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Spraygraphic Interview with Musician Sam Wiley of The Wiley One
By Spraygraphic | October 6, 2008
Spraygraphic Interview with Sam Wiley
SG: Please tell us about yourself and your band?
SW: Sam “The Wiley One” Wiley, was born in 1980 and grew up in Miami, Mexico City and Phoenix. Being the son of an author and artist, My first love was writing. At the age of 7, I began writing creative short stories, poetry and lyrics for his older siblings who were all aspiring musicians. I grew up surrounded by a musical family, which heavily influenced me to learn about music. I began taking guitar lessons from my older brother Michael Wiley (composer) starting at the age of 9 years old, singing lessons from sister Marta Wiley (WOMB) at the age of 10, and drum lessons from my sister Cristiana Wiley (WOMB) at the age of 12. I began composing songs at the age of 13, it was during my early college years at Northern Arizona University when I began to spread my wings as a singer/songwriter. In early 2001 I started performing locally and was being compared to various popular acoustic artists such as G-Love & Special Sauce, Sublime, Nick Drake, Jack Johnson and John Mayer.
My music is rapidly gaining recognition. Its unique bouncy-bluesy string style riffs combined with creative lyrical poetry has attracted audiences far and wide. My live shows incorporate acoustic, hip-hop, blues, jazz, reggae and folk styles. The band lineup consists of Wiley alongside New York-born bassist, Jay of the Funk, and the amazingly talented jazz drummer, CTX of Identity Crisis. The Wiley One has evolved into one of the most impressive up and coming bands in the Southwest. “No7 Kid,” has received enthusiastic reviews from The Phoenix New Times, among others, and is spreading like wild fire through the West Coast and beyond. Radio Stations from K-Rock in Los Angeles, California to The Edge 103.9FM in Phoenix, Arizona have featured live performances and airings of The Wiley One’s music.
Since The Wiley One signed to an Independent Record Label, Sundawg Records, in 2007, and our performances have ranged from main stage performances and broadcasts at the 2008 Summer X-Games in Los Angeles, CA and the 2008 Winter X-Games in Aspen, CO to the NFL Network Super bowl Party in Scottsdale, AZ, performing with such acts as Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Lord Jamar and Roger Clyne. They will be touring in the Fall of 2008 with their forthcoming album, which will be produced by multi-platinum producer Gardner Cole
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
SW: Right now Phoenix, Arizona is the place we call home. I also work from my home. I am the Vice President of a Latin American Construction Consultant company called Borderland Enterprises LLC. I manage and co-own an art company as well called Marta G. Wiley Studios. I represent my sister as the artist. She is unbelievably prolific.
SG: How did you come up with the name and what does it mean?
SW: Well Wiley is my given last name but the actual meaning comes from the word “Wile” which is defined as stratagem, trickery, and cunning, to beguile or to entice. I like to think of it as being a Wiley Person through the use of Art and Music. Hence, The WILEY One.
SG: What instruments do play?
SW: I play mainly Guitars & Vocals. I also dabble in drums, percussion and the piano.
SG: What kind of music does your band create?
SW: Acoustic, Hip-Hop, Blues, Reggae, Folk
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
SW: Creating and writing a new song is actually my favorite aspect about music. Being in the moment of inspiration and creation is by far the most rewarding and blissful experience for me. There’s nothing better than playing/singing the song you just wrote for the first time. I enjoy that more than performing, recording or recognition!
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
SW: I run, swim, stretch, breathe, go on a trip, and watch a documentary or a movie to get inspired. Anything I can do to relax and get centered really. Most of the time I just keep playing, writing and singing every day until that intense inspiration comes through. When it does finally arrive, you’re ready because you’ve constantly been practicing.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration? Well lately I have been focusing on politics, religion, the environment, sustainability, corruption, and metaphysics. I have already written my 2nd album which is full of betrayal and love. I want the third album to contain my ideas for social change and evolution.
SG: How many albums do you have out and what label are you on?
SW: I have one album out titled “No 7 Kid”. We are currently recording the new album “Kill it with Love”. I am currently signed to Sundawg Records.
SG: Where has your work been heard?
SW: All over the world through I-Tunes, My space, Face book, CD Baby, etc. We have played Arizona, California, and New York City, Colorado, Las Vegas, Portland, Canada, Mexico, etc. We’re just chasing the dream one bar/venue/festival/concert at a time.
SG: What is your dream concert?
SW: My dream concert would be to play the main stage at a big festival like Coachella or The Red Rocks! Any place where people come from all over the world to see music on a grand and peaceful scale.
SG: What is your favorite kind of music?
SW: Honestly, I love all music in all types of genres.
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
SW: I am heavily influenced by Bob Marley, Sublime, G-Love and Special Sauce, Nick Drake, The Pixies, The Chili Peppers, and massive amounts of underground hip-hop etc etc. One of my favorite bands right now is Modest Mouse and The People Under the Stairs. One of my favorite bands of all time would probably be Pink Floyd.
SG: What cd/mp3 are you listening to this week?
SW: I actually have been listening to “Acid Rain Drops” by The People Under the Stairs and “Night Swimming” by R.E.M.
SG: Where is your favorite place to play out?
SW: Well I always enjoy playing Flagstaff for its beautiful weather and laid back atmosphere. Our most enjoyable performances took place at the Summer and Winter X Games stages.
SG: Any final words of advice?
SW: Never ever think about what you don’t want!
Topics: Artist Interviews, Music-bands, Myspace Artists, Phoenix Art Scene, Sprayblog |
