Wes Coeur Talks About New Song “jerrord” & Shares His Creative Process
Intro:
Melbourne, Australia native Wes Coeur is an artist who is truly one of a kind. While adding his unique sound to the equation, his distinctive style can be compared to influences such as Prince & Tyler, The Creator. Wes Coeur’s song “jerrord” released today is proof of his immense talent coming from a genuine love & passion for music. Wes expresses himself both musically & through branding in an extraordinary way for fans, as his main character portrayal is that of a “hopeless romantic” by nature. Before reading our full conversation & learning more about Wes Coeur below, you should check out his music below today.
Meet: Wes Coeur
Me: As a kid, how did you start getting into making music in the beginning?
Wes: I don't think there's ever been a day in my life where music wasn't present. Even as a kid! I grew up in a musical house. Dad is a guitar god and probably my biggest musical inspiration. A lot of my favourite records were ones that were played around the house when I was a kid, and a lot of those same records weave their way into the music I am making now. It's weird how that happens.
How would you describe your style musically? Has your sound changed & evolved since you started?
When I make music as Wes Coeur, I try and think from the perspective of a fan, cause that's what I am at heart -- just a fan of music. If I'm a fan, what would my imaginary favourite musician make? What would his videos look like? That's the kind of attitude I go into making stuff for Wes. I love artists that are super consistent with their visuals, and always comfortable when it comes to getting weird and showing vulnerability in their music. Sound-wise, I've always loved post-disco and synth-pop, but my bedroom pop production style and subtle hip-hop penmanship keep it fresh. I like to take tiny things from everything and everyone I like.
That’s a fantastic approach! Furthermore, what inspired your stage name?
I had the word Coeur written in my phone for ages... even before I started making music because I liked how it looked and what it meant. I knew I wanted a name that was like... first name and last name, because of the kind of music I was making. It made sense to me. Frank Ocean found his name by combining Frank Sinatra and Ocean's 11. I did a similar thing. I loved the word Coeur. Wes Anderson is a massive inspiration to me. So I put the two and two together. Because the name had been in my phone for so long, it kinda felt like it was meant to be.
Do you remember the first song you've ever made? If so, what was it like & how does it compare to the new song?
Very different. It was like a Lil Pump song. Way less mature but it has the same kind of heart and fun behind it as "jerrord" does when I listen back. I hope no one finds it though.
Earlier I asked about your style, but would you be able to share more about your creative process behind “jerrord”?
The first person I showed 'jerrord' to said it sounded like "goofy funk music". The next person said it was the best thing I'd make as Wes. The beat came first. I really liked the clicky chunky clav chords. It reminded me of Solange's song "jerrord", which is why I named the song that. And the bridge is just.... WOW. But I couldn't find myself finishing it. I left the record for months before coming back and writing the lyrics. In that space in between, I was reflecting on relationships I'd had, where I'd just lie so the other person would hear what they wanted to hear. Like when someone says they'd "die for you", 95% of the time they wouldn't. They just say that to make you feel better. How would I write about someone doing this to an extreme? I thought it was a funny exercise to write from this perspective.
Very interesting to hear the story behind a great song like this one! Now tell me, what does the perfect studio or recording session look like in your imagination?
It wouldn't look much different from how it is now. Just a group of guys taking the piss, chatting shit, drunk and making cool stuff. Or me by myself in a dimly lit room getting something out that I've wanted to for a while. Both are good. It never really feels like a professional studio session. I don't think I'd get as much done in an environment like that.
And outside of music, do you have any other hobbies or talents that many don’t know about?
I'm ass at pretty much everything else.
As far as collaborations, who are some of your favorite creatives to work with currently?
I'm very selective with who I work with when it comes to music. I love working with filmmakers and photographers more so than musicians really. The people I've been working with from the very beginning are really the only people I work with. It's so much more rewarding that way for me. It feels like friends taking the piss every time we work on something - whether it's music, videos or a photo shoot. ParanoidDrops is one of them. He's like the most endlessly creative person in the studio to me.
What's been the most difficult aspect of your music career during your journey?
Starting, probably. Even though I was always around music, I could easily have seen myself not getting out of my bubble and not releasing or working on anything if I didn't have the strong group of people around me that I do to build me up. I wouldn't have been able to come as far as I have with Wes, as small as it seems now if it wasn't for their encouragement and love.
And last, do you have any upcoming plans you're comfortable sharing with the readers?
I really can't say too much. Something that has been in the works for 6 years is finally seeing the light of day. And the things we have planned around this project are really special to me. It feels like we're deepening the world of Wes little by little.
