Interview with Nomad Skyline, a rock band based in Sacramento, California is releasing their first album “Open Road” on February 22. The four members include Linden Wood, a Corvallis local who moved to California to focus on his life long talents in music. Because of Linden’s local ties with the music scene in Lost Tortoise, Azrael, and 30 Pound Test, the anticipation to hear his latest work has grown.
1.) Members of the Band. Who is Nomad Skyline?
Linden Wood (Vocals, rhythm guitar), Chuck Carrasco (bass), Joe Whitworth (lead guitar), Jason Weisker (drums).
2.) Band history, how did you meet?
Jason and Chuck were in a band together that dissolved. Linden, who had auditioned for vocals with them had moved to Sacramento from Corvallis, was invited to join a new band with the addition of Joe on drums. Like in most music scenes, Sacramento’s is tight. Musicians share respect for talent and don't put up with arrogance. Nomad Skyline shows respect to each other's dedication to their music career.
3.) Where did your appreciation of your music genre come from?
Though there is a difference in generations of the members in this group they all agreed two distinct eras of music influenced their lives, Punk and Grunge. Rock music has many branches, Punk touched into political anti-establishment lyrics in short, fast songs. Grunge is thought of as pondering bass solos with heavy distortion on guitars, bringing the slower tempos and intense dark lyrics. The evolution of rock can be defined in many ways but the journey for every artist is unique. Linden learned Hendrix by age 9 and chords from his big brother, Joe remembers AM radio in New Mexico and watching Van Halen in black and white tv.
4.) Tell me about your Album, when can we buy it and how?
"Open Road", will be available on February 22, (2/22/22) a date the band mates all find memorable. Digital release makes it widely available on Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, and more.
5.) How much have you invested in making this together, and in what?
Investments in studio time is well worth it to Nomad Skyline. The whole band considers it their “happy place”. Investment of the past makes this project happen, the members are all lifetime musicians who bring their knowledge and wisdom of Rock music. Jason said “We came into this band with all the right equipment” meaning they already invested in their instruments. “Time away from our families is the trade off”, said Joe. When writing music, recording songs, and meeting with the producer Brendan Duffey, it’s time that can’t be spent with friends and family but it’s worth creating this album, as the band agrees.
6.) What does marketing look like for you?
Marketing in this environment during the pandemic is less tours and live music and more social media and shares. The success of this album will be measured by “likes” and downloads. Marketing is spreading the word on Youtube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Nomad Skyline's producing team does a lot as far as content. Their animated music video is a tool they use to spread the song across a visual audience.
7.) What are your thoughts on your PG13 music video?
“We will send you the director's cut,” said Jason. The band tells me the final version was too risque for them and had a few scenes cut. The animator team from Brazil clearly has a sexier vision when listening to “‘64 Fury” then the band wanted as the imagery.
8.) What are you most proud of and what is your next ambition?
The guys are truly proud of Nomad Skyline and their EP (shorter album). They are looking forward to going on tour. Though they all have separate lives then simply “musician” so a documentary tour bus life isn’t in their deck of goals. Shorter two-week tours supplemented by the money made on the road is a realistic goal.
9.) What does the other half of your life look like?
Each member of Nomad Skyline has another life too. Joe is a history teacher for a local High School. Chuck claims to have a boring desk job that he now more comfortably works from home (thanks to the pandemic). And Joe is a man of all trades “I’m a modern renaissance man”. Linden had been working for a tile company but has saved some money and lined up gigs (paid shows) until next winter, so he will be quitting his “regular” job to be a full time musician.
10.) What is your advice to other artists who want to be in your position?
“Speak softly and carry a big stick”, said Joe, they all laugh. “Kidding but I always wanted to say that, ‘stay humble’ and be genuine”. Jason’s advice is to find out why the fans are at the show and keep doing that. The bandmates listen to each other and nod in agreement. The mutual respect is obvious.
11.) Do you have a tour coming up?
Nomad Skyline is setting up a spring and summer tour through the Willamette Valley and up to Seattle but dates are yet to be decided.
12.) Solo career?
Linden has an acoustic solo career that he continues. Having a variety of musical genres is helpful when booking venues folk, rock, alternative, and country. Linden Wood has his own songs as well as many covers by favorite artists through the decades.
13.) Will we hear you on the radio?
You will hear Nomad Skyline on the radio if you request them! IHeartRadio.com has their single tracks and can play when requested. So please request away!
14.) What is the biggest adjustment you as musicians have had during the worldwide pandemic?
Navigating their musical careers in this pandemic has been like “reinventing the wheel while the car is on fire” said Chuck. Because the music scene had to basically shut down for the first few months of the pandemic then soft open to bands who had the technological edge. Most bands and musicians had to wait for the ‘new normal’ to find acceptable ways to play they way they knew how. 2022 is providing the way to tour again and play live shows.
15.) What has been the hardest step in this Album creation?
The hardest thing has just been being away from family and quarantine. But the finished product has been well worth it. Playing live sets with our polished music is what the band has hoped for. They are all in their element when playing live, it's a feeling that can barely be described but rocking out with the crowd over your music is the reason worth the work.
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