NEWS
EVENTS
Why you need to check out Way Out West now
With an interview also on the way, it seems like Way Out West have made quite an impression here at Guestlist.
If you are unfamiliar, Way Out West are an electronic dance music duo originally from Bristol. They are a well established name on the scene having been around since the mid 90s, and they have been labelled as pioneers of their genre.
The duo is made up of Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff, who both have had individual music successes alongside working on the joint project through the years.
Way Out West are currently mid way through their much anticipated tour, so we went to check out how its going at their debut show at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds - and we were impressed.
After hearing the venue choice in Leeds I was intrigued to know how Jody and Nick were going to approach a venue space that to me seems much more suited to bands rather than electronic and dance music. But after listening to them more I understood that the sound of Way Out West brings many more layers than simply music for clubbing.
Their sound has frequently been described as peaceful, melodic and tranquil. Their gig got the whole crowd dancing, but their music has this diversity which allows it to accompany studying or relaxing, as well as a DJ stage.
In terms of ability, the years of work have certainly paid off. The pair were tight and their rhythm could not be faulted. Their music wasn’t full of the clickbaity buildups and drops of mainstream dance music often on the radio, it was smooth and each sound was carefully placed. The bass was heavy, shaking the whole room, but it wasn’t constant or overdone. The synth sounds were effortlessly cool and demonstrated Nick and Jodys musical talent. Everything was seamlessly in sync and I would never have imagined the venue which I had seen indie bands in two days earlier, transformed into such an appreciative yet fun atmosphere for dance music.
The crowd was so excited to hear Way Out Wests set, which made the gig feel personal. Unlike a club night with a line-up of many DJs, some you might not care about, people turned up for Nick and Jody - and they looked like they were loving every minute. Brudenell Social Club resides in the heart of the student hub of Leeds, but this location didn’t limit the crowd to only students. Many fans from Jody and Nicks generation turned up, which seems to show the pair have gained a strong following throughout their careers, and rightly so.
Way Out West opened a space for appreciation of electronica in a venue that primarily is associated with completely different genres. The Leeds show was a sick night on its own right, but it also proved a bigger picture, that dance and electronic music can be appreciated in mny forms. Music is flexible and should be able to transcend venue layouts and reputations. Dance shouldn’t have to be restricted to club environment - live music is about expression without limits and Way Out West empowered the crowd of Leeds with this message through their brilliant opening tour date.
Throughout the changes and developments in their sound, technology and their genre, Way Out West have stayed relevant, and the Leeds gig proved this tour is off to a great start.
