CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your music, what would it be and why?

CW: It is a style of hard rock with some interesting twists and hooks. With Owl, we want to take you for a ride and surprise you.

CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

CW: Emotions are key.

CH.89: What made you want to start a band & how did the name OWL come about?

CW: There is no band like us and Owl allows me to play the bass in my own style. Hard rock with upright bass and some heavy songs. My sense of melody is unique and I shoot for the exotic.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new album?

CW: With Things You Can’t See, there was a really great type of flow. I had Ideas and we watered the garden and it became something more than we planned.

CH.89: What would you want people/the listener to take from your music?

CW: The bold new places we go. The distortion on the upright bass, the raw power from the drums and the moody guitar with the emotional content of the vocals. Real stuff.

CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artists that inspire you in any way?

CW: KISS and Ace Frehley still do. I mean no one has taken it to that degree and I am not sure anyone will again. They constantly inspire me to this day. In addition to Owl, it is great to be in the Ace Frehley Band.

CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?

CW: I play upright bass with a bow with horsehair on it – I am old school pen and paper when I write. I always hire an amazing engineer and can appreciate what can be done, but it’s all about my ears really.

CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?

CW: Yes, because I know what it is like to travel and interact with so many fans over the years. I feel it keeps me in the loop and I feel the pulse and tone of people today. I want to express things that we all feel but in my own unique way with Owl.

CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?

CW: Traveling is brutal, to be honest. There are time zones and constant inconvenience and a bus of dudes. I still haven’t recovered from all the time zones in Europe on the recent Ace Frehley tour this past June. I would say it’s a means to doing shows. Often times you have to dig deep for the energy but once I hit the stage all bets are off and it’s a blast. A vacation is different than a rock tour. If I were to just travel and go somewhere it would be Hawaii.

CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?

CW: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and No Regrets by Ace Frehley.

CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your music?

CW: Owl’s third release Things You Can’t See is coming out July 28th and we plan on doing lots of shows to support it this summer. We are opening for Dave Lombardo’s band Philm on some dates.  I think teaming up with other artists is great.

CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?

CW: Ultimate expression with no rules. I have been in lots of bands and it is funny to me how boxed in artists get….that’s fear. I like to be bold.

CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your music?

CW: I am very happy to be in Owl with drummer Dan Dinsmore and guitarist Jason Achilles Mezilis. Our new album is my best work to date with these guys, and we are excited to play live!

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