Willie’s Nerve Clinic

Bio:

Willie’s Nerve Clinic had its auspicious beginnings 20 years ago when Dirk Lance sought out local legend Stray Deuce for a crash course in bass. The lessons, which lasted for the better part of a year, would cement a friendship between the two that continues to this day. During his tenure in Incubus, Dirk Lance would visit with Stray and reminisce about their past together, the ultimate irony being that Stray was now teaching students how to play songs that Dirk had written. Upon leaving Incubus, Dirk approached Stray yet again for musical instruction, this time with the goal of rounding out his working knowledge of music theory. There could hardly be someone more qualified for the job. Stray’s background included stints as a recording artist for both Motown and Columbia records in their heyday. As a singer/songwriter Deuce was known to be incredibly prolific having played on or for dozens of artists over the years. One day after a few months of lessons Stray suggested that the two of them start a band together, thereby bringing their musical journey full circle…and thus Willie’s Nerve Clinic was born. Stray and Dirk began writing songs immediately, and the material excited them both enough to recruit other local musicians to round out the band. Drum and piano players were brought in, however this first group of outside musicians didn’t really click so the guys auditioned additional drummers until the right one was found. At one point there were three background singers and another guitar player. However Stray and Dirk decided it would be best to revert back to being a trio. WNC changed drummers yet again in March of ’07 and with the discovery of Matt Hutchison, the group has truly found its voice. With Stray on guitar and vocals, Dirk on bass and Matt on drums the Clinic proceeded to write an album’s worth of material that they felt compelled to record and release to the world. The album, titled VAMPIRE KISS, is an eclectic blend of hard rock, funk and jazz that will take the listener on a wild musical ride that is guided by accomplished players with an eye toward vivid storytelling. Lyrically, Stray divides his time between being a very sharp critic of the state of the world with an almost playful sense of wonderment at how amazing life and love can be. The songs are heavily focused on melody with early reviewers comparing the band to both Steely Dan and Toto at their most compelling. While the band acknowledges that most of today’s youth have never even heard of these groups, it is WNC’s goal to reinvent the idea of what a power trio can and should be. VAMPIRE KISS is anticipated to be released summer of ’09.

Member Since:

March 31, 2009

Members:

Stray Deuce, Dirk Lance, Matt Hutchison