Interview with The Way Back When

Sunday, September 24rd, 2018

I have been a member of WRIU, for the past year.   WRIU is the student run independent radio station here at the University of Rhode Island. As the public relations chair, one of the responsibilities I have is conducting band interviews . This past Sunday,  I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Makenzie Failla, (who is also the FM program director), and the lead singer, Connor Lennihan, of the Narragansett based band The Way Back When.

Makenzie and I asked him various questions, ranging from the origin of the band’s name and how he finds time to practice. We ended the interview with a three song acoustic set. Connor, also known as Lenny, said that the name for his band came to him when he was in high school from a Modern Baseball song. Next, we asked how he manages his time as a student musician. He mentioned how he is able to practice for four to five hours periodically; writing some lyrics down in the process. He also stated how, the other three members of TWBW, Kane (drums), Jerry (bassist), and Thom, (guitar) are able to communicate through text about coordinating meeting times, and suggestions for upcoming songs.

After the interview questions ended, the long awaited acoustic set began! I met Lenny through the club, Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Through this club, our friendship flourished, and he invited me to various house shows. I have seen he and his band perform many times. Each time I notice more development in various aspects of vocal range, and chord progressions. He played the song, “Licorice,” “Powder,” and a new song, that has yet to be released, called. “Newport Mansions.”  The genre of music that follows this band I would say is pop punk. Although he did not perform this, I really enjoy the song “Indica.” I especially appreciate the lyrics, “isn’t it ironic now, I drink my coffee black.” A subsequential jam session follows. The lyrics in the songs, follow a common theme of drug usage, whether that is coffee, nicotine, or various other illegal substances. I have been lucky enough to see The Way Back When play at different venues. My favorite was this past April at a barn in Burrillville called “Planet Mercury” it was so much fun screaming the lyrics to “Licorice” with some of my close friends. The Way Back When’s music is available on Spotify and Apple Music, so support my friend’s band!! You won’t regret it ;).