Will Gorin talks about Slothrust
Interview conducted on June 10, 2019
by Dan Locke
Slothrust consists of Leah Wellbaum (vocals, guitar), Kyle Bann (bass), and Will Gorin (drums). Wellbaum and Gorin first staked out their unique strain of jazz and blues afflicted rock as students at Sarah Lawrence College. After performing in various school groups, the two joined to create music with a “heavier” sound. In the search for a bassist, Bann later joined the band.
Dan Locke: How was Epicenter?
Will Gorin: Epicenter was, well, let’s just say it was epic. Truly, despite being the least heavy band on the line up by about 1000 pounds we had a great time and felt a great energy from the audience.
How is live music in Boston?
Boston has provided us with a few of our best live audiences. Our fans really bring energy every time we’ve played. We moved out of Boston over 10 years ago. When I was in high school there was a great DIY scene in Alston and surrounding areas but sadly most of those venues have since closed.
Did you ever have the chance to see Aerosmith in a small club in Boston?
Can’t say that I have, but I remember a kid I went to high school said his dad was the drummer for Aerosmith but quit the band shortly before they blew up. Never confirmed if that was fact or fiction though.
I am going to name a few bands from Boston. I would like you to say something about each:
Boston: I guess smart kids can rock too. Apparently, Tom Scholz went to MIT.
The Cars: The Cars know how to write a hit.
Dropkick Murphys: Drinking too much on Saint Patrick’s Day (also my birthday) in some Irish pub.
The Dresden Dolls: Gotta love a band that dresses up.
Pixies: Wrote one of the most Iconic songs of my generation
Marky Mark: Should stick to the comedic acting in my opinion.
Joan Baez: Not super my jam but I have a lot of respect for her career.
Billy Squire: Apparently, he was born and raised in my hometown of Wellesley and graduated from the same high school.
JJ Abrams: The filmmaker? He is a fellow Sarah Lawrence alum. Does he play music too? That makes him even cooler! (Jeffrey Jacob Abrams was born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles, the son of TV producer parents. Abrams planned on going to dental school, but decided to study film at Sarah Lawrence College. At 15, he wrote the music for Don Dohler’s Nightbeast (1982). In his senior year, he and Jill Mazursky teamed up to write a feature film, which became Taking Care of Business (1990). He went on to write and produce Regarding Henry (1991) and Forever Young (1992). He also co-wrote Gone Fishin’ (1997) with Mazursky. Along with other Sarah Lawrence alumni, he experimented with computer animation and was contracted to develop pre-production animation for Shrek (2001).)
Brian DePalma: Another filmmaker, born in Jersey, raised in Philly…He’s done some awesome movies but not from Boston apparently…nor a band… ( But he has)
Both you and Leah went to Sarah Lawrence College for Jazz and Blues. Why did you pick that school?
Sarah Lawrence was a really unique college experience. It is a great place for someone who doesn’t necessarily respond well to more traditional education. I think we both gravitated towards that and the importance of art and creative energy that the school is known for.
How the band did get its name?
Leah used to make music under the name Slothbox, over time the box rusted.
Why did you decide to record “Happy Together”?
At that point in time, we were young and eager to get into the studio any chance we could get. We just so happened to have a friend who was engineering at Adrien Grenier’s studio in Brooklyn and bought us in a few times to do what they were calling the “Wreckroom Sessions.”
How was your tour with Highly Suspect?
We love touring with Highly Suspect. We’ve known since our early teeth cutting days back in Brooklyn. We’ve all become really good friends since.
Tell me about Lollapalooza?
Lollapalooza was a blast. It was our first big festival so we were beyond stoked.
Will, what is the make and model of your favorite guitar?
I’ve been super into the Fender Tele Deluxe guitars. They sound and play great but what I really love about them is the ability to use the pickup selector as a kill switch.
At what age were you once you picked up the guitar?
I started picking up the guitar around 8 or 9 because my older brothers played. Didn’t start taking lessons till I was 11.
What was the first song you learn on the guitar?
Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Touring Japan to promote our 7th LP release.
Anything in closing?
Go, Sox!
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