We were lucky to catch up with Estimated Principles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Estimated thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Drew (bassist, 20 years old) – ” I started playing music with my father when I was a freshman in high school. We started by just playing songs together that we both knew and enjoyed, but then I wanted to try my hand in making my own music, and my dad helped me learn how to do that. I enjoyed the process of making something new and sharing that joy I felt with my father, and seeing his face light up when we played something we created together. Since then, I’ve wanted to share that joy with more people, and by starting this band I’ve been able to share that ,in the form of our music, with way more people than I ever expected.”
Cody (lead singer, 20 years old)- “I grew up playing instruments and making music with my family, its something of a tradition for us. No one has ever gone so far as to make a career out of it, so I wanted to be the one to really take it seriously and make it my career. Being in this band is like being with a second family who carries on that tradition every time we practice, perform, or write music. Making music with people I love is where I feel at home and this band has become my family.”
Oe (guitar, keys 20 years old) – “I’ve basically always known that I had to pursue an artistic career. My parents and close family are all artists in some way, so it was ingrained in me at a very young age. I was always drawing, and at 6 years old i begged my parents to put me in piano lessons, that is where my passion for music started. I am currently a music major at my college, and whatever happens I will be following my passion professionally.
Ethan (lead guitar, 19 years old) – ” I had been playing for about a year when I decided to try writing my own music. Being in a band and creating music with my best friends, then hear a crowd singing and enjoying music I helped to create is such a fulfilling feeling. After we performed our first original piece I knew this was something I wanted to do with my life. ”
Clay (drummer, 21 years old) – ” People always tell you music is a pipe dream, you’ll never make any money, you’ll never be successful, and that is really discouraging to hear. I was hesitant to pursue music, but I joined the band to give it a try, and I had a really great time doing this with my friends. I was still unsure if this could be my career, but the first time we got paid for a gig I realized my passion for this work, and that I wouldn’t be able to fully commit myself to anything else.”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Estimated Principles is an alternative rock band we formed in 2021. We’ve got Cody Widener singing, Andrew Renner on the bass, Clay Waddell playing drums, Ethan Schomacker as our lead guitar, and Oe Waddell on keys. We’re just five people who never found where they fit in before. We came together and had an instant connection through the music we made. We started off playing house parties and small bar gigs and started forming a small local fanbase. As we’ve grown and started playing bigger venues we always bring a special connection to the crowd no matter where we’re playing. When you’re at one of our shows, you’re one of our friends and we’re all having an amazing time, just enjoying the music together. We’ve watched our fanbase grow over the past 3 years, we’ve been able to travel and meet incredible people who are out there making music and striving to make it just like we are. Some of our best friends are people we’ve met along this journey. We’ve been really excited to see the engagement we’ve gotten from different podcasts, venues, and bands that reach out to us wanting to work with us. I think our real pride and joy is the music we’ve made together, though. We’ve released one EP, and have another one on the way, as well as a full album coming out this summer. At the end of the day we just love the music we get to play, and want to share that with anyone.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Andrew- “I like being able to know that my music is impacting people.”
Cody- “I use music as my outlet to externalize the things that I can’t necessarily convey any other way. It helps me connect with people in a way that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”
Clay- “I like to entertain people. Art does that. I enjoy seeing people having a good time at our shows.”
Oe-” I like knowing that people enjoy something I created, my music is making a difference.”
Ethan-” Being able to express myself in a way that doesn’t always require words.”
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Support your local artists. Check out the music venues in your town, there are creative people making incredible music everywhere, not just the huge artists you see on your social media. Chances are these smaller bands are working incredibly hard to provide you with the music and experiences at these shows. Showing support as little as just showing up to their shows and enjoying their music with them. Buying merch is another great way to show your support for these bands. Don’t discount a band or artist because they are small. Everyone starts somewhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.estimatedprinciples.com/
- Instagram: @EstimatedPrinciples
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@estimatedprinciples5097
- TikTok: @EstimatedPrinciples