HIGH WAISTED- Wild Thangs.
Interview conducted on March , 09, 2020
By Dan Locke
They are back with a new album! ‘Sick of Saying Sorry’ will be released May 22, 2020. Sick of Saying Sorry features a variety of musician friends and collaborators who added their various talents to make the songs come alive in their final forms. The album was produced by Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady – “a remarkable producer,” the band says, who was fully invested in the project both sonically and narratively, sparking creativity and inspiration for the direction as a positive force. High Waisted also enlisted Richey Rose (Wendy James, Tamaryn, Jennie Vee) on guitar, longtime friend and keyboardist Mark Buzzard (The Format), and Arun Bali (Saves The Day), who mixed the record.
Band Members Jessica Louise Dye – vox / guitar, Jono – drums
What was your upbringing?
Jessica: I grew up in the desert, driving too fast on old dirt roads.
Jono: I still have the music I grew up on in my cassette collection. My parents let me listen to any, and all of their music and I couldn’t thank them more for being so inclusive.
How did you discover music? If I got this right you were 2 years old?
Jessica: I didn’t get into playing music until my mid-twenties. I can remember banging on my car seat to Steve Miller as a toddler though.
How did you learn how to play an instrument?
Jessica: Stubbornness.
Jono: It all started in elementary school and eventually private lessons.
What are your musical roots?
Jessica: Classic rock!
Jono: SAME
How did your band get together?
Jessica: Stubbornness again. I really wanted a band.
Jono: We were trying to form a serious band but decided a party band would be more fun. Six years later, we’re trying to keep the party alive but real-life shit happens and finds its way into music.
How was Riot Fest?
Jessica: A beautiful blur. One of my top experiences as a musician to date. Our graffiti-covered van stood out like a sore thumb. I broke a shoe. No one threw up. Jono fell asleep in a leather jacket. We rode a Ferris Wheel during The Misfits. We got waaaaaay too stoned. We met some of our idols. We held hands. We laid in the grass. We hope to do it again one day!
What was it like to tour with people like Brazilian Girls, Shannon and the Clams, and Kitten? Did you teach you anything you like to pass on to younger bands?
Jessica: They’re all just pros. Great shows every time, full energy, putting all their heart into it.
How did you hurt yourself on a bicycle?
Jessica: I was doored biking (in a bike lane) in NYC. Scariest day of my life.
Jessica- How did you end up in NY?
Jessica: Initially I followed a boy who would later break my heart. But living in NYC was a childhood dream.
What is your connection with David Roback from Mazzy Star?
Jono: We’re big Mazzy Star fans and covered ‘Blue Flower’ a few years ago for our Acid Tapes series.
Digital vs vinyl?
Jessica: Digital solely because it’s portable and brings more music to more people around the world.
Jono: It’s so nice to flip through vinyl (and cassettes). I love tangible music–looking at the art and feel transported back to that time period is how it was meant to be!
Jessica- How do you get drunk for free on NYE at the airport?
Jessica: Clearly, I don’t even remember this but it sounds about right.
Jono: The better question is, how did she make it to the airport.
How did you get the title for your cd “Sick of Saying Sorry”?
Jessica: Because I am genuinely tired of apologizing to men and the music industry.
In your bio you said, your LP features and variety of musician friends and collaborators. How many people helped you out?
Jono: High Waisted has had many friends playing with the project throughout the years, some for years at a time, others for just a recording or two–collaborators such as Mark Buzard from The Format, Raymond Mason from Antibalas, Tab Kubler from The Hold Steady, and Arun Bali from Saves The Day. Stephan Nieslen and Richey Rose wrote and played on ‘Sick of Saying Sorry’, but no longer play in the touring band. Our newest lineup outside of Jess and myself is Our Jay Helton on lead guitar, Dan Rico on bass, and Nolan Williams on keys.
Tell me a little bit about your latest single “Boys Can’t Dance”?
Jessica: I like to think of it as the perfect song to get ready for a night out with your friends.
What is Femme Fatale?
Jessica: It’s a dance party I’ve been throwing for two years now, this May. It’s floated from venue to venue. It has had a variety of guest DJs, burlesque acts, balloons and many bottles of champagne consumed. Currently, it’s held the first Friday of the month at Home Sweet Home. I book bands from 8 pm-11 pm, then I DJ with my best friend and fellow Femme Fatale DJ Meow Devin while we all dance the night away.
Have you sent your video in for the NPR Tiny Desk Concert?
Jessica: We haven’t, but maybe this year we will…
Jessica- Greatest female guitar player
Jessica: I really admire Megan Talay. She used to play for us. She’s so talented.
Jono- Greatest drummer?
Jono: Those drummers who choose to complement the music they’re a part of. Keith Moon’s style worked for The Who, but might not have gelled with Jeff Buckley or Bonnie Raitt.
Jono- You are a photographer (you were former director of Photography at Refinery 29 along with being a video editor at Island Records). How do you see the music videos of bands handing in the future?
Jono: I’m not sure I fully understand this one but I love music videos that focus more on a story and a concept and don’t let budget get in the way.
Are you ready for SXSW? How much drinking will you be doing? (This was cancelled)
Jessica: I have a well-formulated regimen of sunscreen, hydration, disco naps and tacos. Works every year to maximize fun. SXSW is like summer camp. We get to see all our favorite people and escape NYC winter. It’s a dream.
Which showcases are you part of?
Jessica: I’ll be DJing for a few parties, one for Comedy Central, one for Fat Tony, a Shred Paddy’s, a Brooklyn Block Party and a few more. It always finalizes last minute. I’ll be officially announcing on our social media soon.
How do you see yourself in five years?
Jessica: Hopefully eating a hamburger and fries with friends. Carefree. Still challenging myself creatively.
Jono: Playing and producing music, continuing to make art on our terms. Landing a sync deal for an intro song in your next favorite series.
Anything you like to close with?
Jessica: Work hard, believe in yourself and be nice to others.
Jono: Vote for Bernie.
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