Kent-based multi-instrumentalist Wesley Triffitt Having exploded onto the scene in 2019 with infectious track ‘Play On’, followed by lyrical masterpiece ‘The Movies’, his latest single ‘Is This What You Want’ showcases Wesley’s natural songwriting talent and natural instinct for production.
PYX’s music has already been established as a listeners’ favourite on Fresh on The Net after debuting on Abbie McCarthy’s esteemed BBC Introducing in Kent radio show.
See our exclusive interview with him below:
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
Cinematic, dynamic, alternative.
Which three albums have influenced you the most creatively?
Really difficult to narrow down to three. Becoming a Jackal – Villagers, Arcade Fire – The Suburbs and OK Computer – Radiohead
Tell us about the key pieces of equipment that you use to define your sound?
I’m using a lot of organs and horns at the moment. I like to use a wide variety of instruments. Sometime I’ll set parameters by purposefully including instruments I don’t usually use or excluding instruments I always use.
Is there any “non-musical” ingredient that is essential to crafting your sound?
I love this question! For me, stories (whether personal or otherwise) are the most important ingredient when it comes to creating a song. I always start with a story, from a book, film, or in this case, a TV show (Fargo – based on the Coen Brothers film). The story informs the rhythm, the tempo, the chord progression, the lyrics – everything. Everything should contribute to telling that story – conveying whatever feeling I had when I first heard it. That’s it – not some much retelling a story as trying to capture the feeling I had when I first heard it – its impression.
Studio work and music creation, or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
I love both, obviously, for very different reasons. I suppose the songwriting and recording process is often very intricate; editing, rewriting, looking for that “perfect sound” – whereas playing live is about letting some of that control go and focusing on creating a unique experience. If I had to pick then I suppose writing and recording, since playing live practically depends on that process.
What has been your most memorable performance so far?
I once got to jam with one of my modern songwriting heroes, Taylor Goldsmith from LA outfit Dawes, backstage – he played me a song about Chevrolet, that was memorable.
And which performance would you prefer to forget?
When I was just starting out I played a show in my hometown (Folkestone) at a place called Stripes which was attached to the local football club. During our set, some guys managed to tear through a bathroom wall, tiles and all into the main room. I can’t compete with that.
Any new or emerging artists on your radar?
A Certain Kind buddies Tokyo Tea Room and Sisyphus. Other band pals, Tin Foil Astronaut, Imperial Daze and Soft Wax.
If you could collaborate with, or perform alongside any artist, who would it be? And why?
Nils Frahm, if you don’t know, go listen and you’ll know why!
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
I’d love to try writing fiction, though I don’t know if I’ve got the patience or discipline.
Trent Reznor once said “To me, rock music was never meant to be safe. I think there needs to be an element of intrigue, mystery, subversiveness. Your parents should hate it.” What are your thoughts on this statement?
Music should be about trying to push boundaries – it’s trying to do that in a way that doesn’t feel dishonest or pretentious.
Tell us about any upcoming shows or releases you have in the pipeline.
‘Is This What You Want’ is out April 10th go and stream it everywhere! Doing an album this year so keep your eyes peeled.
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