By: Jamie Steinberg
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
Q) Your music has been described as “indie-rock,” but how do you all describe your sound?
A) We think about our music in two lanes: alt-rock and indie dance. Some songs are more guitar-driven and raw, others are more groove-forward and dance-y. There’s also a bit of funk in there, especially in the groove and how the songs feel live.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Stevie Wonder, Beach Boys, Daft Punk, Parcels, The Eagles, Funkadelic, Jamiroquai.
Q) How has the band evolved from your days performing in the laundry room of your college house?
A) We started out just playing covers purely for the joy of making noise together. As we kept going, we started attending more shows, meeting other musicians and really paying attention to what moved us as fans. That helped us solidify the lane we wanted to be in. Now, everything is much more intentional – from the music we write to how we perform it live. We’ve leaned into high-energy songs and live shows that feel communal, immersive, and fun, while still keeping that same joy that got us started in the first place.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Cast Out a Line.”
A) “Cast Out a Line” is about putting yourself out there and trusting your own inner rhythm. It’s that feeling of committing to your path—even when there are distractions or obstacles pulling at you – and choosing to stay true to yourself through all of it.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) We think it’s the way the song ebbs and flows dynamically. The spacey verses “cast out a line” and the punchy chorus vocal hooks people in. It keeps people engaged while still being something you can move to.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video is a fun and lighthearted illustration of following your own path and dedicating yourself to a discipline that feeds your soul.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Usually the music comes first, but not always. Every song has its own lifecycle depending on how inspiration hits. Most of the time, the music sets the emotional tone, and the lyrics grow out of that feeling.
“Cast Out a Line” started from a spontaneous jam in the garage. Other times, one or two of us will develop something on our own and then bring it to the group, where it evolves collectively.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) We’re very hands-on with production. We worked closely and collaboratively with Don Miggs and he really felt like an extension of the band rather than someone just capturing the songs. The production process felt like a natural continuation of our writing – shaping the sound together and making sure the energy and emotion translated the way we imagined it.
Q) With “Cast Out a Line” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP from Where’s West?
A) We are releasing a series of singles that will lead to the release of the rest of the album this summer.
Q) The band has performed at Sweetwater Music Hall and Wonderfront Festival. What can fans expect from a live Where’s West? performance?
A) We curate each setlist to the night – taking into account the audience, the room and the overall vibe of the show – so no two sets feel exactly the same. That said, every performance still embodies the core of Where’s West: high energy, danceable grooves and a sense of positivity. Our live shows are meant to feel communal and uplifting—everyone in the room having a good time together, feeding off the same energy.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) We still love playing backyard shows – they’re incredibly intimate and have led to some of our most genuine, connective moments with people. That same communal feeling is what draws us to certain venues too. We recently played Belly Up Tavern and it immediately became one of our favorites because of how engaged and close the room felt. We’ve also loved playing The Venice West and The Faight Collective for that same reason. We’ve been lucky to experience that energy at festivals too – events like Wonderfront Festival and NoSurf Fest keep that sense of connection we really value.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Pharrell, Amy Allen, Daft Punk
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Lately, we’ve been listening to Ocean Alley a lot. Watching their progression and journey has been really inspiring for us – seeing how they’ve grown while staying true to their sound. We caught them at House of Blues Anaheim – The Parish, which was especially meaningful since we’ve played that room ourselves. There’s a warmth and energy to their music that resonates with us and we’ve found ourselves leaning into some Australian-inspired textures lately. Plus, it’s definitely a place we’d love to make it out to someday.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) We love you! See you soon 😊