuals and we all truly admire him for that. AA: I've noticed many of your songs talk of the frustrations of relationships, were the inspirations for these songs taken from a recent situation, or a reflection of frustrations long ago? Ryan: We never really think about what we write about, it just comes out. I still don't have a definite meaning to a lot of our lyrics, they mean something different to me depending on my mood. Lyrics come out during the writing of the music. It inspires me through what I hear and melodies come and emotions take over from there and then it's all brain to pen. Any filters or thought, or self-gratifying that is put into writing lyrics only takes away the true feeling of it. At least that is how I view my writing, just let it happen. Don't think. AA: What was it like being evaluated by all those record labels in New York City? Ryan:
Lets just say its very amusing having all
those suit and ties watch you. It is nothing short of being the up for
"Best in Show." You just have to look at who seems the most sincere,
which is hard to tell. Listen to your management, lawyers, and industry
friends when it comes to making a decision. Island and the staff seemed
to be concerned about a career for Greenwheel, not just a hit. And our
A&R guy Rob Stevenson has a great ass! Ryan: We're using Shelter as a set up track, and we are not shooting a video for it. We are in the process of finding treatments/directors for the video for Breathe. AA: I noticed that you guys have played some shows with Injected, what was it like to tour with those guys? Ryan: Injected are 4 down to earth brothas. We got along so great with them and we are looking forward to meeting up with them again here soon. They are like Greenwheel's best friend, and they're damn sexy! AA: What other bands have you guys toured with? Ryan: We toured with Flickerstick which was amusing to say the least. I wonder to this day how their livers are holding up. They are amazing musicians, songwriters, and performers. We were blessed to have that be our first taste of the road. AA: Having reached a point that so many bands dream of, what advice do you give the small garage bands out there? Ryan: Stay true to yourself and to your band mates. It's as simple as that.
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