Meet Dave of WYLDLIFE

Hot off their 2020 release “Year of the Snake” Wyldlife is the fist punching, head banging rock band of the summer. Music that is best played really loud from a car driving down an empty highway, or bombing down a hill on your skateboard. Both things we can kind of enjoy doing today.

Get to know Dave of WYLDLIFE, in our latest interview as we chat about rock music, their new album, and tattoos.

Two truths and a lie: (Answer at bottom)

• I have a college degree in Journalism.

• I find hard-boiled eggs completely repulsive.

• I had the titular line in Star Wars.

Would You Rather

be trapped in a dark closet with a swan or a scorpion? Please explain why.

I'd rather be trapped in a closet with a swan than a scorpion because swans are beautiful, graceful birds, where as scorpions are unpredictable (and often poisonous) arachnids. I would think that would be obvious.

Some questions with WYLDLIFE

What is the current state of rock music in NYC?

Music in NYC, like everywhere right now, is totally fucked with all venues being shuddered. But after that, it can go back to ruling. A LOT of our favorite contemporaries are from here. We can't wait to see them all soon.

How do you navigate releasing an album during quarantine?

Releasing an album during quarantine has been very difficult since our record release show, tour and all other shows have been axed. We've just been trying as hard as we can to keep people interested about the album.

What kind of music was playing in your house when you grew up? Did it shape the music you are making today?

I listened to a lot of Oasis growing up. That was a big one because they were playing massive arenas and still looked so confident and cool and the songs were incredible. Of course, we listened to a ton of late 70s NYC/UK Punk. The Clash, The Buzzcocks, The Ramones, Television, etc. A lot of stuff from Detroit. We pretty much absorbed every band that we heard in skate videos. Everything that the Hives did, the first two Strokes record, and The Star Spangles... those were fucking massive for us. And yes, of course that all had a huge impact on what we wanted to play and how we wanted to present ourselves to the masses.

If you were offered a free tattoo what would you get?

I would probably turn down a free tattoo for two reasons. One: free work is almost always terrible, and I don't take gambles on tattoos. Two: I don't want anyone to think that I owe them a favor by accepting a free tattoo. Sorry if that's not a fun answer.

What is the closest contact you have ever had with a snake? What Happened?

Save for a few garden snakes and the trouser snakes I roll around with in the band, I haven't had too many close calls. One time me and Alex Hagen (from Ravagers) went to Coney Island and pet the Yellow Anaconda from the snake lady.

Where is the best place to get pizza in NYC?

If you're asking me, Pizza Suprema on 8th Avenue is the best. If you're asking Spencer, he's loyal to Di Fara on Coney Island

If you had to cover an entire album by one other band which would you choose? Why?

I have to give you three: Oasis, "Definitely Maybe" because it's one of the best albums ever and has so much attitude and the songs are incredible. Jesus and Mary Chain, "Darklands" because it's so cool and spacial and different from what we normally play, I think it would be fun to give it a spin. And finally Big Star, "#1 Record," I don't think I have to give a reason for that one.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Last words: Buy the record.

Two truths and a key

Truth: I have a college degree in Journalism.

Truth: I find hard-boiled eggs completely repulsive.

Lie: I had the titular line in Star Wars.