Countdown to TREMOLO Shoegaze Music Festival 2024 // An Interview with WAVES CRASHING

• Thanks so much for the interview. Let’s trace the band’s roots and story:

The band formed in 2019 in Tacoma, WA. The band is now based just south in Olympia, WA. Josh Calisti (vocals/guitars) moved here from Denver (originally from NJ) and quickly formed the band. Bryce Albright (drums) joined a year or so later (Reno). As soon as I moved here I knew I had to get a band going again. It’s been a fun 5 years in the Seattle scene.

• What are your main influences and inspirations?
  

A lot of 80-90’s new wave, post-punk, shoegaze and grunge bands. The best era of music in my opinion. Moody pop/indie rock but very expressive. Whether it be electronic beats or loud guitars. I just love it all. Specifically bands like New Order, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, and Swervedriver.

• How would you describe your sound?

A blend of the above question/answer. Shoegaze rock. Or like we call it sometimes – wavegaze. Some have said Cascadia Shoegaze which fuses the life of gaze and the PNW together. Basically, catchy hooks with loud drums, spacious loud guitars and soothing vocals. It matches the mood and vibe of our surroundings.

• What does the word ‘shoegaze’ means to you?”
  

I think of the classics like MBV or Slowdive at first. Then it makes me think of that brief underground moment of really interesting guitar work that bent the rules on how to use guitar effects that still influence folks today.

• Tell us a little about your recording process and how you create your songs.
  

We do all our own production with our friend and engineer Joshua Charette. Who is playing his last show with us on bass and synth at Tremolo. We do most of it at his studio. He does the tracking and mixing and I do some parts at my home studio and then do the final mastering piece.

• Which song(s) are you the most proud of and best represent the band?
  

“Life on Display’” is something I still feel really good about. It’s hard to say that for every song after a few years. It definitely sums us up in one song. It’s also the song that opened a lot of doors for us. Otherwise, I really dig our new single coming out next week “Parts of Me”. Which is a little different for us. Blending new wave and dream pop in a more delicate way than usual.

• What kind of old/new music are you listening to? Any current bands/artists that you are excited by at the moment?
  

Yeah! I like this question. “Fully Beat” by Aluminum is a great album. Really interesting from this Bay Area band. I’m still loving Johnny Marr’s “Fever Dream”.

• Who would you most like to collaborate with?
  

Easy answer is also Johnny Marr. The guy has been in so many great projects and he seems like a really genuine person. Otherwise, I’d like to collaborate with some of my favorite local artists/friends such as Owen from New Age Healers, Michael and Erick from No Floor or any of the guys in Ten Million Lights. We have collaborated with Beatrix Sky on vocals for our upcoming new single, which was a lot of fun. It would be a lot of fun to do like a local super group for a single or two.

• What has been your best/worst gig so far (both as a performer and spectator)?
  

The best gig was probably opening for Ringo Deathstarr in Seattle. One of my favorite bands, so that was a great moment. Worst, well there are a few but let’s keep it positive here haha.

• What are your expectations for the upcoming Tremolo Festival, and what should the audience expect from your performance?
  

As being part of the Tremolo committee and helping build the lineup with wonderful folks Julie, Owen, Jim and Chris, there is a personal attachment and excitement about the fest as a whole. We know it’s going to be real great fest just like last year. Personally for the band, it’s Joshua Charette’s last show, so there’s that. We are also sneaking in a guest musician and a very appropriate cover for our set on Saturday.

• What are your plans for the future?
  

We have a new release of about 7-8 songs titled “Effection” coming out on March 20th 2025.

• Any parting words?
  

Get your 3-day passes for Tremolo now! Every night is killer. We have some really great out-of-town bands coming up from California, such as Sparkler and Supergloom. I’m excited to see them live!