Singer/songwriter, Jaeger Wells is embarking on a new adventure with his upcoming debut EP. Produced by The Early November’s Ace Enders, the EP marks Jaeger’s first time in a long time writing and recording with a full band, including now full time member, drummer Vic Chan. With introspective and positive track, “What It Feels Like” already released, the upcoming EP promises to resonate with listeners.
We had a chance to chat with Jaeger Wells and Vic Chan about the new EP. Read the entire interview and listen to “What It Feels Like” below, and follow Jaeger on Facebook for more updates!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who may not be familiar?
Jaeger Wells: Of course! My name is Jaeger Wells I grew up in Maine and now live Houston. My comedic idol is Fozzie the Bear and I like to consider myself the punk rock Neil Diamond.
Vic Chan: My name is Vic and I play the drums alongside Jaeger. I grew up in El Paso, TX and I currently reside in Tucson, AZ. I like Star Wars, food, and all things music.
You’re just getting ready to release your debut EP – can you tell us a little bit about it?
Jaeger: You are going to see similar themes like the chaos of thoughts forming that you see in “What it Feels Like” but they come from a couple different places. On the bigger level, the EP deals with coming to terms with change and being okay with the ongoing struggle to understand it in your head.
When you’re working on these songs, do you have any goals in mind?
Jaeger: I try not to start off with end goals in mind. I like to create songs slowly, jotting down a couple lines about an observation that I make. I then usually like to sit on those notes for a while before revisiting – and then I try to analyze and understand what I saw, how it made me feel, what the meaning behind it was.
Vic: This is our first collaborative effort. I first met Jaeger in the studio back in February at the start of working on the record. It definitely a different sound for the both of us but we’re exciting about whats to come.
You recently made the transition from writing solo into a full band. Where did that decision come from and what made you want to make that step?
Jaeger: As an artist, I have long focused on getting in touch with the raw natural of songwriting – keeping it in a minimalist light of just voice & guitar. I felt like I covered the waterfront on that need and wanted to start expanding the musical depth of adding a full band. I think there is something to be said about pursuing the raw truth, but you can get a totally different dynamic from the interactions of individuals in a group – that can’t be touched by performing solo.
Was it a little nerve wracking at first, going from writing on your own to working with a group?
Jaeger: Admittedly, there was a little hesitation at first, but it feels like a natural progression now. It took me a very long time to find my individual voice as an artist and now that I am comfortable with that, I really am enjoying being able to turn that individual voice into a collective message.
Vic: I had originally signed on to just being the session drummer for the record. But after meeting Jaeger, we immediately clicked and he asked me to come aboard full time.
What has been the best part about writing with a full band again? How do you feel it has helped you grow as a musician?
Jaeger: The best part about writing with a full band is having the influence of other people’s tastes and musical styles coming on board. My drummer Vic Chan (Never Let This Go, My Girl Friday, The New Classic) has a really diverse musical background that he can pull in these ideas I would never have thought of. It has helped me grow as a musician by forcing me to think about how Vic plays, and how I can bounce off that whether in songwriting or in a live experience. Understanding that relationship really has taken my musicianship to a new level for me.
Vic: Agreed, this genre is a little bit of unfamiliar territory. I’ve been in a lot of bands (hardcore, rock, etc.) but I’ve never had the chance to be a part of an indie project. Our producer, Ace, really helped me think outside the box when recording the record.
You also recently released your single, “What It Feels Like” – can you tell us a little bit about this song?
Jaeger: I initially started writing this song about a couple friends who were in a relationship. It was a very rocky relationship where one of my friends was convinced their significant other was cheating on them constantly (which, unfortunately they were), but they could never find the proof. Watching this happen over the course of a couple months, I realized that it was more than just a song about someone cheating in their relationship – but it was more about the growing paranoia and anxiety that something horrible is just around the corner. By taking those extreme feelings, I wanted to put a positive spin on it that says “hey, what you may have feared is true – but it isn’t the end of the world.” It is about silencing the paranoia and taking a deep breath before being okay with jumping into the unknown.
Are there any other tracks on the EP that you’re really excited for listeners to hear?
Jaeger: It may sound pretty cliche, but I am so excited for listeners to hear the entire EP. Each song acts as a building block for the overall themes of the EP – so I think they are pretty cohesive, but are able to stand on their own individually.
After the EP drops, do you have any other big plans for 2015?
Jaeger: Vic and I are going to be taking our message to the masses once the EP drops – so hopefully we will see our listeners and new fans at a local venue near you!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Jaeger: I want to thank you guys! Vic and I have a lot of really awesome announcements coming up in the next few weeks so please stay tuned by following us on social media: Facebook, Twitter (@jaegerwells @chandals), and Instagram.
STAY CONNECTED WITH JAEGER WELLS: Facebook | Twitter (Jaeger) | Twitter (Vic) | Instagram