WAZ is in bloom. Every now and again a musician breezes by and stirs feelings within..... feelings that are all too often left sleeping or perhaps forgotten. WAZ has arrived at a place where his melodies flow about the room yet hold the listener still. As a confessional singer- songwriter, he writes, sings, and plays with a bellowing honesty.
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, WAZ was heavily influenced by his parent's record collection which included artists such as The Pretenders, ELO, & Neil Young. At the early age of 8, 10cc's song, "The Things We Do For Love" inspired WAZ to pick up his first guitar.
After graduating college, WAZ packed up his car and drove west having no idea what the future held. Within a day of arriving in California, he got a call from his college buddy Pete Yorn, to start a band. After three years of hard work and gigging in Los Angeles, Yorn signed a major deal with Columbia records. The boys picked up and went on road.
It was the next three years where WAZ witnessed the emotional impact music had on people. "Playing shows night after night I was always surprised to see the raw and emotional connection people have with heartfelt music & lyrics." It was this connection that inspired him to start writing his own songs. In between tours, he began recording with R. Walt Vincent (Pete Yorn, Liz Phair, & The Format). The overwhelming response to WAZ's voice & well-crafted songs is what led to his decision to ultimately leave the band. Six months later, WAZ released the "Mine to Remember" EP. It received glowing reviews across the board and left everyone wanting more.
While struggling to make ends meet, WAZ relentlessly continued to write and develop his solo presence. He found a home at the Hotel Café where many of his contemporaries were also launching their careers. It was there that he was approached by Will Golden & Al Sgro, who mentioned that they were opening a studio in an old house in Hollywood. In between recording acts such as Gary Jules, Joe Purdy, & Ian Ball, Will & Al slowly started working on what would be WAZ's first full-length album. "While they were working with other clients, I would pick up odd jobs in order to pay for the sessions. We would work for 2-3 days at a time every couple of weeks....it was always borrowed time. Will & Al's organic approach to this recording keeps this album simple & honest."
In early 2007, WAZ's highly anticipated first full-length album was completed. As a prelude to the full-length release, a four song EP titled "Home" will be made available on Itunes in Europe on April 30, 2007. In support of the EP, WAZ will be playing shows in London & Dublin in May 2007.
Yes.....WAZ is in bloom.