Nashville-based by way of southeast North Carolina, singer-songwriter Wesko (Wesley Keith Holmes) just released a four-song acoustic EP titled Familiar Spirits (Warner Records)—described by All Country News as “a project that fearlessly dives into grief, trauma, loneliness, reckless desire, and emotional ruin with striking honesty.”
Settling in for a bit before some solo shows and upcoming support dates for Warren Zeiders, Wesko took some time out for this OOTB Interview to discuss the new EP, vocal influences, teases a new project and his upcoming debut LP, and he answers some personal pick’s questions.
You have a unique sound and voice that seems made for the kind of tunes you sing. Tell me some of your influences?
Bruce Springsteen, Eric Church, Jason Isbell, The Beatles, Alice In Chains, and everything ‘90s grunge rock they all have helped to shape my art as it stands today.
However, I grew up on Carolina Beach Music bands and 70’s funk and soul—like General Johnson and the Chairmen Of The Board and the Band Of Oz; which you can’t hear very much in my tunes now, but you definitely will in the future.
I love the how your songs run the gamut from soulful ballads to songs with a “go to hell" kind of vibe. In the song, “Dreamer,” and you can correct me I’m wrong, there’s a reference to hooking up with someone’s mother as kind of a “screw you..” True story? Can you share details?
Definitely not a true story, but it was very exemplary of my attitude at the time.
I felt like an outsider, like I was cut from a different cloth than most people I met. Like I was bound and determined for more, and I was going to do it with a rock and roll attitude.
You’ve released a lot of new music and been touring. Are you still working a full time non-music job?
I’m not, I was running a saw mill until I moved to Nashville. Since I’ve been in Music City, I’ve been working on a project (top secret) and I’ve given it all of my time and effort; just in an attempt to create the best project I possibly can. I think I’ve done just that.
If you could perform with any three artists, dead or alive, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen, Eric Church, Layne Staley
Can you tell me three albums that you consider no skips, must listen to?
Chief, Eric Church
Nebraska, Bruce Springsteen
Søn Of Dad, Stephen Wilson, Jr.
What current artists out there do you think our readers should check out?
I recently just discovered this band out of Texas, called Ronnie And The Redwoods; totally underrated and complete rockstars.
Also, everybody should listen to American Aquarium, 49 Winchester, and James McMurtry. Peak songwriting.
Scenario: You just played a phenomenal show in a sold out venue. Where are you going to eat and what are you having?
I’ll take a large flat crust pepperoni pizza from Domino’s delivered to my room, because I’m going to bed!
What inspired you to release your new EP as specifically an all-acoustic release?
It’s my departure from the all-acoustic sound I've had for the last few years. It’s meant to be my last hoorah with just my words and some chords.
Everything from here on out is wired for sound, the beginning of my next step into my artistic growth.
With your debut album releasing within the next year, what can we expect and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
No holds barred. In both sound and songwriting.
Hold on to your teeth, ladies and gentlemen, because I plan on trying to kick them in.
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Connect With Wesko
https://www.facebook.com/itswesko
https://www.instagram.com/itswesko
https://www.youtube.com/channel
https://www.tiktok.com/@weskomusic
Photos: Sam Vins
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