We had the chance to talk with WSTR, an up and coming pop-punk band from Liverpool, UK. Made up of Sammy Clifford (vocals), Kieren Alder (guitar), Danny Swift (guitar) and Alex Tobijanski (bass) they are primed to take the world by storm.
Their debut album Red, Green or Inbetween, was just released on January 20th, and has found immediate success. Their EP Skrwd which was released in catapulted them into the punk scene and they haven't looked back. Currently out on tour with Seaway and The Gospel Youth, WSTR will see much of the UK with stops in Southampton, Glasgow, Manchester, and ending in London.
Crowdsurf Central: How does it feel to release Red, Green or Inbetween?
WSTR: We recorded it this time last year so it feels great to finally get it out there. We're really happy with the record and the reactions so far have been beyond expectation so we're stoked.
Where was the album recorded?
The recording process was pretty DIY. Everything but the vocals were recorded in Sammy's bedroom. Vocals were recorded by Seb Barlow and he took everything we did at Sammy's and did his thing with the mix.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I live quite far from everyone so we don't get the chance to write all the time but there was a period of about four month after the EP was released where I'd drive up to Liverpool every weekend to write and demo songs with Sammy. There were a few songs that were half written that we took to Seb during pre-production and finished them off there.
Photo: Danny Barrett
What has it been like working with No Sleep Records?
It's been cool! They've really given us a head start that we could never have expected so we're extremely thankful for that. We wouldn't be where we are right now without them!
You tour with Seaway and The Gospel Youth just started, how have the first few dates been?
We've only played one night so far and it was sold out! We couldn't have asked for a better way to start the tour. The new songs seemed to go down alright too!
Which bandmate has the weirdest habit?
Swifty requests cat food on our rider. He actually enjoys the taste of it for some reason.
What do you have say to those who say your sound is too similar to Neck Deep?
Yawn.
You're just starting out, but if you could tour with any band, which group would you tour with and where would you go?
It's gotta be blink. I've dreamed of playing with blink for years, let's be honest who hasn't? It'll probably never happen but that would be unreal. I'm gonna be boring and say I'd tour the UK with them just because the venues are so big here.
Settle the debate for everyone. How is "WSTR" pronounced?
Waster