Waldo Witt, who is John Waldo Wittenmyer, is a project which started in the summer of 2018 with the idea to record some demos while traveling on a months-long road trip across western US + Canada.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band – or is Waldo Witt all you?
Just me - Waldo!
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to performing under Waldo Witt? How long has the project been around?
I was in a band for a long time called Toma (from Austin, TX) and various bands before that as well. After we all moved away, I decided to go it alone and just release music under my own name.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
It’s just my name, Witt is short for Wittenmyer. Used to go under ‘Table Tennis Dreamer’ but moved away from that since it’s sort of evocative of a certain genre.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write and record everything. Generally I take introspective themes and try to represent them in a relatable way. This upcoming album in particular (my debut) I wrote during a time of intense personal change/doubt when I was living and recording demos from inside my van with my wife. I think the role of the artist in today’s late capitalist world is becoming more and more important. It’s a role that will continue to change and develop, so I don’t know what topics I will be writing about a year from now. Society needs the artist to relay information about a world that is seldom understood or that is not available to your average person. Hopefully I’ll be able to do something that brings people together and empowers them.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Garden City Movement, Toro y Moi, Tame Impala, Washed Out
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Like most kids I grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. Also was really into Slipknot when I was like 13. But my real first influences when I was first starting to play in bands as a young adult were your late 00's indie bands like Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, Ratatat, etc etc. Also will always love the Beach Boys.
What do you do to prepare for a show?
Usually sacrifice a goat, then do an 8 hour meditation… seriously though, nothing really. Just try to practice the day of the show so that you’re warmed up!
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
Writing this album has been a crazy experience and one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
The Beatles!!! Because it’s the Beatles.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Trump is the antichrist.
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