By Dylan Knight
Genuinely good music can be hard to find, especially live. Local band, Western Medicine, combines modern alternative with classic rock and blues to create a one of a kind, crisp sound likely to please any music enthusiast.
The trio consists of Grant Burich, 22, on a Maple Gretsch Catalina drum kit, K. Scott Bjork, 22, on a Gibson Thunderbird bass and Emile Antonell, 23, on a Fender Deluxe Players Stratocaster, Epiphone ES-335 hollow body and lead vocals. The three’s musical skills, contagious energy and stage presence make for a memorable and overall entertaining experience.
“[The songs] are all about sex and heartbreak,” said Antonell, jokingly.
Though they aren’t all focused on human desires, every song did provide a melodic rhythm and sound that resonated in the soul upon hearing, whether it’s sadness, anger, or even just sex or lack there of.
Western Medicine’s music can be best described as alternative blues, however it is impossible to place it in a specific genre due to the members’ vast amount of musical interests and influences.
“I was raised on blues,” said Antonell. He also mentioned classic bands like Led Zeppelin. Some of their inspiration comes from artists such as John Mayer, The Black Keys, Ray Charles and Kings of Leon.
While Bjork credited Jeff Tweedy and Wilco, categorized as alternative rock and country with a dash of indie rock, Carol Kaye, known for her talent in bass guitar, as well as Paul McCartney as being his main influences, Burich gives credit to classic rock as well as punk and bay area rap for his inspiration.
“Jonny Lang is a massive influence for me,” said Antonell. “Without Jonny Lang, I would not be able to sing at all.” Lang is known for his exceptional vocals that blend the sounds of blues and rock.
Though the group may all be Bakersfield locals, they seem to have fallen together by pure chance and luck.
“Emile and I both worked for Clear Channel Radio and we clicked right off the bat,” said Burich. Antonell mentioned that the two played together as a duo, “White Stripes style,” for a long while before gaining a permanent bass player.
“We mesh together very well,” said Burich. “The band chemistry is astonishing.”
Antonell described the writing of their songs as a “Kings of Leon method,” where one member comes up with a basic idea and they together work off of it to create a completed piece where each member is able to express themselves musically.
“A lot of the music comes from me,” said Antonell. I’ll come up with it at home with the basic melody or an idea for the lyrics and I’ll record it on an iPhone and send it to both of them.”
Although a career in music is the ultimate goal for Western Medicine, the group agrees that they’re not ready to quit their day jobs quite yet.
“You’ve got to define your expectations of everything,” said Antonell. “We don’t expect to just make a ton of money overnight, you have to play a lot of shows before you gain any recognition.”
Want to get to know Western Medicine? Like them on Facebook for more information.
