VM Underground interviews Willie Stenner from The World Black

VM Underground: Hi Willie, how are you doing?
Willie Stenner: I'm doing very well.

VMU: Could you explain how long you have been a guitar player?
WS: Yeah! I've always wanted to play drums but since my mother couldn't afford it she bought me a guitar. I was 12.

VMU: Your current project, The World Black, could you explain the sound in your own words? And what is it like to work with producer and songwriter Vic Mendoza?
WS: The sound is personal and Vic is extremely easy to work with.

VMU: Could you please explain your past history in music?
WS: I have always loved hard core music, but blues moves me.

VMU: Do you prefer live shows or studio time?
WS: I prefer studio, but live is in question.

VMU: What gear did you use on the self titled CD?
WS: Ibanez guitar, Vic used the rest.

VMU: What are some of your musical influences?
WS: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Kirk Hammet, (bass) Cliff Burton, Randy Rhoades, Spike (D.R.I.) and Creepy Pete [child hood family friend.]

VMU: No one likes titles on what you play, its all music to me, but labeled as gothic metal how do you feel about that? And how do you feel about the mainstream music scene US or Over Seas?
WS: Gothic Metal? Whatever you want to call it. Music is music. Catchy.

VMU: If you were endorsed by any company what would it be?
WS: Ibanez, Why? I love Ibanez.

VMU: What was the worst experience playing live or recording?
WS: Losing my place live at a Ritual Show.

VMU: How do you fell about the Christian and secular market?
WS: Whether you're Christian or Secular someone always wants your money. Too many beggars and not enough givers.

VMU: I know you had recording experience before in the past, do you prefer studio recording or home? What is comfortable for you?
WS:[At] home, I am laid back, studio is pressured.

VMU: Could you name some of the acts you were involved in?
WS: Ritual, very small part of Extol, Side Effects (Whittier).

VMU: What is the best guitar for you and why?
WS: Ibanez, I like the thin neck.

VMU: Being in bands before in the past with live drums, was it different for you to be doing The World Black with programmed BOSS drum machines?
WS: Yes, a drum machine doesn't have an opinion so it will never lift me up nor tear me down.

VMU: You've recorded all 3 songs from the self titled cd only on 8 tracks with a Yamaha MD-8, what could you change as far as sound in your own words?
WS: My voice! I'm self conscious about it. As far as my own sound......Vic gave me a drum beat and I played how I felt.

VMU:"Behind the Blinds" is a very deep song lyrically could you explain what it is about?
WS: Half way yes... It is about the listener. We have all been let down and that song is derived from the innermost feelings of abandonment...You decide your own.

VMU: What about the other songs, "In Me" and "Alone to Despair"?
WS: Very personal. "In Me" is about addiction. "Alone to Despair" is about my friends own hearty felt trials.

VMU: You’re about to record another CD this summer [2004]. What can we expect from it?
WS: Truth, truth , real life truth.

VMU: If you had a chance to explain what its like to hustle in the indie music scene to a young band that's out, what would you say?
WS: Music is not just art it's a piece of my life.

VMU: The World Black was currently featured on the "Detached System: Complete V.1" compilation album, how did you feel about being on a disk with many different styles?
WS: I live it, I love it. I love all kinds of music and I am a big fan of the other bands.

VMU: What are your current plans for The World Black?
WS: Between Vic and I, I just want it to be real.

VMU: Thank you so much, Willie for you interview. Do you have any last words for the reader?
WS: Just watch your feet when you step. It's like taking that step and you don't know there is a curb in front of you. We always feel more embarrassed than hurt when we miss that step. (You laugh at me, I laugh with you. I laugh at you, please laugh with me.)

VM Underground
March 24, 2004