INTERVIEW: Wild Cub - Bunbury Music Festival 2014
Nashville indie-pop band Wild Cub - led by songwriter/composer Keegan DeWitt and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Bullock - is set to play the Bunbury Music Festival this Friday, July 11.
They are touring in support of their highly-praised debut album, Youth, out now via Mom+Pop. More recently though, they released the Letters Home From Far Away: Covers, Outtakes, & Live Recordings EP exclusively via iTunes. The six-song EP features live recordings of their hit singles, "Thunder Clatter" and "Wishing Well," and covers of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love," Drake's "Hold On We're Going Home" (recorded live from SiriusXM Alt Nation) and CHVRCHES' "The Mother We Share" as well as a previously unreleased track, "Shadows”.
I spoke with Keegan DeWitt in advance of their performance about their non-musical influences, outdoor festivals and more.
You have been compared to some great bands alongside the great praise you have received from your debut album. Who would you say are your biggest or even your less obvious influences?
“As a songwriter, I'm very rarely influenced by other music. More often than not, it's photography, poetry or film that gets me inspired to work. As a writer, it's definitely vital to stay hungry for music, to always be digging and listening and discovering... and that all sits in your subconscious and is certainly present and forms your tastes and instincts. But in terms of direct inspiration, it's usually something less musical.” – Keegan DeWitt
You will soon play Bunbury and you have also recently played the Hangout Fest, what do you like best about playing these big outdoor fests?
“Festivals help keep you excited and inspired to both play and make music. When you are in the midst of a long touring cycle, like we have been this year, you start to feel a bit drained. You play a similar setup every night. Festivals knock you out of your habits. They also give you the chance to soak up other music, meet artists you admire, and become a bit of a fan again.” – KD
I know that a lot of people are excited to see you guys play on Friday but what bands are you most excited to see at Bunbury?
“Empire of The Sun is a big one.” – KD
My favorite song on your excellent debut album is “Wishing Well” with its infectiously danceable rhythm and retro 80’s vibe. What is your favorite song to play live and why?
"’Summer Fires / Hidden Spells’ is definitely a song that has taken a life of its own live. For us, it's a very physical song, there are lots of drums, plenty of moments to really connect with the song and the room. Those songs go a long way live because they help you cut through the pretense and affect people. No matter what the vibe may be, a song like "Summer Fires" gives you the chance to up the stakes and melt away any inhibitions, both for yourself and the audience.” – KD
Recently you have released excellent covers of both Drake and Beyonce. Without giving away too many surprises, is there any chance we might get to hear one of those great covers at Bunbury?
“Very, very possible.” – KD
What does the future hold for Wild Cub?
“Touring through the fall, then we will shut down and I'll think about the next record.”
For tickets to Bunbury and for more info: http://www.bunburyfestival.com/ and http://wildcubmusic.com/
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