Photos by Allen Ying
Before their back-to-back dates alongside Black Lips at Bowery Ballroom I had the opportunity to briefly e-chat with Wooing’s Rachel Trachtenburg about the band’s creative process and their stance on activism in music amongst other things. The psyche-garage/grunge trio has been consistently releasing music since early 2018 and gaining a enthusiastic fan base in NYC. Now after a brief break from performing one could expect new material is on the way – I was happy to hear I wasn’t far off on that assumption from our discussion. Check out the convo below:
What, if anything, would you say promoted change of vibe from your earlier, generally more upbeat groups like Supercute! to the psychedelic garage sound in Wooing?
It’s all just within the natural growth path as an artist/musician. When I write a song I like to think about what I want hear in the world of contemporary music. I’ve definitely grown out of the candy wrapper hair bows, or stickers on my face daily faze… Though I’m glad I expressed myself in that way when I was younger. I’m also grateful that I was able to be so creative and proactive with friends in a collaborative environment during my teen years. My music taste hasn’t changed that much throughout my life though. About 80% of the music I listen to now in my mid 20’s is the same music I was in love with starting at a very young age. It’s cool to see how bands and albums can inspire you in new ways at different times in your life. I spent my early childhood living in Seattle, and I remember being around four or five years old and hearing “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” by the Smashing Pumpkins on the car radio. I loved the heaviness and felt so excited every time it was played on the radio. I still enjoy blasting my headphones to that classic song. I can’t help but giggle at the fact that I was also feeling that vibe two decades ago.
Rachel you mentioned during the formation of Wooing not wanting to be a solo project. As a band what is the creative process dynamic between you all and how does each member contribute in the songwriting process?
Our creative process is always evolving. We treat each new song a bit differently, depending on the intention and energy behind it. I’m in charge of lyrics and usually those come last. Sometimes I’ll bring in a full idea and work on it from there with the band, and sometimes we’ll be at rehearsal and someone will play a riff or even an accident and that will turn into a future idea.
Films, and in particular documentaries, seem to be one of the main influences behind your songs. Was this a natural influence when Wooing formed? How did films and documentaries become a substantial part of Wooing?
I work as an embroidery artist part time, so I’m always on the search for interesting movies or documentaries to have on while I’m sewing. That also means I’ll usually watch the same film multiple times. I’ve found that inspiration can come more naturally while multitasking. It’s easy to be moved by an important cause, whether environmental or injustices in our judicial system. I feel that those thought provoking emotions work great for understanding how to get to the point when it comes to writing lyrics. So many of my favorite films wouldn’t be the same without their beautiful soundtracks. I like to think about what type of cinema Wooing’s music would best accompaniment.
In the vibe of Wooing (or just something you’re currently into) what are some documentaries and films you’d recommend?
Honestly, I’ve been super excited for season 3 of Queer Eye on Netflix. It recently came out and that’s what I’ve been watching as of this week. It may not be the definition of Wooing, or even close to a documentary. But I find it very heartwarming and a real reminder to love yourself the way you love your best friend. I’ve got a soft spot for some reality tv and this show really hits it all, but in the sweetest way possible.
You have several songs themed around animal rights and the fight against animal cruelty – did you always want to feature that in your music or what influenced you to do so?
Writing songs about animal rights is a great way to be “A voice for the voiceless.” Our song “Tear World” was inspired by the documentary Blackfish. It’s less of a protest song and more about voicing the animals’ imagined perspective since they can’t communicate it to humans themselves.
What are some organizations or individual methods of activism you all believe to be making a difference in regards to animal rights and cruelty?
My boyfriend and I are starting a nonprofit record label in honor of our dog who passed away last year. A portion of the profits will be donated to the animal rescue Social Tees. I strongly believe in “Adopt don’t shop” and this will be a great way to spread that important message through music. As for organizations my friend started an activism community group called “Anger Can Be Power” it’s amazing. Check them out! I was super inspired at their last event. They focus on all sorts of activism, and ways to get involved.
You’ve recently released the singles “In Her Head” and “Could Have Been” – what can you tell us about these tracks?
They are definitely different vibes from each other over all, and that can show our range of taste as a rock band. “Could Have Been” & “In Her Head” are pretty visual songs and we had a great time making music videos for them.
“In Her Head” is over six minutes long. I was personally pretty glad to see a longer song from an upcoming band – was there any intention in doing so and what do you think about the general trend towards shorter songs in popular music?
Thanks! I usually like bands that show variety. We try to let each song just be what it’s meant to be. Some of my favorite songs are usually the longer ones out there, but you can’t dislike short & sweet hit either.
Are there any overarching themes or messages you hope to convey to fans and listeners through your music?
I like to write about friendships, nature, and animals for the most part – pretty straightforward. We love playing music and sharing it with anyone who wants to listen. There’s definitely a mix of 60”s & 90”s rock, these are my favorite decades for fashion & music.
Favorite artist and song pre-1970?
Pink Floyd’s Astronomy Domine.
Can you tell us something cool about time travel?
No, I wish I could though. I’ll share this thought, I learned that we are all made up of the dust of dead stars aka stardust and that’s pretty beautiful! Definitely expect a song from us about that soon…
Wooing performs alongside Black Lips on April 19th and 20th. You can follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
