Interviews: WELLBORN ROAD

This is a new interview with the Hard Rock/Metal band WELLBORN ROAD from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

So, I was living in College Station, Texas at the time and was just writing songs. I didn't have a band around me yet, but I lived really close to one of the main drags in town which is Wellborn Road. So, I just started calling it that thinking, hell at least maybe some of the local folks out here will buy a shirt or something.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It's what gets my blood going. There's something about heavy music and the bands that play it well, that can spark so many feelings. No rules to what we're doing either. We play some pummeling breakdowns, but also do ballads occasionally. But let's be honest, I like the big fat guitar riffs.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I knew our singer Scott Emanis and our Original Bass Player Dale "Cheese" Kahil since I was 12 years old. Met our Bass Player Jose "JD" Diaz through playing shows with his old band around Houston. Our drummer Phillip Pound, I saw him post on a show we were playing, something to the tune of "if anyone needs a drummer I’m available". We hit him up when shit hit the skids with our last drummer, and the four of us haven't looked back.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Mine would have to be Pantera. Was lucky enough to get to see them live and had a chance to meet all of them on separate occasions, which for the most part was pleasurable. Dime and Vinnie were some of the nicest guys I've ever met. Scott's is also Pantera. Phil really digs Type-O Negative, and JD said his favorite is Slipknot.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything inspires me. LIFE inspires me. Musically, it's taking in the vibes from songs that I’m really digging at the time. Not necessarily the nerdy "they're playing this scale and this time signature" shit. But more so the feeling it has. Lyrically, I tend to write about what's on my mind at the time. Our last EP "Resiliency" had lots of references to death and battling your own mind.

6. Where was your last gig?

Austin Texas at a kick-ass venue called "Come and Take It Live"

7. Where would you like to act?

Europe would be cool to hit. Bring our Texas groove across the pond. Maybe Australia too, those folks like to drink beer and have a good time. 8. Whom would you like to feature with? Hell lets shoot for the moon... METALLICA! But I'd say Black Label Society too, just to see which one of us could play the most pinch harmonics in a set.

9. Whom not?

We'll play with anyone... We're here to have a good time.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I always tell our singer Scott "I feel like shit. Stomach hurts." right before we go on stage. It's become a kind of joke. The best way to beat stage fright is to be prepared and have other guys in your band that you trust are ready. Practice like you play. Try to enjoy the moment. Not very many people get to say they play music in front of crowds.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Pantera, Metallica, Black Label Society, and Black Sabbath. Those were the bands when I first started playing that I wanted to emulate. They all have big riffs and versatility.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I had someone offer to pay me money to write and record a birthday song for their 4-year-old. They wanted an original “get after it” metal song, but wanted me to mention spiderman and basketball... Honorable mention, I autographed the interior of a Chevy Tahoe. That was cooler than it was weird though

13. What do you think of your fans?

They're incredible. We call ‘em the Brew Crew, and they're absolutely part of the band. We're a community. They support the other bands we play with as well. But when it comes time to jam, they're upfront in their Wellborn Road gear yelling their ass off with us. Setting ice-cold beers on the front of the stages for us. It's incredible. We try not just sit backstage, or by our merch at shows. We want to be out there with the Brew Crew because that's what it's all about.

14. What do you think of our site?

Extremely cool. Thanks for getting the Underground out front, and really appreciate y’all taking the time to give us some love. Cheers.

15. Something to add?

Support your heavy music community. Thanks for checking us out, and we hope to split some beers with everyone as soon as possible.