We had the opportunity to speak with The Wheel Workers, a five-piece indie band from Houston Texas! The Wheel Workers have an interesting mix in their sound that at times leans indie-pop and at others has indie-rock. Their ability to meld these genres together often produces a sound that is indie/electronic, but is laden with vocal harmonies typically found in the alt-country genre.
The Wheel Workers were founded by Steven Higginbotham who reached out to Craig and Allison Wilkins who had taken music lessons together as kids. They expanded the group and added Erin Rodgers on keys, Kevin Radomski on drums, and Zeek Garcia. Additionally, they have a close working relationship with their producer Dan Workman, who they consider to be their sixth member.
Most of the basic groundwork of songs come from Steven's mind, however there are moments when they come to something during improv jam sessions. The members also said that Steven is usually a well of creative ideas. However, reaching the finished product is collaborative in nature.
The Wheel Workers draw from a diverse array of musical inspirations. Some artists they cite as having inspired them include: Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Pixies, Sonic Youth, Mogwai, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, and Depeche Mode, just to name a few.
One thing the band hopes that people will take away from their music is the authenticity and passion they try to exhibit through it. They also want fans to be able to connect with their music for cathartic purposes, when this crazy world frustrates them.
The Wheel Workers are keeping busy despite a rough stretch because of Hurricane Harvey. They will be releasing a new album post-truth in November, some touring this summer, and another new album beyond their November release.
The Wheel Workers bridge traditional rock guitar sounds with synth and electronic music like few can. They are flexible in their sound and at times evoke comps to Pearl Jam and at other times remind us of Pinback. Their aforementioned influences can be clearly heard in their sound in an amazing way, especially given the diversity of their tastes. This is a band that has a little bit for everyone, with some more traditional alt-rock tracks and electronic work. So in short, y'all need to check them out!
FMI visit http://www.thewheelworkers.com/.