Shecky’s

When you think of a great music scene and rock stars, you probably don’t picture a band out of suburban Connecticut. The Woulda Coulda Shouldas (a.k.a. WCS) wants to change that. Chris Sammons (guitar/vocals), Alex Swift (bass/vocals) and Phil Osgood (drums) are also revamping the three most meaningful words in the English language (I Love You) into the catchiest, feel-good chorus we’ve heard in a while (yes, we have the YouTube to prove it…see below!).

We got the scoop from drummer Phil Osgood on the meaning of their name, why you (and your mom!) should listen, and why jamming to The Would Coulda Shouldas is better than your 7 a.m. coffee or 3 p.m. Red Bull. BONUS! You can hear The Woulda Coulda Shouldas live at Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton Street, New York, NY) this Saturday, August 28. Show starts at 8pm, WCS takes the stage at 11pm.

Shecky’s: So what does your band name mean?

Woulda Coulda Shouldas: The purpose of the name is similar to the purpose of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego, Batman; to embody and confront one’s own personal demons in order to conquer them. No one wants to be a woulda coulda shoulda, so to overcome that perpetual challenge we decided to identify ourselves as The Woulda Coulda Shouldas.

S: Describe The Woulda Coulda Shouldas in three words.

WCS: Musical energy drink.

S: If you had to describe yourself as any artist who would it be?

WCS: I see us as the musical love child of Green Day and Coldplay. Green Day was a punk band that wouldn’t apologize for the fact that it was a little pop-ier than usual. We’re an indie-rock band that’s also not afraid of our pop sensibilities. Plus, we like to play hard! Coldplay symbolizes a brand of rock-pop that has universal appeal, which we also like to aim for. Their hooks and lyrics embed themselves in the listener’s mind until they can’t help but sing along and fall in love.

S: You all live together—what’s that like?

WCS: Well, we all have day jobs. So when we get home, we get right back to work: Sending and answering emails, writing, recording and practicing. Chris (Sammons) and Alex (Swift) are the main songwriters. Other than that, it’s just the usual drinks and crazy dance parties.

S: What is your favorite song to play?

WCS: Whatever song gets the crowd dancing! “I Love You” is a newer tune that gets the girls singing along. (Fun fact: “I Love You” songwriter Swift is superstar Taylor Swift’s cousin.) It’s got a very simple chorus (I Love You, repeated 12 times), so when they catch on and start singing back, it’s a great feeling.

WCS performs “I Love You” at Stamford Downtown – Alive @ Five Battle of the Bands.

S: Describe the kind of person who listens to and likes your band.

WCS: If we share blood with a person they seem to enjoy us more…. For instance, we consider it to be the oddest of coincidences that all our mothers think our music is incredible. In general, anyone with an appreciation for honest, organic energetic music.

S: Where do you see yourself in a year…or longer?

WCS: In a year, we’d love to be opening up for or going on tour with bigger bands. It’d be great to be able to learn from established acts and earn new fans every night. We’d love to play the big introduction festivals like SXSW and Warped Tour. A year from now, we want to be the musical world’s next big thing. In five years, we’d like to be able to say we made good on that hype.

S: What has been your favorite part of being in the band so far?

WCS: Coming off stage or out of a practice knowing that we nailed something or made something really cool is one of the best feelings in the world. When other people feel it too, it makes it even better.

Our biggest accomplishment so far is winning the innagural Stamford Downtown – Alive @ Five Battle of the Bands. In a state with a minimal music scene, Stamford’s Alive @ Five is the top of the ladder. We got a lot of good press, opened for Rusted Root, and played on an awesome stage in front of family and friends, so it was a special experience.

S: What does everyone in the band like to do besides play music?

WCS: TV and sushi are essential aspects of our lives.

S: Anything else you’d like to add?!

WCS: Our debut EP, Tipi, is out on iTunes. You can check us out online at thewcsmusic.com, like us on Facebook or hear more at YouTube.com/WouldaCouldaShouldas.

-Cait Rohan

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of the band? Are you going to catch them this weekend? Know any other awesome up-and-coming bands? Email editors@sheckys.com and tell us now!