We as consumers and self-proclaimed critics like to find artists and songs that make us feel vindicated and in some cases depressed, though in most it is just to be listening to the same thing as everyone else. In the Clusterf%$# that is modern music, we have to wonder, how did we go from Mozart to the Butthole surfers, from "Fur Elise" to "F$#@ing an Animal". At this time there are bands that really try to innovate, to try and meld old styles with the now, but they are usually lost in the mainstream beneath mega bands that toss in a piano or violin to sound tragic or classic. What music style truly fosters creativity really makes someone go out and find what makes true music, has no set course, and instead takes you through a carnival of sounds and lyrics. If you answered Grindcore or some other style from our time, then you are sorely mistaken. The only real "Chaotic Creativity" style is that of Jazz and or Swing.
Coming from the black communities of the US during the 20's, Jazz and Swing were forces of change and originality, diverging from the past with new and wild sounds. Jazz was erratic and ever changing, one note or verse would come by and never be heard again, the songs were meant to keep you guessing as to how it would end, or if it would end at all. An upbeat tune kept the listener completely at attention as it told you how a woman became a whore, how a gambler lost all he had, how a man became a drunk and how a card game ended with the barrel of a gun. The songs ranged from fast and untameable to slow and morose, but it would always keep to the element of surprise and either get everyone to jump 50 feet into the air or bring them crashing down to the floor. Jazz and Swing were considered "Devil's Music" by many of the older generations, considering its glorification of fast times and hard luck a sin. Jazz and Swing had an energy that you can’t find in music unless you dig through all the white noise that hides those few bytes of gold.
An Artist that embodies this feel of individuality and creativity is found in one Wolfgang Parker. A Swing/Punk band from Columbus, Ohio, this group has the look and feel of an old gangster flick in a speak-easy. Coupled with a sound that could actually come from the roaring 20's or the depressed 30's, the harsh beats and vibrant lyrics of songs such as "Whisper Something German" or "Room Nineteen" are a definite have for musical have-nots. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Parker, and all I can say is that if you're sensitive to the truth, find something nicer to read...
Q: What bands most influenced your sound?
A: Most influenced is a good way to ask that question. A million artists have influenced me but there are an obvious select few that my work shows very blatantly. Social Distortion, Cab Calloway, The Stray Cats, Chris Isaak, D'Jango Reinheart and Sinatra.
Q: What do you think of bands such as Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Others?
A: They have nothing to do with me or my art. I think the same as I did of Limp Bizkit and all of the other bands that have come and gone since I started. For the most part, commercial music is just that- commercial. Since your asking my opinion, they are all shit. Music is in a terrible state. "Punk" seems to mean having the same tattoos and outfit as everyone else. Individualism seems to mean nothing. If you think being a cookie-cutter scenester is going to earn you real credibility, think again. It makes you a drone. Start thinking for yourself and raise the fucking bar.
Q: Do you listen to older musical Artists, such as Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong Sinatra?
A: Yes. It is important to understand where the music you love came from. Most musicians have no idea how Western Music evolved from Classical to Electronic but there was a definite progression. I think it is the responsibility of the artist to learn. It makes the music you make richer when you do learn the lineage and you learn where you fit in.
Q: What made you go into music?
A: Girls.
Q: Any Advice to young groups?
A: Yes. Quit now. This business is tougher than you ever imagined and it will chew you up and spit you out. A life filled with personal tragedy might make for a good movie and a cool documentary but trust me, it isn't something you want to live. Contribute to society. Do something noble. Music is a selfish game and it's full of worthless ass-holes.
Q: What is your favourite Jazz Instrument?
A: Guitar. Fuck horns.
Wolfgang Parker Performs Sing Sing Sing at The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
