Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Whittaker.
Hi Wayne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, let’s see. I’m a musician and I’m originally from Massachusetts, but I’ve been in LA for almost four years now, which doesn’t feel possible. I guess last year was a wash, and 2021 should only really count as like half a year. But nevertheless, I’ve been here for a bit.
While I’ve had plenty of experience writing and producing music, I primarily consider myself a bass player. In the “Before Times” I was splitting my time between touring and recording with various artists as a sideman. Then last year, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and ended up putting together a collection of my own songs which I released under the name Pigeon Club.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always hardships along the way, and that’s true for everybody. That’s just the nature of the game. I’m not suggesting mine are particularly unique, but I’ve struggled with anxiety my entire life, which is something a lot of my songs touch upon. After I finished school, I worked a string of soul eroding day jobs for a number of years before being able to move to LA to pursue music full time, which of course comes with its own set of challenges – some predictable, others a little less so…you know, global pandemics, and whatnot.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve played bass for a number of really talented artists and musicians over the years. I’m quite proud of the music I’ve helped shape with the band Haerts, most notably their latest record ‘Dream Nation,’ which was released earlier this year.
I enjoy the entire process of making records. I love writing songs, I love singing harmony, I love coming up with guitar parts or little instrumental moments. I’d like to think I’ve got a pretty good ear for what a song needs and I just genuinely enjoy piecing together each puzzle. But like I said, playing bass is where I feel most comfortable, most creative, and most at home.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yeah, I feel like I’ve learned a lot. Most pressingly, the importance of appreciating the moment, which in the past always sounded like a vague and not particularly helpful platitude. But having had every aspect of life thrown into an upheaval really has driven that message home. As someone who has historically taken a supportive role in helping other people fulfill their artistic pursuits, there was something a little foreign about taking the reins on my own project. Foreign but welcome. I like it.
The debut album from Pigeon Club is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.waynewhittaker.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waynewhittakermusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pigeonclubmusic
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/icyw6iQM0o0
- Other: https://pigeonclubmusic.bandcamp.com/album/pigeon-club
Image Credits:
Jeni Magana, Jason Lowrie
