Payne County Line
Interview with SugarFreeAllStars:
Let’s start off with the basics. Tell us who you are, where you are from, old friends, favorite drinks, entertainer, who inspires you to greatness, family, hometown, song, book, we will find you in your spare time doing… what?
I’m Chris Wiser with the Sugar Free Allstars. I was born in Ada but grew up in Noble and now currently reside in Norman. I went to college at Southwestern in Weatherford where I met Dr Rock, the drummer for the band. He and I played in several bad Country and Western bands over the next few years. We both went our separate ways but have since reunited 2 and a half years ago to conquer the world with ROCK!
Songwriting, who writes most of the songs, or do you all write with others, or each other? If so, who? What inspires you to write? What was your first original song preformed by You? What qualities do you feel make a good songwriter?
I write most of the songs. I’m inspired by things I see around me. Some of my better songs are usually some kind of sarcastic view on something I’ve observed. Many times a phrase or melodic idea will get stuck in my head and won’t go away so I write a song around it. I think my first original song was performed by me, but I really don’t remember which was the first so it’s hard to say. It’s hard to say what the qualities of a good songwriter are because there are so many different kinds of songs and styles. I do think a songwriter has to be strong lyrically, rhythmically or melodically, or a combination of any of these, because it’s these elements that draw people to certain songs.
In playing cover songs, do you find there is a magic mix for the fans, or the venues?
We pick covers based on songs we like, or songs that are a bit humorous. We especially like finding those covers that everyone knows but you never hear bands cover. It’s the element of surprise.
How should cover songs be used by a new band starting out?
Very carefully. If you play too many covers, or ones that too many other bands do, you’re going to be labeled and people aren’t going to want to hear your original songs. I do think it helps starting out, it just takes careful consideration.
How did you get started? When? Why?
I started in music in 7th grade band. It was a fluke. I had one more elective to choose and on a whim I put down beginning band. Little did I know that at that moment I was choosing the direction of the rest of my life.
What are some of the toughest challenges you’ve faced to this point?
This band has had several. We originally had a different drummer. When he quit it was a challenge to find someone who could play as much as we do. Then we lost our guitar player. That was a challenge until we felt more comfortable a two-piece. Then a year ago we had a vehicle fire which burned up half of our equipment (uninsured), so that was a challenge to muster the energy to keep going period. Then during all this time we were trying to finish our newest CD. All that is behind us now and we are headed full speed ahead.
How would you define the music you create?
The easiest description is funky groove-rock, though it’s more complicated than that (as it always is). We have a unique sounds to begin with based on the fact that we are an organ/drum duo. Then on top of that the music we write comes from music we listen to which is more old-school New Orleans, Memphis R&B, gospel, etc. We combine all of these styles and try to write in a pop/rock vein which creates the sound we have.
Do you play both acoustic and full band gigs?
Which do you prefer, and why? Since there are only 2 of us we play as a full band always. We can’t really do acoustic because the only acoustic keyboard I could bring out would be a piano and that would be a bigger hassle than a Hammond B3
Who would you cite as your biggest musical influence, also who has influenced your life more than anyone else would?
Biggest muscical influence changes a lot but one of the biggest would be Ben Folds Five. I like the fact that they could be light-hearted and goofy but then turn around and be very serious and pull off both very well. They weren’t limited to just one style, and at the same time it always sounded like them because of the unique instrumentation.
How important is creative freedom to you, both as a writer as an artist?
It’s very important because the songs I write are many times an extension of my personal opinions and feelings about things. I think that what we do is so different that it would be hard for both of us if someone tried to change it.
What do you feel your greatest reward has been as an artist thus far?
Being able to make a living (or part of one) by playing songs that I’ve created.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
We’re still aspiring so I can’t give advice
How do you feel that the music market in Texas or Kansas or Arkansas differs from Oklahoma or Nashville?
I notice that we do better in Arkansas, Kansas and probably Oklahoma than we do in Texas.
Do you/have you ever found it trying at times to try and balance both your personal life, and career?
Oh yes, sometimes the music doesn’t pay all the bills.
What is the difference between Nashville and Oklahoma music?
Nashville country isn’t country anymore, it’s a bastardized pop thing that I can’t stand listening to.
Living in Oklahoma is there something special about Oklahoma and being from it that has helped or hurt your careers? Is Oklahoma music and its perspective different, if so, how?
It takes things a while to filter in to OK from both coasts and by the time it does it has changed. I think that getting ideas in this way causes artists to have a different take on things because all these different things are combined together.
Who is the best instrumentalist, and vocalist, you have ever performed with, and why? In these areas, who would you like to perform with and have not to date?
The Gamble Brothers Band out of Memphis, Tn is one of the best bands we’ve ever played with. I would like to play with Ben Folds or Cake or Booker T and the MGs
What big things, plans etc are in the works that you could and would share with the readers on Payne County Line?
We are going on a 9 day tour of CO during Spring Break.
What makes your music stand out? What is your "edge"? Our edge is our unusual instrumentation. Also the organ has a hot rod flame job on it which makes it stand out even more. People who have heard the band say that it sounds like there are 4 guys on stage, so that would make us stand out as well
Who are some folks who helped you get started that you would like to recognize.. say thanks too, etc? family, friends, venues, etc?
My family for being supportive
What were some of the places you played around Oklahoma starting out?
The Deli in Norman, Boar’s Head in OKC
Do you want to share with us a “most memorable” time, and/or a.. “no one could have a worse night than this” event?
We were playing a gig at a club in OKC and a guy shoved his friend through the door who had been stabbed in the neck. The guy was laying there bleeding in front of the door. That wasn’t a good time……
Is the band self managed, or is there someone helping with that?
Do you do your own booking? We do all our own business
How do you perceive a band to be? Is it family, business, friends, etc??? How does one work through problems that come up?
You have to be a family business. If you don’t take care of the business, nothing happens, but if you don’t get along and like each other nothing creative happens.
Where have you all played? What was your best show to date?
We play in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, Texas and Missouri.
Has the make up of the band changed much over the years? If so , how? We have gone from a trio with a guitar player to a duo with organ and drums
What other bands started up when you guys started?
Who was hot at that time
Where do you see the band in the next 5 years? 10 years?
Touring, hopefully playing festivals, maybe on an indie labelWhat do you think has contributed the most to your success and longevity over the past years Hard work and determination
This is your call, anything you would like to add:
Thanks to all who have stuck with us over the past 3 years and we hope to see some new faces as well.
-Stan Moffat
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