Joan Wasser, a name synonymous with innovative violin artistry in indie rock, has been captivating audiences for years. While the violin might not be the first instrument that springs to mind in rock and roll, Wasser has masterfully integrated it into the genre for nearly a decade. Her time with The Dambuilders showcased her unique talent, leading to collaborations with diverse artists such as Juicy, Mind Science of the Mind, and The Grifters, where she crossed paths with Dave Shouse. This connection with Shouse eventually led to her joining Those Bastard Souls. Concurrently, Wasser embarked on a songwriting journey with Michael Tighe, a former member of Jeff Buckley’s band (adding to Wasser’s existing Buckley connection through Mind Science of the Mind). This collaboration blossomed into Black Beetle. Completing the lineup were drummer Parker Kindred, also from Jeff Buckley’s band and Grand Mal, and bassist Oren Bloedow of Lounge Lizards and Elysian Fields fame. Black Beetle marked their debut at a poignant tribute concert for Jeff Buckley in 1997 and have since been dedicated to crafting their original sound and songs. The band’s rising profile earned them an opening slot for Morrissey in New York City, their home ground, and a feature on MTV 1515, signaling growing industry recognition and fan excitement around the distinctive sound of a Black Beetle song. For those in the New York area eager to experience their music live, Black Beetle was scheduled to perform at the Mercury Lounge on June 15.
Alt text: Joan Wasser passionately playing her violin, a signature element of the Black Beetle sound, during a live performance.
Swizzle-Stick’s Chip Midnight, a long-time admirer of the members’ previous projects, particularly Those Bastard Souls and Jeff Buckley’s work, sat down with Joan Wasser to delve into the world of Black Beetle and uncover the driving forces behind this exciting new band.
Navigating the Modern Music Landscape
“You’ve been a part of the music world for a significant time. It feels like younger generations aren’t as engaged with live shows anymore; they’re missing out on bands that deserve their attention. What’s your take on this?” Chip Midnight began, probing into the challenges facing the contemporary music scene.
Wasser thoughtfully responded, “You could point the finger at computers. People are spending their time at home, immersed in screens. Think back to pre-computer days – that kind of sedentary screen time just didn’t exist, except maybe for television. Now, there’s this perception that people are learning and engaging in a meaningful way through computers. Perhaps there’s less guilt associated with computer use compared to television. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure, as I don’t own either a computer or a TV.”
The Vitality of Live Music and Discovering New Sounds
“So, does that mean you’re at gigs every night?” Midnight followed up, curious about her personal engagement with the live music scene.
“Some nights, yes,” Wasser confirmed. “I make a conscious effort to go out often because supporting live music feels crucial. But beyond that, I genuinely love being in that environment. It’s not just a sense of duty; I’m a live music enthusiast through and through. There’s simply nothing that compares to the energy and connection of a live performance.”
Alt text: Black Beetle band members Michael Tighe, Joan Wasser, Parker Kindred, and Oren Bloedow delivering an energetic live performance, showcasing their unique indie rock sound.
When asked about recent musical discoveries that had caught her attention, Wasser mentioned, “There’s a fantastic band from New York called Johnny Society. They’re friends of ours, genuinely brilliant, and incredibly entertaining live. I believe their records are available at Tower Records. They have a knack for writing timeless, classic songs.”
She also highlighted another collaboration: “I also perform with Anthony and the Johnsons. In that project, I play violin, contributing to an ensemble that includes strings, wind instruments, a rhythm section, and piano. Anthony is truly exceptional. He possesses an incredibly natural and powerful voice. He regularly puts on a kind of cabaret show here in New York.”
Black Beetle’s Priority and Future Trajectory
Expanding on her diverse musical engagements, Midnight inquired, “You collaborate with various bands and artists…”
Wasser clarified, “Primarily, my focus is Black Beetle. My collaborations with Anthony and the Johnsons are more occasional, fitting them in when possible. Regarding Those Bastard Souls, they recently concluded their contract with V2, their record label. Dave (Shouse) manages the business aspects of that band. He made the decision to terminate the contract and is content with that outcome. He recently reunited with the Grifters for some performances. Dave plans to write new material for Bastard Souls in the coming months, so we’ll see what develops there.”
Midnight then steered the conversation towards Black Beetle’s current standing: “So, Black Beetle is your primary focus right now?”
“Absolutely,” Wasser affirmed. “Black Beetle is my priority now and for the foreseeable future. I haven’t been actively involved with Bastard Souls for some time. We toured about eight months ago, and they undertook another tour subsequently without Michael and me. My energy is fully invested in Black Beetle.”
Embracing the Frontwoman Role and Creative Growth
Intrigued by her shift in band dynamics, Midnight asked, “Is this the first time you’ve been the leading figure in a band?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Wasser confirmed. “It’s a profoundly different experience. Also, this is the first time I’ve been the lead vocalist. I’ve always sung backing vocals, but never held the responsibility of conveying the song’s core message. It’s been incredibly challenging and insightful. It really forces you to confront yourself. Any self-doubt or insecurity is amplified when you step into the role of a lead singer. At least, that’s been my personal journey. But that kind of self-discovery is always beneficial. You feel a heightened sense of responsibility. In a supporting role, while you’re still responsible, it’s a different kind of contribution. I’ve genuinely enjoyed being in that supportive capacity in the past. Stepping into this leadership role has required adjustment and acceptance.”
Delving into the band’s progress, Midnight inquired, “Where is Black Beetle in its evolution currently? I know you’ve recorded a three-song demo.”
