story /Ā Ā Mary Lynn Ritch
photos / Ā Alexandra Gavillet
I was obsessed with Jay Reatard, his band, and all his projects in college.Ā So after he passed away I didnāt know how Iād ever move on to another obsession. Then my friend handed me a burnt CD of King of the Beach by Wavves. After listening to that amazing fuzzy surf rock gemāI spent close to $100 to purchase the entire Wavves discography (for a new journalist $100 is like close to $1,000,000 just saying).Ā Admittedly late in the game, I realized Stephen Pope who was in Reartardās band joined Wavves.Ā I guess I never stray far from an obsession. Pope is like home ha ha.
For those of you that donāt know– Wavves are a San Diego based indie rock band formed by Nathan Williams in the basement of his parentsā house in 2008 as a project.Ā He started the recording project not thinking his idea would go very far. Then, after releasing a bunch of cassettes and getting positive recognition he released his self-titled debut album in 2008 and the rest is history.
Jump to 2015 and Williams and the members of his band have had a busy year.Ā Williams released music from his side band Spirit Club as well as the Wavves/Cloud Nothings āNo Life for Meā joint project earlier this year.Ā While bassist Stephen Pope and guitarist Alex Gates formed Authority Figure and played some shows over the summer.Ā Currently Williams and company are on tour promoting their up and coming and best album yet (according to critics) V set to release Oct. 2 and I got to speak with bassist Stephen Pope over the phone before he hit the road.
How are you doing?
Well weāve been doing this adult thing called practicing and I just got back from practice.Ā So, Iām good.Ā How are you doing?
Iām good, thanks.Ā I heard you had more creative involvement in the latest album.Ā Are you guys proud of the finished product?Ā
I definitely am proud of this album.Ā We worked pretty hard on this and itās already cool to see the fans singing along to the new songs.
Are you surprised with your growing fan base?
Honestly, Iām always surprised people want to come out and hear us play and buy our albums and merch.Ā Itās such a huge compliment and Iām so thankful for them.
If you werenāt playing music what would you be doing?
I didnāt go to college so Iām not particularly skilled in anything.Ā Iād like to work in a museum or something easy thatās actually fun.Ā Also, Ā Iād probably clean houses or something because that is quick and easy money.
What artists are you influenced by?
I listen to all kinds of music but I always go back to Total Control.Ā I love that band.
You have any advice for people wanting to play music or pursue art related dreams?
You should just do it.Ā I know that sounds Nike but you donāt have to go to school to play music or anything like that.Ā Just pick up an instrument and start playing.
Youāre known for partying and Iām pretty sure youāre approaching 30.Ā Do you have any advice for getting over a hangover in their late 20ās and 30ās?
I can definitely help with that one.Ā For one, hydrate to feel great.Ā Drink a lot of water.Ā As much as you want that Waffle House or greasy burger at 4 a.m. it feels good in the moment, but itās not.Ā Donāt do it.Ā Just say no.
I know you and the rest of the band probably get this a lot but I have to know.Ā Wavves has a song called āI wanna meet Dave Grohlā have you guys met him yet and if not, do you still want to meet him?
No, we havenāt and not really.
#stephenpopeforpresident2016
To preorder and stream V and buy concert tickets visit http://wavves.net/
Fall-Tour Dates with Twin Peaks and supporting acts Swimmers and Steep-Leans
Sept. 27 Opera Houseā Toronto, ON
Sept. 29 Newportā Columbus OH
Sept. 30 TLAā Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 2 St. VitusāBrooklyn, NY
Oct. 3 College Street Music Hallā New Haven, CT
Oct. 5 Paradiseā Boston, MA
Oct. 6 Irvingā New York, NY
Oct. 7 930 Clubā Washington DC
Oct. 8Ā Local 506āChapel Hill, NC
Oct. 9 40 WattāAthens, Georgia
10/11 HOB PeacockāHouston Texas