A Short Interview with Wimps

Seattle-based Wimps put on one hell of a show last week at Sasquatch, and I had the opportunity to sit down with ‘em afterward to talk a little more about their recent tour, some inspiration behind their work, and some of their Seattle faves.

KXSU: Have you found the Seattle music community to be welcoming to a band like Wimps?

Rachel: We’ve all been playing music in Seattle for the last 10 years or so, and it has always been a very inclusive and supportive community, so even though all the bands have different sounds and genres, everyone goes to each other’s shows and buys each other’s records and stuff. We are very lucky to be a part of it. Bands like Tacocat are playing here. Childbirth, Chastity Belt, Mommy Long Legs, and Nail Polish—all of those bands are really great. It makes it fun because you are hanging out with all of your friends, doing what you love.

Dave: I agree

KXSU: What’s your favorite venue to play at around Seattle?

Rachel: I think it has changed as the venues change. We’ve been playing at Chop Suey quite a few times recently and that’s fun. We like to play a lot of DIY spaces like the Black Lodge and house parties. Funhouse is a great spot. Wherever they are having good shows, which seems like everywhere these days.

Matt: We like to move around.

KXSU: I love how the lyrics are more straightforward and honest in your latest release, Suitcase. Where do you get the inspiration for your songs to create this unique vibe?

Rachel: It’s the only thing I know how to do. When we write songs, a lot of it is based on things Matt has gone through and Dave has gone through. We just kind of write it out pretty straightforward because I’m not very good at metaphors. I guess it’s just how the songs come out.

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KXSU: What other acts are you excited to see at Sasquatch?

Matt: Dave you saw Yo La Tengo.

Dave: I was excited about Yo La Tengo. I’m bummed we missed Savages because we were doin’ stuff. I am very excited to see The Cure.

Matt: I am very excited to see Todd Berry, Scharpling, and Wurster. I really wanted to see Tacocat, but I didn’t get a chance to because stuff was moving around.

KXSU: Any stories from your time on tour?

Matt: Happy or sad?

Matt: Sometimes people come out and I don’t know if it’s particular to our band, but the last time we were in Baltimore, not this time but the last time, someone came up after the show who had a daughter with autism who was really into our record. People come out to see us from far away. We don’t really have huge expectations for this band, so we are pretty excited when anybody likes us, and when we get to do things like Sasquatch.

Matt: I don’t want to tell the bummer story.

Dave: I’m happy to be playing and on tour at all.

Matt: We are just looking to get maximum yum-yums.

KXSU: Anything else you guys would like to add?

Rachel: Stay in school.

Keep up with Wimps: Facebook | Instagram | Website | Bandcamp

JULIA OLSON | Having a hard time adjusting to life post Sasquatch | SU Student Correspondent