“The demo was recorded quite a while ago, between March and May of last year,” Wasser explained. “We’ve been in a phase of constant evolution. We still perform those demo songs, but we’ve written a substantial amount of new material since then. We’re continually growing and solidifying our identity. We are planning to record this summer with the aim of releasing something at the start of the next fiscal year. The label or distribution route is still to be determined, as we’re evaluating several options. We’re eager to get new music out there soon. We’re really looking forward to sharing our music with people because there’s a growing anticipation from our audience.”
The Allure of Live Performance and Touring
Shifting the focus to live performances, Midnight asked, “Are you looking forward to performing the new material live?”
“Absolutely, I really am,” Wasser responded enthusiastically. “I love touring and performing live. There’s such a great rhythm to it. Here in New York, playing shows presents unique challenges because none of us own cars, which is typical for city living. Transporting equipment to and from venues becomes a logistical puzzle, often relying on cabs. It’s just cumbersome. New York isn’t ideally set up for band logistics. So, the prospect of touring in a van, with all our gear readily accessible, feels incredibly liberating.”
Building Buzz and Online Presence
Acknowledging the band’s growing attention, Midnight noted, “You’ve already generated significant buzz – MTV and VH-1 have both featured the band, and several publications have highlighted you.”
Wasser expressed some surprise, “I know, it’s a bit of a mystery how that happened. The MTV feature came about because someone in New York heard about us, came to a show, enjoyed it, and decided to feature us. Similar story with VH-1. I think our previous projects have created a level of interest in what we’re doing now; people are keeping an eye on our developments. And I suspect the internet plays a significant role in spreading the word, especially outside of New York. How else would people know about us? I believe the internet is a powerful tool for discovery, which is amazing.”
Alt text: Black Beetle band promotional photograph featuring Joan Wasser, Michael Tighe, Parker Kindred, and Oren Bloedow, used for online promotion and to connect with fans.
Highlighting a specific fan base, Midnight added, “I imagine the Jeff Buckley fan community has been quite supportive of the band.”
“They have, definitely,” Wasser confirmed. “It’s a wonderful community to have supporting us.”
Independent Paths and Weighing Options
Touching on their future release plans, Midnight inquired, “You mentioned considering signing with a major label. Have you considered independent releases, especially given your experience with major labels in the past?”
“Yes, releasing music independently has definitely crossed our minds, and it’s still a potential path we might take,” Wasser explained. “The decision is still pending. We’re carefully weighing all the options. It’s a complex decision to navigate.”
A Lifelong Calling to Music
Transitioning to her personal journey, Midnight asked, “At what point in your life did you realize music was going to be your path?”
“I think I’ve always been drawn to music,” Wasser reflected. “My parents were always music lovers. They sang in choirs and were incredibly supportive of my musical interests. In third grade, public school offered string instrument programs, and for some reason, I just knew, ‘That’s it. I want to play the violin.’”
Unexpected Paths and Embracing the Violin in Rock
With a touch of humor, Midnight asked, “Did you ever imagine you’d be playing violin in a rock band?”
“No, not at all,” Wasser laughed. “Initially, I was a dancer for several years and loved it. I was balancing dance and violin. However, when puberty hit, I developed knee problems and had to stop dancing. That’s when I realized a dance career wasn’t going to be my future. While I enjoyed dancing, I naturally gravitated towards music even more. I was always captivated by the power of music and its ability to move you emotionally. The orchestral environment is incredible because you’re creating music with so many people. The vast dynamic range and textural possibilities are constantly exciting and kept me deeply engaged.”
Unwavering Dedication and Connecting with Audiences
Circling back to her career commitment, Midnight inquired, “Was there ever a moment when you considered, ‘Maybe music won’t be a viable career. Maybe I should pursue something else’?”
“No,” Wasser stated firmly. “I refused to entertain that thought. Maybe it’s stubborn, but I just wouldn’t consider it. The support we’ve received in New York has been incredibly motivating. We’re consistently drawing larger audiences to our shows, and people are so generous with their positive feedback. It truly reinforces my feeling that we’re creating something meaningful. Michael and I are constantly striving to write better songs, songs that resonate with more people and impact them in some way.”
The Reciprocal Nature of Music and Artistic Contribution
In closing, Midnight posed a reflective question, “Do you feel you give back to music as much as you receive from it, both through your own music and your appreciation of others’?”
Wasser thoughtfully responded, “I hope that I do. I deeply care about music and its power to connect with and move people. When I perform, I try to empty myself out, to become a conduit for the music. That can be challenging at times, depending on personal circumstances. But I feel I’m improving at it, and that process is personally enriching.”
Evolving Lyricism and Authentic Expression
Finally, Midnight touched upon her songwriting, “Do you think that if people delve into your lyrics, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of who you are?”
“Probably,” Wasser considered. “In our early songwriting, we used a lot of imagery. I love writing with images; it’s very poetic. However, I’ve also realized that relying heavily on imagery can sometimes limit a song’s accessibility, making it feel more ethereal and less directly personal. It can be deeply personal in its own way, but not as overtly as expressing direct emotions like ‘I hate you’ or ‘I love you.’ So, I’m consciously working on expressing myself more plainly in my lyrics, trying to make that directness my form of poetry, rather than solely relying on images. The images are personal, but I’m learning to write in a more directly personal way.”
Through her journey with Black Beetle, Joan Wasser continues to evolve as a musician and songwriter, solidifying her place as a unique and compelling voice in the indie rock landscape.
