“Don’t Let the Scene Die” - An Interview with Motherwind’s Anthony Frey
Leah Brawdy - @brawdyleah
Journalist Leah Brawdy sat down with lead singer Anthony Frey of Eau Claire-native band “Motherwind”. Frey graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2022 and currently works at a Montessori school outside of his band. He is originally from Marshfield, WI and plays in a rock band.
The name “Motherwind” came from mixing works together until they found one that they felt best suited their band and looked “best on neon lights”. Frey was playing in another band out of Marshfield where three out of four members were current Motherwind members. He states that after COVID hit “the band just wasn't working out and we wanted to keep going while the [fourth member] didn’t”. They found another member and soon Motherwind was formed.
Frey agrees that Eau Claire is the perfect area to display their music locally given the city is a “hidden gem”. It’s big enough that opportunities are always arising, yet small enough they are not engulfed by larger cities. Motherwind brings a new name to rock music by standing out among other local artists; they keep it classic while adding a groovy, indie twist to their music. Lead singer/guitarist Anthony Frey sat down to chat with me about their journey so far as a band. Frey speaks about some challenges they face, while reflecting on the worthwhile memories they have made in their short time as a band.
Motherwind (left to right) Jackson Kleingartner, Anthony Frey, Michael Hargens, and Nate Rogers.
Photos via Baz Here
A Conversation with Anthony Frey
Q: How long have you been making music individually and as a band?
Anthony: I’ve been writing songs for about 11 years now, you know just recording in my bedroom, torturing my parents. With bands, I’ve been writing collaboratively for about five years.
Q: How would you describe your style of music?
Anthony: To prepare for this question, we’ve decided to call it “Heavy Indie Groove (with pinata undertones)
Q: How does being based in Eau Claire and/or WI affect your work?
Anthony: It's a double edged sword because Wisconsin's music scene is really alive and well but it's kind of a “hidden gem”. When bands from Chicago and Los Angeles and New York hear that a Wisconsin band is playing with them, they’re going to expect country music and they’re not going to be taken very seriously which is a hindrance for us sometimes. Eau Claire has a really great music scene, it's super supportive.
Q: What is your creative process when making music? And where do you find inspiration for your songs?
Anthony: These days I am writing a lot of songs at home and then presenting them to the band.. like an event. I have to get them excited and have to inspire them to want to keep working on these songs (although it is okay for them to tell me they don't like the song). I find inspiration through the human experience like movies, I write a lot of things that aren’t lyrics. I go for a walk.. It comes from all over, it's just whatever you feel.
Q: How do you navigate the challenges of staying relevant in a genre?
Anthony: I know that if I am enjoying the genre, the songs, there has to be other people that are also enjoying it. You know when you see bodies in a room, or asses in seats that speaks for itself, that people really are into it. It is scary thinking about competition among other genres (although I don't think there should be any competition between any forms of art in general because they all deserve a space in the creative spectrum). The world is a very creative place and I think competition hinders creativity.
Q: What song have you put out that accurately portrays your band's musical and vocal abilities?
Anthony: I don't think we have, no not yet. But I will say that for the rest of forever.
Q: How do you handle constructive criticism?
Anthony: Oh I love it. I think it really helps having another person in a room which is why we'll never record our music by ourselves. I think that having that outside perspective is very humbling and prevents us from not being able to walk through the door with our heads getting stuck. I have definitely presented songs to a band where its like “this is the one and they are like what the f*ck is this”.
Q: Do you have a pre show ritual? One you do yourself/one you do as a band?
Anthony: I usually pace super anxiously, I love doing that. Jackson downs like 8 red bulls, Michael is just being a goofball and Nate's pre show ritual is not being prepared for literally anything, but he carries the band which is funny.
Q: Is there anything you want to implement into your shows that you haven't gotten to yet?
Anthony: Pyro, smoke, a giant pig like Pink Floyd's Animals tour. I think it would be super cool to take that idea and turn it into a big pinata that drops shooters.
Q: What is the most unexpected song or artist you listen to that might surprise your fans?
Anthony: Like a guilty pleasure? Oh I love The Weeknd. I am a big metal guy, but I would say guilty pleasure is The Weeknd.
Q: What is your best memory as a band/making music? And what is the most rewarding memory?
Anthony: Just anything stupid and funny that has happened. Like things that have happened in a studio, I love working in a studio with the band. I love the long bus drives. As for rewarding I have a lot, it's all been super super rewarding. Whenever I see someone singing our songs back to us, which has happened quite a bit this year, it's just the most rewarding.
Q: Who are some of your biggest vocal/instrumental influences and how have they shaped the artist you are?
Anthony: Vocally I really love Jeff Buckley, I really love Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Connor Mason from Nothing But Thieves, Jimmy Gnecco from Ours, Chris Cornell obviously. They’re why I do it. Just hearing my favorite bands, it's like I just wanna have an eighth of an impact on people.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or new music you're excited about (that you are able to speak on at this time)?
Anthony: I am co-writing with a couple young bands out of Eau Claire right now. One is called “Dead Ambers”, they’re like 18 but they are going to be insane. I am also writing songs with a metal band called 9th and vine out of Eau Claire.
Q: What is the best piece of advice another musician has given you?
Anthony: Don’t say no (within reason). Taking as many opportunities as possible is really important and going to shows is so important. I try to go to as many shows around the area as I can. If I know about it and I am free that weekend, I am there. I love finding bands and meeting the people at shows and a rising tide lifts all ships, so meet the bands, meet the people, don't let the scene die.
Q: What is your best advice for those out there wanting to get into music? Is there anything you wish you knew now since going into it?
Anthony: You need to know how much your project is worth and you need to make sure you're getting that. That is playing shows and getting paid because you will be taken advantage of if cities hear you are playing “Venue A” for free, “Venue B” may take advantage of that.
