Chuck Wimer

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is something that is always in the back of my mind or on the tip of my tongue trying to be expressed. I always seem to have a song in my head that's never been sung or played and I want to hear what it sounds like. And then of course, I often want others to hear it as well.

What is your music dream?

My dream is to have songs that I've written sung on the big stage or played on the radio. I'm not particular about who the singer is, I just want my creation out there.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Manners. I think a lot could be fixed if people had better manners.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

It's actually an untitled song that my dad wrote about me when I was knee high. Always loved that song.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Garth Brooks, the late Chris Ledoux, Brad Paisley, Dylan Scott, Journey, REO Speedwagon and others.

What inspires you to make music?

I always seem to have music inside. I really don't need a particular thing to write. I once wrote a love song about a dinner choice.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

I just want people to have something to attach a feeling to. Smells are the strongest at carrying a memory, but music can take you back to a place that you forgot about. I'm not trying to change the world with my writing. I'm trying to create an anchor for someone's future memories.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I feel great. I love being up on stage or having everyone paying attention to me. Don't get me wrong, I still have some nerves, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons in that regard.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Today, everyone thinks they're a musician. In days past, people might write a song and play it at a campfire and that would be as far as it went. Now, everyone has a smart phone and a YouTube channel. There is a lot of weak material on the internet and it makes it hard to be "discovered" by someone that is looking for the next big thing. I'm not saying I'm it, but it's hard to get that feedback when people in the music industry are burned out from the look at me artists, of which I'm one. I'd like to add, there is a lot of good material out there too.

What do you think of Drooble?

I've only just started using the app, but just having this interview is a great experience. I know people may never even see it, but it's good practice for any other interviews that may come.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

The disconnect between established musicians, new musicians and performance venues in the local circuit. A new artist is willing to play for peanuts just to be heard. The local venues think that because some artists are willing to play cheap, the rate should be lowered. This infuriates the established groups, because a 5 piece band is not interested in lugging their gear across the city for a 3 hour set at 25-50$ per person. Too much supply is wrecking the demand for quality groups.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Absolutely. I like to get involved as a patron or performer. I'll go out and watch a band that plays something I don't and I would hope they do the same. If not with me, then with other artists.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Any musician in this climate needs to understand business or have someone they trust that does. You have to market, negotiate and find a way to put out a product that the community wants. And above all other qualities, they have to be patient and remember why they're doing it. If it's fun, then it's right. If it's a job, switch to pottery.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Dave and Dawn Joregenson, Mario Flores