Florida doom/sludgesters Weltesser are in the spotlight for this week’s Meet The Band. Their full-length debut Crestfallen was just released. Drummer Mike Amador introduces us to his band, along with a little help from vocalist/guitarist Nate Peterson and bassist Ian Hronek.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Weltesser.
Mike Amador: Ian and Nate have been playing music together for years, in several other bands. Ian and I have been doing the same in another project. Nate moved out of state for a while, Ian and I started a new project and were looking for another member and Nate wound up moving back. We all knew each other for years and were all pretty good friends so it was the right fit.
Describe the songwriting process for Crestfallen.
The writing portion of the record was in our old practice space shared with other bands, and also with a motorcycle repair shop/sweat lodge (which smells of gas, beer, and dudes). In that mindset, Nate would come with a riff, Ian would adjust or add to it and I would play to the results. We moved forward with working on stripped down, straightforward and almost a punk mindset.
Is there a lyrical theme or thread running through the album?
A lot of it is past experiences and anxiety.
What are the pros and cons of producing the album yourself?
We definitely wanted to stick to a certain direction for this record. Each song had its place and had enough breathing room. Feedback definitely had its purpose as well.
Dan Byers was great to work with, and helped enhance our vision.
How did you come to sign with Prosthetic Records?
Our fans and a lot of folks pushing us not to stop and keep moving forward. It’s something we are very thankful for.
What has been your most memorable Weltesser live show?
We drove four hours through Hurricane Hermine for Rotten Fest 2016 in Tallahassee,FL. Made it there, and we ended up stuck in a muddy parking lot. Most people there without power in their homes stuck it out and helped us get through the mess. Needless to say, it was an extra dirty set that night.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
We’re having our record release on 2/11 in the smallest bar in St. Pete (Emerald Bar) with a few of Florida’s heavy hitters: Ad Nauseum, and Shadow Hunter. Then we’re hitting the road in May with Crud. More details will be announced soon.
What’s the best concert you’ve attended as a fan?
Ian: Sleep at Psycho California
Mike: Heavy: Sunn 0)) …not Heavy Dolly Parton
Nate: Tragedy
What’s the heavy music scene like in Tampa/St.Pete?
It’s up and down, but 2017 has a lot brewing on both ends, which we are excited to be a part of.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The Body – No One Deserves Happiness
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Crud, Ad Nuseum, Holly Hunt, Gaul, Yashira, Shadow Hunter, Disevered, Shroud Eater, Destroyer Fest
(interview published February 11, 2017)
