Start Listening To: Wax-Tree-Cast
We caught up with West Yorkshire’s indie-pop trio ahead of their latest single release, She.
Wax-Tree-Cast are a three-piece Indie-pop band from Halifax, West Yorkshire, formed in mid-2020, and consisting of lead vocalist and bassist Oolagh Hodgson, James Newsome on drums, and songwriter Blair Murray on lead guitar. Having garnered a phenomenal reputation for their live shows, from bowling over Kendal Calling to supporting Tim Burgess, the trio are set to perform a string of dates this spring, including nationwide tour support with Steve Mason and with The Hold Steady in London. We caught up with the band to hear what they thought of their budding live reputation.
For those unfamiliar with your music can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and something about the music you make?
Well, we’re a 3-piece Indie-pop band from Halifax, West Yorkshire formed in mid 2020. The group consists of lead vocalist and bassist Oolagh Hodgson, James Newsome on drums and myself songwriter (Blair Murray) on lead guitar.
Can you describe your songwriting process?
It’s a really weird one to explain because it hits me all at once or doesn’t really come at all. Like I said its weird because I see/hear the full picture! No joke, I can sometimes have the song, artwork and what the music video should be like all at the same time!
As a band we don’t really go into the practice room and jam it out and hope for something to come up, that’s definitely not us. It’s like an orchestral piece playing in my head knowing what every part should do. However, I usually have to break it apart write / record the demo as I go. Usually start with the drums as they’re a good foundation, I then add other instruments what I can hear later. Lyrics and the vocal melody always come last as that’s the cherry on top moment and then the band add their flair and finesse, bringing it all together!
What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your music?
It’s important that fans come up with their own opinions and interpretation of our music! I guess we definitely want them to keep coming back for more and buying tickets to see us live and get stuck in to the Merch haha!
Can you tell us how Wax-Tree-Cast got started as a band?
We started in mid 2020 when musically I was looking for change and really wanted to write new music that would suit more of a mass audience.
I had it in my head from the start that it needed to be a 3-piece band fronted by female vocal. Nevertheless, I would write the songs for the band. I’d previously seen Oolagh sing and playing bass in her old band and I just reached out and asked if she wanted to work with me and my good friend James, thankfully she said yes.
How did you come up with the name Wax-Tree-Cast?
There’s not a lot of thought to it really, I just picked a name that no one else has plus if you google Wax-Tree-Cast we would be the only thing to come up. To be honest I’m not a massive fan of the name but I do like the dashes between the words and the conversation it provokes! It’s definitely serving us well!
Your music has been described as Indie-pop, but how would you describe your sound?
I’d say the same really Indie-pop. Maybe alternative with a dreamy/punk vibe it’s hard to say… Let’s leave it up to the fans to decide.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your song "She"?
Well, I wrote “She” lyrics to provoke thought around disabilities and children taking care of other children. The song recounts a sad tale of abuse as a disabled younger sister is looked after (badly) by her sibling. The young girl decides to take matters into her own hands, and tragedy unfolds. It’s about two girls at breaking point.
How does it feel to have such a phenomenal reputation for your live shows?
It’s amazing! I see the studio side and playing live as a different project for the band, even though it’s capped under Wax-Tree-Cast, the live show is a lot more intense and very much a more raw sound as it’s just the 3 of us smashing it out and having fun!
Name an artist you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why?
Well, I’ve all ways been a big fan of REM and The Who as my dad used to play them in the house when I was young. I can always go back to many of REM albums and I’m a big fan of Document & Up. Well, what can I say Pete Townsend is a genius and Quadrophenia is a masterpiece.
What do you love right now?
I’m a big fan of Elanor Moss new single “Catholic” it's a tune.
What do you hate right now?
At this very moment, nothing I hate (just the weather and our cold practice room!)
Are there any particular artists or bands that have influenced your music?
Many! the number is way too big! but I’d definitely say Sonic Youth with their song Teen Age Riot - they definitely helped to shape the band's sound at the start.
What’s next for Wax-Tree-Cast?
We will be touring with Steve Mason in April and we’re all looking forward to that plus we can't wait to see the response from the new single!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians just starting out?
I’d say work on writing good tunes. Be the best you can be on your instrument, gig as much as you can. Not going to lie it can be hard work! But you have to keep trying to push boundaries and push for your music to break through - and at the same time you have to enjoy it as much as you can and be yourself!
I’d definitely recommend that all aspiring musicians need to be make as much as a presence as they can on social media - trust me it is a big part, you just never know who’s watching!
