“Small Talk,” Big Sound: Waltzerr on Crafting Their New EP
Seattle’s music scene is no stranger to innovation, and Waltzerr is adding its own distinct voice to the mix. With their recent EP, the band isn’t just following indie rock traditions—they’re reshaping them. Blending diverse musical influences, Waltzerr's sound walks a fine line between experimentation and precision, resulting in something fresh but grounded. Their approach to songwriting is equally compelling, as they dig into personal experiences without tipping into sentimentality. In this interview, we explore how they’ve crafted their sound, the intricacies of their recording process, and how Seattle’s vibrant music landscape shapes their work.
1. Your new EP recently dropped to much anticipation. What can listeners expect from it? Any themes or sonic elements that you're particularly proud of?
KL: One of the things we’re most excited about with the EP is how it showcases the cohesive sound we’ve worked so hard to create. We all come from different musical backgrounds, so it’s been a lot of trial and error, but with the help of our producer Jesse Field, we really honed in on our ideas. He had this ability to translate what was in our heads, even when we couldn’t fully explain it. There’s this guitar part on "Here We Go Again" that I love—it started from a riff I played, and Jesse ran it through a Line 6 DL4 pedal to make it sound like a fire alarm, but in the coolest way imaginable.
AC: One of my favorite parts was doing some ambient background vocals for a track in Italian. It gave the song a unique vibe. Evviva!
2. Seattle has such a vibrant music scene. How has performing in the city influenced your sound and performance style? Any memorable gigs?
AC: Seattle’s music scene is incredible—everyone is so supportive. We’ve made a lot of friends, and I love how much energy people bring to each show. It really feels like a community where everyone shows up for each other.
3. Could you introduce us to the lineup of Waltzerr? How does each member contribute to the band's dynamic?
EW: We've got Kevin Lee on rhythm guitar, Schuyler Jensen on lead guitar, Anthony Coraggio on bass, Derek Hall on drums, and I’m on vocals.
SJ: When I approach guitar parts, I try to “tie the room together.” I want my guitar to leave an impression, something that sticks with the audience, but also reflects the character of the song—especially during sections where Emily isn't singing.
4. Every band has a unique origin story. How did Waltzerr come together? Was there a specific moment when you realized this could be something bigger?
EW: Honestly, this band is the product of three rounds of Craigslist ads. Kevin and I met first, jamming with a drum machine in my apartment, and it quickly became clear that this was more than just a casual jam. Right now, we're on the third version of Waltzerr, but it’s the most cohesive lineup in terms of vision and dedication. When we all met, it just clicked. We knew this was it.
5. Walk us through your recording process. Do you have any studio rituals or techniques that really inspire your creativity?
KL: I really liked how we recorded the EP and our latest single, Risk It All. We sent nearly-complete demos to our producer, who did some pre-production and sent back a version with his ideas for the direction. But, honestly, some of the best stuff comes from random moments in the studio. On Eden, we have this Portishead-style drum beat buried deep in the mix, and it just came out of nowhere. It feels like serendipity when you try a random idea and it just works.
6. Seattle boasts a variety of venues, each with its own character. Do you have a favorite spot to perform? What makes it special for you as a band?
DH: We’re at this exciting stage where we’re starting to play in some of the historic venues we grew up attending. It’s surreal to be on the other side of it. There are still so many venues we haven’t had the chance to play yet, but we’re excited about the possibilities. Learning more about the rich musical history behind these places—what they mean to Seattle as a whole—is like the coolest history lesson.
7. How do you balance vulnerability in your songwriting with staying authentic and true to your artistic vision?
EW: I don’t think you can ever be too vulnerable in songwriting. If you’re writing from real experiences and emotions, it’s never too much. We always tell each other to “dig deeper” during lyric editing. People want to connect with the human experience, even if it’s not their own.
8. Indie rock often incorporates a range of sonic textures and moods. How do you approach crafting those textures in your music, and what influences shape your sound?
KL: I spent a lot of time during COVID watching guitar pedal videos (shoutout to Pedal Partners, Collector//Emitter, and Sonic Circuitry). That kind of led me down a rabbit hole and eventually shaped the Waltzerr sound. A lot of my tone comes from indie rock staples like the Jazz Chorus, and figuring out how to fit that into our sound. As far as influences go, I think it’s a mix of listening to a lot of music and experimenting with cool gear until something clicks.
Waltzerr’s evolution as a band reflects both their diverse musical influences and their willingness to experiment, from their intricate use of guitar pedals to unexpected moments of spontaneity in the studio. Their collaboration with producer Jesse Field has sharpened their sound into something cohesive, yet distinct, and tracks like "Here We Go Again" and "Eden" demonstrate a balance between structure and serendipity. The band’s roots in Seattle’s live music scene continue to shape their performances, with the city’s supportive network of artists fueling their growth. As they move forward, Waltzerr’s thoughtful approach to vulnerability in songwriting and their dedication to crafting memorable, textured soundscapes make it clear they’re more than just a product of their environment—they're shaping it in return.
Waltzerr is opening for Daneliya at Barboza on October 13th. Get tix here
Seattle’s music scene is no stranger to innovation, and Waltzerr is adding its own distinct voice to the mix. With their recent EP, the band isn’t just following indie rock traditions—they’re reshaping them. In this interview, we explore how they’ve crafted their sound, the intricacies of their recording process, and how Seattle’s vibrant music landscape shapes their work.