James Wagner of Pain In The Yeahs
D: Hi James, how's everything going?
James Wagner: Exceptionally well, thank you.
D: You are in and band called Pain In The Yeahs. Can you tell the readers who's also in the band and what roles do you all play?
J: Pain In The Yeahs started in the early 2010’s as a bedroom/lo fi project that served as escapism from general anxiety and various hardcore punk bands I’ve been a part of. Thus far I have written and recorded everything myself, with Jacki Paolella and my brother Jon Ryan Wagner (both audio engineers) playing pivotal roles in both pre and post production. The live side of the band has typically changed drastically with each release, but the last year has seen some much needed consistency. Bobby Phillips and Jesse Phillips of the production company Electroganic and the band Brothers Grizz make up the current line up alongside myself, with Bobby acting as stage manager and playing guitar, and Jesse on bass. Gabriel Perry is our sound guy and general tech wizard. I really can’t speak highly enough of the crew we have.
D: If you had to explain to readers what your music sounds like, what would you tell them?
J: I like to think that the music challenges what a rock band should or can be. A lot of people say it reminds them of the 80’s but still sounds like now. I’m constantly reexamining what it is I’m doing through the words of listeners. I try not to use genre titles because they feel exclusionary, and I invite anyone with ears to get down with what we’re doing.
D: Have you guys started touring for the release of the album? What shows have you played so far?
J: We played a series of events in preparation for our hometown CD release show - shout out to the incredible folks in the Philly and Charlottesville music scenes - all of which have been wonderful. We have a lot planned for the end of summer through the fall and are constantly networking with new places and people that want us. We all have day jobs and careers but we are eager to hit the road in full force spurts throughout the next year. If you want to see us, reach out!
D: Can you explain the creative process for dopamine noir, what's it like working on a group project / band?
J: My writing process is extremely manic and immediate. If you put me in a studio for a few hours, I’ll make a full song. Many times the song will already be in my head, sometimes for weeks at a time, and it’s just a matter of making time to sit down and play it for the first time. Being in the studio will always feel like home to me.
D: Are there times when you guys have a lot of disagreements when working on the album or did things just click?
J: I have always had a very specific vision for this experiment, and I’m fortunate to have surrounded myself with people that know how to help corral my creativity without imposing on it. Both in the studio and on stage, it’s those moments of what seems like telepathy that let you know you’re going in the right direction. Those kind of moments when one person is turning a knob and we’re both just smiling at each other, because we both knew that’s what the song needed.
D: When creating music, where do you turn for inspiration?
J: I cite Brian Eno pretty often, and his methodology is a huge influence on me. He has a mentality that encourages an imperfect, human element to music and art in general. The theory that perfection is characterless. My more immediate inspirations are typically extreme moods that take hold of me.
D: What are some of your influences in the music industry?
J: Oh man. I would have to say anyone that manages to exist within that realm while still holding on to their sanity and core values are my influences.
D: Since you've become sober, has it become harder to come up with creative inspiration for your music and other outlets?
J: Quite the opposite, my pool of creative energy has multiplied in quantity and quality since putting down the bottle. To the extent that I can hear how unfocused my output was prior. I’ve had enough hangovers for a lifetime, and I’m grateful every day for this newfound clarity.
D: How long have you been sober for?
J: It’ll be six months on April 22nd.
D: I feel like the creative community is growing for sure in NFK, what are some changes you would like to see, if any?
J: I would like to see a movement away from the normalization of heavy alcohol use alongside live music, and I would like it if people continued to be less inclined to whisper and more inclined to reach out with a helping hand.
D: Are there any projects you are working on outside of Pain In The Yeahs?
J: I play guitar in noise rock powerhouse Guiltwave and we have an EP coming out soon.
D: Are there any artists around the area you would like to shout out that you feel aren't getting the credit they deserve?
J: If I missed a band I’d feel terrible, so I’ll say this - Don’t ever feel like you’re not cool enough to walk into a show like you belong there. That anxiety lives in everyone, but music is for everyone.
Links to Music:
https://painintheyeahs.bandcamp.com/album/dopamine-noir
Jon Ryan Wagner (Audio Engineer & Producer)
https://jonryanwagner.bandcamp.com/releases
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