WRITTEN INTERVIEW: WEDNESDAY 13

At 40 years old, Wednesday 13 has had a magnificent career so far. Possibly best known for his work with Murderdolls, he has an established a completely solid solo career. 2017 will be bringing in the release of his 7th solo album, Condolences. Wednesday 13 recently took the time to answer a few questions I've had for him. Check out the Q&A below!


That Drummer Guy: Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview.
W13: You're welcome.

TDG: You are currently in the studio working on your next album, Condolences, slated for an April 2017 release. How has the album process been so far?
W13: It's been great, and def the longest I have spent writing and recording an album. We started in June and just finished today (September 1st). This album has far exceeded my expectations.

TDG: How would you compare this album to your previous work?
W13: Every record has been different, This one has it's own sound and vibe, and has a little bit of everything I’ve tried. In my opinion, this may be the ultimate Wednesday 13 album.

TDG: At this point in the game, do you feel any pressure to out due your previous work? Or do you just focus on making the songs that you want to make?
W13: Yes, I was worried that following up the last one would be a challenge, but after a few days of writing and I after I heard the first few songs I knew we had a stronger record.

TDG: With working with such a legendary producer such as Zeuss, I expect from the production standpoint that it would sound top notch!
W13: Yes, working with Zeuss has been great, I didn’t think we could top the last recording we did together but we did. He really helped us shape the songs and he pushed us to our limits.

TDG: How did you manage to land Deen Castronovo to play drums on Condolences? That is a great achievement to have him attached to this new album.
W13: It was really easy as Deen is our drummer, Kyle's, father. He is a big fan of the band as we are big fans of his drumming. Deen is one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, and has track record to prove it. It was a complete honor to have him on a track, and HE KILLS IT!!!!

TDG: You will be going on tour this late summer/fall for a pretty extensive US run. While unfortunately not hitting Minnesota on this run, I imagine it's going to be a fantastic show. How does it feel being able to do such great headlining runs of the states?
W13: Being able to go on tour and travel around the world and meet our fans is the greatest job in the world. I'm so excited for this tour to start, as I’ve been holed up in a studio for 3 months, and playing live is gonna be the best release. We have a great set and show this time around. It's gonna be a blast.

TDG: To those that have yet to see you live, what would you tell people to expect at a Wednesday 13 show?
W13: It's a fun show, and we really try to go beyond and above every night with the songs, image and show. It's a rock show done in the spirit of Alice Cooper and Kiss. This new tour is going to be even weirder and bigger than last time.

TDG: With being able to play a vast array of instruments, what is is currently the most fun instrument for you to play and/or write on?
W13: Always guitar but, I did not even play guitar at all on the new album. I helped with writing, but I’ve mainly stuck to what i do best, and I've just tried to concentrate and improve my voice. I feel it’s the strongest it's ever been and it's made me a lot more confident over the years.

TDG: Besides the release of Condolences, is there any other plans yet in 2017?
W13: The plan is to TOUR non stop and push this band to the next level. Next year will be a brand new version of W13, super charged and revamped !!!

TDG: Is there anything lined up for your other project, Bourbon Crow?
W13: We have a couple things lined up for the first of the year if all goes well.

TDG: When you are not busy on the road or recording, how do you like to unwind?
W13: I read a lot of forbidden history books and conspiracy books, along with documentaries on the same subjects. I also like to collect toys, it relaxes me and restores my youth, haha.

TDG: What's on your playlist right now?
W13: The new Gojira, and Killing Joke album have been on heavy rotation for me as of late. 2 great bands, and may I add very smart bands!!!

TDG: Once again, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. I've only had the chance to see you once so far at your show in Minneapolis with Holy Grail, which was such a fantastic show. I know I'll be enjoying you live again sometime soon. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven't brought up yet?
W13: Thanks for your time, and thanks to the fans for their undying support. We couldn’t do it without you, and I promise you that we have made a really amazing album that your gonna love!!

Be on the lookout for Wednesday 13's brand new album, Condolences, in April 2017!