Do what you must do, and do it well.
That’s Stingrays’ frontman Wes
Wingate’s philosophy. It’s also a
great way to describe his transition
from keyboardist/backing vocalist
for Columbia, Mo. rock-pop
quintet the Doxies to fronting
his own band. While the Doxies
were critically regarded and
regionally successful, Wes found
his own ideas kept bubbling to
the surface. “I decided I wanted
to be the principal songwriter in a
band rather than one of three,” he
confesses.
Whereas his former ensemble
swayed alt-country, the Stingrays
sound is a bit more straightforward.
Their music is a fresh take on
a classic sound, full of all the
traditional instruments you’ve
come to expect with moments of the
avant garde. Frontman Wes (guitar,
keys, lead vocals) is ably backed
by Phylshawn Johnson (drums,
vocals), Greg Hausman (guitar) and
Mark Siebenaler (bass)—classically
trained musicians, all of ’em. The
band’s songs have been compared
to the Beatles, the Flaming Lips
and Radiohead, but don’t let that
pigeonhole your ears; give a listen
and see what you hear.
Since their inception in August
2006, the Stingrays have been
developing a melodic pop style all
their own. Their music is defi ned
by an interplay of diverse lyrics,
snappy vocal melodies, and dense
guitar and keyboard work, all
riding over imaginative drumming
and nimble, melodic bass parts.
All of this and more comes to play
on their debut CD, Say Hello,
out summer 2007 on Home Tone
Records. Following a two-week
regional tour to advance the
release, Stingrays will be appearing
at the Dogstock festival in late July,
with more dates to follow.
Live, the band is a different
animal, far less mellow and more
demanding. Phylshawn commands
the audience’s attention—let’s
face it: it’s not every day you see
a woman beating drums that fast
and hard. Greg and Mark are
flawless and inventive; with Wes
out front, the ’Rays strive to stretch
their individual limits within the
structure of their songs.
In addition to a pocketful of
tunes, Wes leaves us with more
of his wisdom: “Work hard and
put your head down; then you’ll
be able to hold it high.” And as
you’re lifting that chin, make sure
the headphones are playing the
Stingrays.