We recently connected with Patrick Doherty and have shared our conversation below.

Patrick, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Playing our first show in Tacoma Wa I was able to put $20 in my pocket at the end of the night. I can still remember the feeling of putting that money in my wallet and knowing it was from performing our craft. Being able to eat a meal and put a little bit of gas in the tank all from our own thoughts and dreams. That $20 felt like a million at the time.

Patrick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Tacoma Wa created us, a small industrial port town in the Pacific Northwest of Washington. Growing up in the rain you had to create your own fun in the winter. As soggy weeks turn into soggy months you have to find something to channel your energy into. We started recording music as a band in our bedrooms as an escape from the long northwest winters. Tacoma has a deep music history but you have to know where to look. There are no big venues or record contracts, just dirt under your fingernails. There is still pride in the work you put out thats made by hand for your local community. We are most proud of the community we are apart of. Working with what you have, recording in DIY home studios, appreciating the small mom & pop venues and all things made by hand to last.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

longevity: to keep the inner child alive and always lean into the creative process. Staying inspiered by life and creating something everyday. Being able to pass the passion of music onto the next generation and keep the cycle going. Rock N Roll will never die.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Stop relying on social media to promote shows and events. I see lots of bands only promoting online for events. You need to build community. Support your local print shop, drop off a show poster at your coffee shop. Have a relationship with the staff at the local venue in your town.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swoonrecords.com/wheelies
• Instagram: @wheeliesband
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wheeliestacoma/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=rYGMS0w4c3o

Image Credits
All photos shot by Tiarra Doherty