Loud Magazine: What do you think makes your music stand out from other artists in the scene?
Wesley Adams Cook: The fact that it’s in English differentiates me from many across the globe. However, if we’re talking musically, probably the variation of style and lyrical content. That and the intentions I make before recording for how it can uplift people in their lives.
Loud Magazine: How do you balance the need for artistic freedom with the realities of commercial success?
Wesley Adams Cook: My life is artistic freedom. I’ll let you know if commercial success comes along.
Loud Magazine: If your music could evoke one emotion in listeners, what would it be, and why?
Wesley Adams Cook: The need to pay for my music. Why? Because I’d make a hell of a lot more sales that way.
There’s not one emotion. My songs evoke many different feelings. If I had my choice, it would be that listeners take time with the lyrics and music together, and actively sit with what it brings up in them. As I mentioned before: strong intentions for my music when I go into recording.
Loud Magazine: Who are your biggest non-musical influences, and how do they shape your art?
Wesley Adams Cook: Oh that would most likely be the cinema, or movies as the current lingo goes.
They can tell great stories and I like my music to tell stories. Movies happen to be my favorite story medium.
Loud Magazine: How do you manage the business side of your career while staying creative and focused on music?
Wesley Adams Cook: Pretty easy. Wake up. Look at all the business stuff that isn’t there for me to do and go, “Well, time to focus on my art.” There are business decisions scattered here and there, but I tend to take care of those quickly so I can focus on my art.
Loud Magazine: What role do visuals play in complementing your music, and how involved are you in the process?
Wesley Adams Cook: If by visuals you mean photography and videos, they can add depth and enjoyment to my music. They make excellent companions, and I make all of my music videos myself. Lyrically, visuals play a tremendous role in painting the stories I write about.
Loud Magazine: What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your music career, and what was the outcome?
Wesley Adams Cook: Putting my money into this and trusting the process. Thus far, I’ve created two albums that I’m quite proud of. It has also started the ball rolling with me getting my music out into the world.
Loud Magazine: If you had to pick one song to introduce yourself to someone, which one would it be and why?
Wesley Adams Cook: “Where Did You Go?”, “Chasing Dragons”, or “Bluff”. I like how they sound with my voice and the lyrical visuals are very rich.
Loud Magazine: What’s the most important lesson you've learned about perseverance and growth as an artist?
Wesley Adams Cook: It’s pretty much an essential component. You have to have endurance to grow, and the only way to continue expanding as an artist is to grow. You just have to keep moving forward regardless of what comes at you. For some, making it commercially might be the pinnacle of success they’re aiming for, but continuing forward as an artist whether or not that happens allows creativity and the artistic journey to develop you as a person, and if you stop you undercut that process.
Loud Magazine: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what’s been the most meaningful fan interaction so far?
Wesley Adams Cook: Definitely raffles. I haven’t thrown one yet, but I imagine my fan base continues to follow me in hopes that I’ll eventually do one. Staying true to my process has allowed me the pleasure of having fans share this journey with me. This is a big reason to put your stuff out there. It’s not as much fun doing this all on your own.
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