The state of Kansas music is filled with interesting characters, and few are as unique as Wasay Oblique from Wichita. Eclectic, Electric, Eccentric, there truly is few their equal when it comes to their on stage presence.
“Don’t be nervous or worry about shows, cuz it’s always gonna be a good one.”
7eight5: Tell us a little about Wasay Oblique. Who all is in the band and what do you play? How long have you as individuals been playing?
Razzy: I have been playing guitar for 17 years. I also do lead vocals.
AK: Started out on guitar 21 years ago, wanted to try something different so switched over and started dedicating time and coming up with bass lines in October of 2021 for these funky fellas.
Casper: Been singing since elementary school. so 20 years.
Petty Dick: Been playing drums for 26 years. Trying to explain Wasay actually hurts my brain quite a bit, if that helps at all.
7eight5: Where did you come up with the name?
Petty Dick: The universe bestowed it upon Razzy while he was driving northbound on Rock Road. He must’ve been cooked as a mf, wow!
7eight5: When and how did the band get together?
Razzy: Petty Dick and Razzy started playing together in 2019. It wasn’t until after the pandemic and a couple bass player changes until AK joined us.
Petty Dick: It was more than a couple bass player changes…
7eight5: Where are you based out of?
Wichita, KS and Arkansas City, KS
7eight5: How would you describe your sound?
Razzy: Psychedelic Funk Rock. We do have other genres we incorporate into our music as well. We really don’t stick to just one genre.
Petty Dick: Insufferably desperate.
7eight5: Who’s inspired your music?
Razzy: No one in particular.
Petty Dick: The constant weight of existential dread.
7eight5: Do you remember your first show together? What was that like?
Razzy: Yes, it was at Barleycorns in Wichita, and it was a pretty fun show!
Casper: Nope.
7eight5: What show was your best show, or your favorite? What made that so memorable?
Razzy: My most favorite shows were at the Brass Rail in Hays, KS and our album release. The crowd’s energy was awesome. It’s something us musicians always crave and we were not let down.
AK: Hard to pinpoint. There have been multiple shows where the energy on stage and in the crowd was unbelievable and in every one of those moments I knew that was where I was supposed to be.
Casper: our album release. We received a lot of support and had a great time celebrating.
Petty Dick: The one with that fire taco truck ong!
7eight5: Fans of (insert band(s) here) would love your music.
Razzy: Zeppelin, RHCP, Pink Floyd, Primus, Ween and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Pretty much anything funky with a plethora of genre influences.
AK: Chili Peppers, Mr Bungle, or so I’m told.
7eight5: Where do you get inspiration from when writing music?
Razzy: When it comes to lyrics, we like topics that can be pretty dark. Anything from cults, government, addiction, and love.
AK: I just feel it, try out stuff and see if it works or what works better. Also altered states of consciousness, Also the ever impending pressure of failure, and then realizing that I’m just faking my way through this.
Petty Dick: It comes from the balls.
7eight5: What comes first for you? The lyrics or the music? Or is it more 50/50?
Razzy: Usually always the music. Lyrics come after.
AK: I no do words guud. So I stick to the back end.
Petty Dick: AK lies. He’s a very gifted wordsmith and singer, albeit in his other musical ventures.
7eight5: Where do you see yourselves as a band in 5 years? What are you hoping to achieve?
Petty Dick: Cashing those sweet, sweet royalty checks while evading taxes on a beach somewhere in Panama.
No one in particular.
Razzy
7eight5: Any bands you’d like to play with?
Razzy: No one in particular.
Petty Dick: I don’t even want to play with this band.
7eight5: What do you guys do outside of Wasay Oblique? (Work, Hobbies, other bands, etc)
Razzy: Move freight, sometimes some roofing stuff. I like to travel.
AK: Casino Secret Agent Man. It’s boring to hear about though so I’ll leave it at that.
Petty Dick: My other band [REDACTED].
7eight5: Who are you listening to these days?
Razzy: Tool, Sugar Ray, Limp Bizkit and Ween.
AK: Tool, Highly Suspect, Pink Floyd, everything in between.
Casper: Inner Wave, Men I Trust, and Crumb.
Petty Dick: The neverending echoes of anguish which pulsate from the void.
7eight5: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned since playing together?
Razzy: Trust your bandmates and have fun.
AK: Don’t be nervous or worry about shows, cuz it’s always gonna be a good one.
Casper: It’s faster when everyone helps load and unload everything.
Petty Dick: Obey the Razzy. Never question or disagree with the Razzy.
7eight5: How are people able to get a hold of you?
Razzy: wasayoblique@gmail.com
Petty Dick: With their hands, arms, or like a cool judo grapple. I also wouldn’t turn down a big spoon scenario or a full-on cuddle puddle.
