EMQ’s With PHARMACOSE
EMQ’s With PHARMACOSE
Hello everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Hard Rock project, Pharmacies. Huge thanks to main man Wes Jones for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
I’m Wes Jones, and I am the singer/guitarist for Pharmacose. It’s a project that was born in 2017 after I met producer Lu Rubino through a mutual friend. I had some songs I wanted to record, and my friend recommended Lu Rubino to me. We recorded those songs under the name Digital Array. We ended up pulling that record and reworking the songs, as well as writing new ones. I thought we could use a name change, so Pharmacose was officially born. At this point, it’s become more of a collaborative project since COVID hit. We haven’t been playing any shows and while we’re all still working together, I’ve become the primary producer. It was necessary due to the lockdowns, but I’ve really fallen in love with it. I’d love for us to start playing live again at some point, but that might not be possible for the time being due to another related project I’m working on, but more on that later.
How did you come up with your band name?
Pharmacose is a combination of the words “pharmaceutical” and “comatose.” When I came up with the name, I had been thinking about antidepressants and mood stabilizers and how they affect those of us with mental illness.
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are in the US. I think people always say that Rock is dead, but they’ve been saying that for decades now. There is still plenty of great new Rock and Metal. Pop and Hip Hop are dominant right now, and I have absolutely no problem with that, but music is a cycle. Rock and Metal will be on top again at some point.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)
We just released a single called ‘Smash’ and our album called “Prescription Fiction”, which came out 18th February.
Who have been your greatest influences?
I listened to mostly Alternative and Hard Rock growing up, so that’s probably my biggest influence. Bands like Alice in Chains, TOOL, Queens of the Stone Age, Failure, At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta. Nine Inch Nails might be the biggest, though, because I love the combination of synths and rock.
What first got you into music?
I started playing the violin when I was about 6, and played it up through college. I kind of let it lapse, though, in favour of guitar. I taught myself to play guitar when I was 17 or so, and have been playing and writing music ever since.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Jerry Cantrell. The guy can do it all. I love the vocal harmonies he used to create with Layne Staley.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I lived in New Orleans for a few years and always had a blast at Voodoo, so probably that one.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I haven’t gotten any gifts from fans!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
“Prescription Fiction” is sort of a timeline of my mental health over almost a decade. I went through some pretty bad times, and the one thing I wish I had done sooner was ask for help. I think that’s the message. We’re never alone, even though it feels that way at times. Depression and other forms of mental illness have a way of warping our sense of reality. Please reach out. We lose too many people to suicide.
If you could bring one Metal / Rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Layne Staley
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love writing, producing, and recording, but I hate the self-doubt that comes with it.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Streaming needs to pay more. I understand that companies want to keep subscription costs down.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“De-Loused in the Comatorium” by The Mars Volta
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
I listen to music on the go, so downloads. Vinyl, cassettes and CDs take up a lot of space, and I need that space to produce!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
A couple years ago we played a benefit in St. Augustine, FL, for a local musician that died a few years prior. It was to benefit his family. It felt good to do our part.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Well, I am still a practicing medical doctor, so I would be doing that!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Ricky Gervais, Trent Reznor, Bill Burr, Dave Chapelle & John Danaher.
What’s next for the band?
We’re releasing Prescription Fiction on 18th February. After that I have a related project that I’m going to talk more about in March. It’s probably my biggest undertaking yet, and I can’t wait to talk about it more.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharmacose_band/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pharmacoseband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pharmacose_Band
website: www.pharmacose.com
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Biscuits!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Nothing that hasn’t been covered.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
