“Wave·son. noun ˈwāvsən. : goods that after shipwreck appear floating on the sea…” according to Merriam-Webster. Alternative meaning: An up and coming alt-rock band based in Ellensburg, Washington. Conceived in a high school’s music practice room in 2018 by lead singer Nathaniel Arango, Wavesons has matured in sound and talent, introducing new members along the way. The band is composed of four passionate, genre-blending musicians: David Coppin-Lanigan, Andrew Byrd, Leo Robinson and Nathaniel Arango. Playing shows both locally in Ellensburg and beyond, Wavesons captivates crowds across the state.
“We came up with the word ‘Peenweemo.’ It means pacific northwest emo,” Coppin-Lanigan said when describing the type of music Wavesons creates. The term is a play on the popular genre midwest emo. The band takes inspiration from groups like Slint, Radiohead, American football and Car Seat Headrest to add their own contributions to alt-rock and the peenweemo genre. The writing process starts with a simple chord progression. “I usually bring a partially formed idea to the group and we collectively shape it into a complete song,” Arango said. “It’s usually no more than like kind of a skeleton of an idea… that’s the root and then everybody else makes the branches, and the leaves, and the fruit and whatnot.”
The fruit of these efforts, two released albums with a third on the way, are a testament to the energy and influence each member contributes to the whole. “‘Ship’ is one of the songs I’m most proud of, so if there’s any song I want people to form an opinion of us based on, it’s that one,” Arango said. The sentiment was echoed by Byrd, who explained the track was “Definitely one of my favorites, and I know alot of our current listeners like that song.” The 2023 single was also featured on the album “(croatia)” along with other standout tracks like “Carcassonne” and “Goddam Hounds.”
Wavesons looks forward to expanding their audience, both on listening platforms and at shows. “[We’re] just trying to play as much as possible, meet as many people as possible, and keep doing it,” Arango said. “[We’re] trying to get over to the westside, further to the eastside, north, south, northeast, northwest, etcetera, all cardinal and secondary directions in between.” In the meantime, Wavesons is focusing on mastering their craft and becoming better musicians every day. Their upcoming music will be a representation of their best work; authentic music people can connect to.
Wavesons is proud to join forces with other local talent to contribute to the vibrant Ellensburg music scene. “There’s like an amazing spread of different genres of bands and artists here,” Byrd said.“[We’re] very lucky.” Agreeing with Byrd, Coppin-Lanigan added “We just feel honored to share a community with those guys and gals.” Along with humility, a driving theme among the bandmates is gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to share their passion, gratitude for the Ellensburg community, and gratitude for their fans. Coppin-Lanigan described attention Wavesons received as “affirming and generous” inspiring the group of young musicians to continue their journey west and east, and in every cardinal and secondary direction in between.
Find Wavesons on Spotify, Apple Music and wherever else you may listen.
