The desert’s metal music scene continues to grow with new bands and new music, and one of the latest adds is WISEMANSAY, a duo with Mikayla Fazzone and Shayne Winchester; the latter answered our slate of questions. Headbang-inducing guitar tones, annihilating drums and intense, screaming vocals are only part of the WISEMANSAY equation, as the band also effortlessly crosses over into soft, beautiful melodies from the instruments, and somber, singing vocal lines. The band’s latest single, “Gemini,” brings this intricate combination to a head, with more brutal guitar-chugs on full display. For more info, visit instagram.com/wisemansayband.
What was the first concert you attended?
Kiss with Aerosmith and Saliva.
What was the first album you owned?
Avenged Sevenfold, City of Evil. My dad used to get these CD catalogs in the mail, and the family would circle the CDs they want. Since then, I’ve been a huge Avenged fan!
What bands are you listening to right now?
Currents, Miss May I, and Good Charlotte—basically listening to some nostalgia and some newer stuff to get some ideas for future WISEMANSAY stuff, ha ha.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I know I will get some flack about it, but I am not a huge fan of punk/hardcore, ha ha. It’s not for me; I’ve got to have some dynamics in there.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Lorna Shore or Knuckle Puck. Or even on the same bill? Some pop punk and then end it with some deathcore? Count me in!
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Synthwave and country! Synthwave just sends me in a trance, and you can get lost in it. With country music, I was raised on it, and it’s “farmercore,” lol.
What’s your favorite music venue?
That’s a tricky one. The last venue I went to was in San Diego at SOMA. That one was so surreal! I hope to play there someday.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
One of my favorite lyrics that sticks in my head is from a band called The Amity Affliction. The lyric goes: “I have to carry on, but not without my ghosts.” That line is so beautiful. It shows that no matter where you go in life or whatever you do, you can’t forget your past and the things you went through—hence the words “my ghosts.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
This answer goes back to the last question: The Amity Affliction. The way Joel Birch (vocalist) uses his words to connect with the listener is amazing, especially with mental health. He’s the reason why I do vocals and for the way I use my words.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
How do you keep going? What keeps you from not giving up? The musician could be anyone.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Seize the Day” by Avenged Sevenfold. Ever since I saw that music video with Synyster Gates playing the solo on the casket, I knew from then I wanted that same thing, too.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
You’re asking someone who loves music, ha ha. That’s tough, but I’ve got one! Motionless in White’s Scoring the End of the World. So many bangers on that!
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“ENLIGHTENMENT (?)” by While She Sleeps. That ending solo is *chef’s kiss*!
