FEATURED INTERVIEW: THE WYLDZ

THE WYLDZ
LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN!
Interview by The Dedicated Rocker Society

From Paris and now residing  in Austin, TX, Mitch Bassoul on bass and vocals, Alex Dhée on guitars, and Oliv Porrini on drums better known as The Wyldz play their own distinctive and engaging brand of neo-classic rock'n'roll that draws inspiration from some of the greatest musical artists of the 1960s and '70s Classic Rock era yet does so with a contemporary flair that feels utterly invigorating. 

All of that can be heard and felt on the band's American debut release, 'Human Rise', produced by Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar/Grady), whose production credits include Govt. Mule, North Mississippi Allstars, Warren Haynes, Taj Mahal and others – and recorded at Austin's legendary Arlyn Studios.

The trio first met while studying at the college of contemporary music in Paris, L'École Atla. They had all played  with one another in various outfits before uniting as The Wyldz in 2010 with the shared dream of creating a truly world-class rock'n'roll and the mutual determination to take their music to as many people as possible. 

The trio cut two albums in France, the second of which has "a repertoire worthy of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and others," declares Hard Rock magazine. On tours following both releases, they took rock'n'roll throughout a nation where such sounds are in short supply.

The buzz began after the band played some unofficial South By Southwest 2013 showcases.  Soon after they cut their American debut release, 'Human Rise', and are now ready to take their music to the rest of the nation and the world.

On 'Human Rise', the band's atomic-powered rhythm section drives each song to its fullest energy while Alex's riffs deliver searing leads like a true guitar god and Mitch's strong and sumptuous voice resonates with genuine power and emotion. 

Their songs are abound with themes of true human connection as the balm for loneliness and alienation, the power of love, striving to reach one's greatest potential, transcendence and other essential elements of life, woven into poetic tales to soar  into the stratosphere and beyond.

Given how quickly they've already begun making their mark in America, the stage is set for The Wyldz to ascend to some of the world's biggest venues and beyond, and make their indelible mark on today's popular music. Let the revolution begin....

We caught up with Mitch, Alex and Oliv to talk about their love of playing rock music, their American debut 'Human Rise' and how they want to share their music with the world. Here's what they shared with us.

Q: So, tell us how your band evolved?

"We were in different band's before but met in a music school in Paris. That's how we met and from that meeting we kept in touch. We wanted to play rock music and wanted to make sure we played it good. So we decided to get together. We sounded great and from there we did two French records. We got such a great vibe playing together and wanted to continue making rock music. That's how our band came to be."

Q: What is the "Rock Music" scene like in France? 

"The rock music scene in France is "underground". So for us, the best place to play rock music was to come to the U.S. Plus, we love America! People here in America are more open-minded when it comes to music, versus what it is like our country."

Q: Why America? Was that your goal all along?

"We always wanted to come to America, it's the biggest country for playing rock music. Our goal coming to America is all about sharing our music.  We are troubadours of music . Playing and sharing our music is the best experience for us. We want to make sure as many people here in America hear our music. As long as the music is real and the people listening to it can feel it, that's all that matters."

Q: Let's talk about your American debut release, 'Human Rise'. Did you already have an idea on how you wanted the album to sound?

"For us it was important that the album sounded natural. We wanted to record an album that was something true and raw. This is why we recorded the album LIVE with Gordie (Johnson). We didn't do any over dubs, it was pretty much "Plug & Play".  After our two releases in Europe we wanted to expand our sound from there. We always trying to take our music to the next level. We believe taking our sound to a new level is very important."

Q: How long did the album take to record? 

"We spent fifteen days in studio. Everything recorded LIVE because we wanted it to be emotional and honest and we believe we achieved that. What people hear on record will be extended versions of our songs that end up being all out jams!  One thing about playing live is that anything can happen. Our sets are different each night.  Depending on the vibe of audience and the vibe of the venue."

Q: What was it like working with Gordie Johnson? 

"Working with Gordie Johnson was great. He understood what wanted. He worked very close with us. He paid close attention to how we worked, how we talked and how we played."

Q: Any memorable moments in the making of, 'Human Rise'?

"All the moments in making our album were memorable. Getting up and going into the studio for hours. The over all vibe was just great. One memorable was having Ian McLagan from The Faces play on "A Little More Rock N Roll". Talking to him was great. And Stories? A lot of them!"

Q: Who are your musical influences?

"We grew up with the music from the 60's and 70's. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Also more modern day rock bands like, Guns N Roses and Metallica."

Q: You call yourselves "Revolutionaries", how so?

"We are revolutionaries in a sense in our minds. We want to bring people together in peace by sharing our music with them. To bring people peace and happiness through our music, that the goal we have. For us, music is about sharing, We want to share the riches we feel from playing rock’n'roll with our listeners.”

Q: So, would it be safe to say that, you guys are making music way beyond just becoming rich and famous rock stars, right?

”Something we have said from the start is if we can fill our fridges doing what we love, we are the happiest people in the world, We don’t want fancy cars or whatever. We just want to live doing what we love.”

Q: Are you satisfied with response you've received so far?

"Yes we are very happy with the response so far.  Each week we've been ask to do more show in the local Austin area. So the word on our band is definitely spreading. Everything is going well."

Q: We have to ask, your song, "Light As A Feather", was inspired by free fall parachuting. Have any one of you actually gone free fall parachuting? If not, would you consider doing it?

"We haven't tried it, but it would be something fun to do.(laughs)"

Q: Gentlemen, it's been a blast talking with you. Any comments or messages you'd like to pass along?

"Thank you very much. We will continue to make music. We looking forward to coming out to L.A. and do a few shows."

For more information on, The Wyldz
http://watzdatshit.com/Wyldz/