Whiskerman
Oakland, CA | Established. Jan 01, 2011
Music
Press
Graham Patzner grew up in a family of musicians. His brothers Lewis Patzner and Anton Patzner are the strings of the string metal band Judgement Day. Graham Patzner fronts the Oakland band Whiskerman.
When they're revved up, Whiskerman sounds like a gospel and soul band that can make you feel like raising your hands in the air in praise of its talent. In their quieter songs, there's a storytelling vibe with intricate melodies.
Lineup: Graham Patzner, vocals, guitar, violin, piano; Will Lawrence, bass; Nick Cobbett, drums; Lewis Patzner, cello, trombone; Maddy Streicek, vocals, keyboard.
How did the band come together?
I was playing solo for a while, and then Lewis started playing with me. Nick and Will were friends of our cousin and then we all started playing together.
How would you describe the sound of your new release?
This album covers a pretty wide landscape of the soul. A lot of the album has some dark areas where light is making its way through, and vice versa. I think this dichotomy really interests me, and I like contradicting myself in my writing.
What are the main themes of your songs?
I like to write songs about fictional characters that end up being about people I actually know in life, as well as situations that have that same impact. The song "Whiskerman" is a folk legend about the end of the world.
What's the most important aspect to putting on a live show?
For me, honesty is the most important. I have to be able to feel what I'm singing is real, or else the audience is going to be turned off. It's also important to have fun and not take anything too seriously.
What's the meaning of the band's name?
I think it's about Jesus.
Check it out:www.whiskerman.com.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/music/bandwidth/article/Whiskerman-Gospel-and-soul-storytellers-2310059.php#ixzz2BPgm1Wzt - San Francisco Chronicle
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Whether entranced in a ballad or clawing out some frenzied rock and roll, Whiskerman is seeking the heart of the matter. Lush instrumentation combined with front man Graham Patzner's profound lyricism and unflinching delivery culminate in a sound that is soulful, mythical, and raw. Patzner’s voice, both smokey and soaring, leads a passionate live show as the band’s classic rock sound seamlessly cascades through realms of bluesy devotion, psychedelic melancholy, and twangy celebration. Whiskerman's shows tend to set spells, either sweeping the audience up in revelation, or dropping them into knee-slapping frenzy. Joining Patzner (vocals, guitar, violin and piano), is Will Lawrence (bass and mandolin), and Charles Lloyd (guitar and sitar), Dan Schwartz (drums), and Trevor Bahnson (guitar). "When they're revved up, Whiskerman sounds like a gospel and soul band that can make you feel like raising your hands in the air in praise of its talent. In their quieter songs, there's a storytelling vibe with intricate melodies." (SF Chronicle) Their latest release is Champions, a sprawling double-album masterpiece that takes the listener on a hero’s journey through barroom rock n’ roll, blue eyed soul, pastoral folk, workingman’s blues, and rainy day ragas. “On Champions Whiskerman present ecstatic psychedelia, sturdily constructed pop-rock, pick-and-grin folk all together as a single picture.” (Flood Magazine)
Links
