Pembroke-based band Gatlin Black have just released their second single, “When You Come Down”. The follow-up to “One Last Chance,” the track delivers a dynamic mix of rock, blues, outlaw country, and folk, wrapped in a catchy yet timeless package. We caught up with Gatlin Black frontman Jake Weckwerth to chat about the music, how he combats pre-show nerves, and each band member’s superhero alter ego.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “When You Come Down”.
Jake Weckwerth: When You Come Down was written at the turnaround period of my life. A time of reflection. A brief moment on that last helicopter out of the war zone where you catch the full glimpse of the carnage below you burning. This song is acknowledgement, reflection, sheer will, and action behind the desire for a better quality of life. I think it also reflects the Aquarian age, ya know, a lot more people are being more self aware of their actions and how other people are affected by them due to all of these modern advancements, some kind of spiritual evolution, we’ll call it – and this song is the mantra of that change.
From The Strait: What’s one under-the-radar band or artist you love, and want to share with our readers?
Jake Weckwerth: Ry Cooder, The Growlers, The Sadies, Melody’s Echo Chamber, The Fratelli’s
From The Strait: Do you get nervous before playing live? If so, what do you do to combat that?
Jake Weckwerth: Definitely. Always have. Goes back to childhood in the days of sports, always nervous before games. Was told “that’s your body preparing”… I used to combat my nerves with time wasting quick fixes, but now I tend to separate myself from the chaos of a lifeshow and find a few moments to myself and reflect on my whole life and it’s every decision that brought me to that moment. Then rock the show!!
From The Strait: How do you gauge personal success in music?
Jake Weckwerth: In millimeters.
From The Strait: If each band member was a superhero, what would be their name and superpower?
Jamie “The Kid” Oberfrank – sidekick crusader, band treasurer
Chris Toneman Pearson – tone comes in clutch to save the day
Jake The Flash Cancade – He’s so damn fast
Captain Gatlin Jack – good at telling the band what to do without being a complete arsehole…
