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Florida-based Alt-Rock band Pharmacose recently released their latest album Prescription Fiction, and frontman Wes Jones was around to give us the lowdown on the band. Check-in with Wes, below…
What are the origins of Pharmacose, how long have you been playing together?
Pharmacose came together originally as a project between me and producer Lu Rubino. I had been looking to record some songs, and a mutual friend gave me his number. He knew Albert, who has been playing some drums for us, and I eventually met Kevin who has been playing some lead guitar for us.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Pharmacose?
I would consider us rock with synth elements. Probably the two bands I’ve listened to the most over the years are Alice in Chains and Nine Inch Nails, so maybe you’ll hear those influences. I also really like Queens of the Stone Age, Failure, and Starset. A lot of what Prescription Fiction, our newest LP, talks about revolves around mental health. It’s essentially a timeline of my mental health over the course of nearly a decade. Some of the earlier songs like Take a Pill and Does It Matter are just kind of all over the place. There are some that deal with depression such as I Keep Dreaming of the Sun, and then others such as The Clearing that are a little more hopeful.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
We played a fundraiser for the family of a musician in St. Augustine who unfortunately left us too soon. It was a lot of fun, although a bit stressful. There’s a lot that goes into putting together a live show. But once we got going I felt pretty good.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?
I wish I knew the exact formula! I think you have to start with good music. Promotion is the tricky part I think. As you mentioned, there is so much new music coming out now that it’s hard to know how to go about doing. It’s not enough just to release a song. I think the last piece is a bit cliché, but I think you need to have something unique to go with it. A cool video, some cool art, just something to go with it.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We just released our LP, Prescription Fiction, on all streaming services. It’s thirteen songs, 6 of which were previously unreleased. It was supposed to be released long before now, but the pandemic messed up our timelines. During the lockdowns, I started working on some new stuff, and a fair amount of that is done. So, we’re just going to keep releasing new music starting 3/25. We plan on releasing new songs monthly. It’s all a part of a larger project that I’ll give more details around the time we release the song on 3/25.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel Pharmacose would be best suited to open for?
I think it would be cool to open for Starset.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
I’m really hoping for Veio to really breakout. They’re a good group of guys. Please check them out.
What are your own first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I started playing the violin when I was around five, so I’ve played music as far back as I can remember. But, thanks to my Dad, I’ve always been a fan of rock, and I can’t really think of a lightbulb moment. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
It’s been a while! I saw Tool on their first stop of their Fear Inoculum tour here in Jacksonville.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
I alluded to this earlier, but mental health. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma which puts up barriers to people getting help. It’s also unfortunately that access to mental healthcare is limited for a lot of people.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Maybe Tales of Mystery and Imagination: Edgar Allan Poe by Alan Parsons project or ELO’s 50th Anniversary.
Although 2021 was another year to forget, there were some amazing new albums released, what would be your album of last year?
Well, I can’t tell you what was the best, only what I liked. I was pleasantly surprised by how good Iron Maiden’s new record was. It felt like it kinda came out of nowhere.
What does 2022 hold for you?
I hinted at it earlier, but we’re going to be releasing new songs monthly for the rest of the year, or at least that’s the plan. I also have something I’m planning to go along with the releases, but more on that in March.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I try to stay active. Here’s how people can reach us:
https://www.instagram.com/pharmacose_band/?hl=en
