Introducing White Wives

We’ve been talking about White Wives for awhile, ever since our friend Josh Massie joined the band and introduced us to what would become the soundtrack to our summer, their debut album Happeners.

Made up of five very talented gentlemen – Roger Harvey (guitar, vocals), Chris Head (guitar, vocals), Tyler Kweder (drums), Chris (#2) Barker (guitar, vocals), Chris Stowe (bass, vocals), and Josh Massie (keys, horn, vocals) – the band possess a fantastic blended aesthetic thanks to the differing backgrounds and influences of its members (if you think you recognize those names as members of ANTI-FLAG, Dandelion Snow, The Code, and American Armada, you’re right). Happeners walks a brave new line with tracks that reflect varying aesthetics of rock & roll, punk, indie rock, and beautifully orchestrated acoustic numbers, rife with stark lyrics and brilliant arrangements.

At this point I feel like it would be remiss of me not to mention that there are a lot of songs with whoa-ooohs on the record. I’m a huge fan of whoa-ooohs, aren’t you?

Until we learn to let it go / Until we learn we’re not alone. – “Let It Go”

Our readers have come to trust us when we recommend new bands, which is an honor that we don’t take lightly – we love sharing the music that makes our hearts beat, in hopes that you’ll love it as much as we do. We really dig all of the bands that we feature here, but I’ve never introduced a band to you that I love quite as much as I do White Wives. The truly solid, heart-wrenchingly good music that they’re making, combined with the incredible passion and heart that Roger Harvey and his bandmates put forth are key. I rarely ever say this, but Happeners is a desert island record, meant to be played from start to finish, on repeat, all day long.

Indian Summer, Indian Summer by WHITE WIVES

The Interview: Roger Harvey

You’re all involved in other projects, but White Wives isn’t really a side gig, is it? How did the band come together and what is the driving force behind it?

White Wives is definitely not second par to any of our other outlets. I would say it is just an additional forum for us, an umbrella to come together under and make music as old friends. Our process of coming together was really natural. I feel there has always been a driving force that has been pulling us together and our lives have been intersecting for years. Music has been the centerpiece. When we finally gave in last year and decided to sit down and write a record together it was the first time we embraced those feelings and felt like our lives could balance such an endeavor out. We’re living it out and our fingers are crossed.

Who came up with the name White Wives? Is there a story there?

Chris (2) and I came up with the name. We had run through so many different ideas at that point and I remember I had settled on one that was some sort of an allusion to Mexico. (laughs) I think Chris dropped White Wives and was pretty set on the name. It was much better then the other names we were throwing in the hat. I think we all started to like it a lot and it stuck for us pretty quickly. It’s origin seems an appropriate metaphor for the project we have created.

What do each of you bring to the table, so to speak?

You know, that is what is very refreshing about our band. We come from such different angles it is often times really amazing to be a part of our songwriting process. Seeing where a song starts and a song finishes when we get in the room together. It is very unpredictable. I feel very lucky to flesh out and interpret what we all are hearing. It is always so different.

What have you been listening to lately?

Mansions’ Dig Up The Dead. The best record yet.

What is the least punk thing about you?

Hmm, probably most things. I don’t feel very angry, more sad and alone than anything.

What are we most likely to find you doing at 3:00am on a Saturday?

I can never remember precisely.

Does anyone in the band have any hidden talents?

Josh is an amazing Iphone-ographer check out this tour video he made on our endeavor. Tyler And Chris (2) are amazing hockey players. Chris Head though quiet can fix just about anything that is broken, and Chris Stowe is Anniversary Club. Some of the most beautiful people I know.

Can you describe a White Wives show for us?

Very reactionary and circumstantial. The only thing that seems to be consistent is things get broken always. Thank God Chris Head can fix them. (laughs)

Are there any songs that you particularly enjoy performing live?

I love zoning out in the droning delayed guitar tone in “Another City For A New Weekend,” it develops and goes in a lot of different places. Generally we love playing all the songs we’ve got. We’re really happy with the record we made. The pay off for us is to be blessed enough to go on the road and share our songs with everyone willing to lend their eyes and ears.

What was the most memorable thing that happened on your recent tour?

We had the opportunity to build incredible new friendships with the Balance & Composure and Touche Amore folks which was truly amazing. Some the most genuine people you will ever meet. We’ll always have that. We miss them already.

What’s next for you guys?

Lots of shows are in the works for the Fall and Winter. We’ll be working hard and ensuring to get our record into the hands of the people who are willing to accept it. Each and every one. We are making lots of new friends in the process and very thankful for that. It’s a beautiful thing.

What’s on your rider?

Sometimes a few things, most times nothing.

Thanks, Roger!

Thank you!

Follow White Wives on Twitter and Facebook. Pick up Happeners anywhere fine records are sold. Follow their Tumblr for news and information on tour dates in your city.