Wing-It

By: Mariel CHOW

Published: 02/09/2011

Wing-It is an alternative rock band that has been playing music since they were in high school. Now, the quartet has not only broadened their horizons in university and work, they have released an EP.

The band is: David Lennon, lead guitarist; Daniel Letch, lead singer; Jason Pybus on bass and David’s brother, Marc Lennon, on drums.

As well as being musicians, they are either studying or working, with one eye on their future. Letch is studying to be a paramedic and Pybus works a tradesman.

David is also studying broadcasting at WAAPA. He agreed that music was a big part of his life but education could create a more sustainable future.

He said that the band's main philosophy is communication and being open with each other.

“We are a very democratic band, everyone has a say with no ulterior motive.”

Although the band is successful, selling nearly 400 copies of their EP, they have suffered setbacks.

Their current drummer, Marc Lennon, is only a substitute for the band. This was because their last drummer, Dean Anderson, went on to other things.

“He was making more money because he was doing covers. He is now a working with other bands and music producers,” said David.

Although there is always an option to perform cover songs, Wing-It prefer to write and perform their own.

“Writing music is a creative outlet, it's not for the money. We enjoy writing the music with each other”.

The band is inspired by different kinds of music. Lennon said he is inspired by rock bands like Yellowcard and Queen but also appreciates softer music from Colbie Caillat.

“The songs we write have different meanings. Our lead singer is religious and his inspiration can even be spiritual”.

The band has big plans for the future and is hoping to get their album released in the next year. They also hope to travel to the southwest and east coast to play gigs.

Wing-It will be playing at the Civic Hotel on September 2, 2011. They are supporting Juwana, who are launching their upcoming EP.


- 3rd Degree

By: Katherine HENNING

Published: 03/09/2010

Students all over Australia are competing for the chance to be named winner in what is said to be the ‘biggest live band competition in the southern hemisphere’.

Live bands performed across campuses in Perth with students from Edith Cowan, Curtin, UWA and Great Southern TAFE all competing in the National Campus Band competition.

ECU band, Wing-It is one of many bands who played on Wednesday, August 26 in an audition to determine whether or not they will proceed to the semi-final. They were succesful and will be competing in the WA semi-final on September 11 at the Swan Basement.

Wing-It guitarist David Lennon said they are ready for the semi-final with their core songs rehearsed and some different music to change up the competition.

With 1000 bands from over 80 institutes, the stakes are high as the national winner receives $1000 cash and the opportunity to perform live in the 2011 competition Rock-It.

“This year we have a lot more experience behind us and we are far more of a professional band, but it all depends on the judges and what direction they have for the competition,” Lennon said.

The National final will take place on October 1 at the Rosemount in Perth.

This competition could be the start for a group of young students as it has for previous winners and entrants including Eskimo Joe, the Vines and Grinspoon to name a few.

First place last year went to Queensland band, Downstairs Mix-up.

- 3rd Degree

Wing-it to promote Campus Bands final
By: Kyree MEAGHER

Published: 24/09/2010

Wing-it was a crowd favourite when they rocked their hearts out at the semi finals of the National Campus Band Competition (NCBC) on September 11, but their rock star performance wasn’t enough to get the popular ECU band through to the final.

The semi final of the NCBC was held at the Swan Basement in North Fremantle, where The Caballeros took home first place.

Although Wing-it missed the opportunity of taking home the prestigious national title, they have been asked to perform a gig as entertainment to promote the NCBC final at the Northbridge Plaza on September 29.

Members Daniel Letch, Jason Pybus, Dean Anderson and David Lennon formed the band Wing-it in 2005.

“We are a very close band because we started off as four friends,” said lead guitarist David Lennon.

“Keeping friendship as the most important thing to never forget makes the whole thing worthwhile.”

All the members in Wing-it believed that after three years of performing their hardest in the NCBC, this year was their chance to captivate the judges and earn the first place title.

Lennon said they must have impressed someone in the NCBC with their performance because they are now the face of promoting the final.

“Although we didn’t make it through to the final, they really liked how entertaining we were,” Lennon said.

“We were told that we would be perfect (band) for advertising the next stage of the comp.”

Wing-it guitarist Daniel Letch said they performed at their very best at the semi finals because of how much support the crowd was giving them.

“It was such a rush with the number of people who came down to watch,” Letch said.

“A lot of people were very noticeably into our music, which just made us perform even better.”

Jonathon Zahra, State and National Coordinator of the NCBC said that all the bands performed well at the semi finals and said they all have equal talent.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the bands to get real exposure and win some great prizes,” Mr Zahra said.

Wing-it won a $100 voucher and the band said the prize money would be spent on new microphone stands.

Wing-it bass player Jason Pybus said they love entertaining people, but won’t let any fame get to their heads.

“It has never been about the fame, so it’s hard to say what the reaction from the spotlight will be,” Pybus said.

“I guess you just have to pay a little more attention, but really if you can enjoy it and make the most of it, it shouldn't be a problem.”

The NCBC is the largest live band competition in the southern hemisphere and has been running throughout Australian university and TAFE campuses across the country for over 21 years.

Last year's NCBC winner was Downstairs Mix-up from Queensland. Previous West Australian NCBC winners – Eskimo Joe and Jebediah – have gone on to worldwide success.

Each year up to 400 bands from over 40 institutions compete live with the hope of being crowned with the national title of first place.

Industry representatives judge competitors on six aspects – Originality of material, musicianship, stage presentation, recording viability and the audience response.

Wing-it drummer Dean Anderson said they recently released their first EP – Flying by the Seat of One’s Pants – and said this is very exciting for their future.

“We will be selling and pushing this current EP as much as we can,” Anderson said.

“Then we will be recording a full album sometime in the New Year and from there we hope to tour south and over east.”

Lennon believes that all bands should be brave and consider entering next year's NCBC because even if they don’t win, the whole process is an incredible experience.

“Be as tightly rehearsed as possible because this will make you comfortable on stage and the audience will respond better because you will be playing stronger,” he said.

“Above all, just enjoy it. You're playing music for a reason and never forget that reason.”
- 3RD Degree

Wing-it to promote Campus Bands final
By: Kyree MEAGHER

Published: 24/09/2010

Wing-it was a crowd favourite when they rocked their hearts out at the semi finals of the National Campus Band Competition (NCBC) on September 11, but their rock star performance wasn’t enough to get the popular ECU band through to the final.

The semi final of the NCBC was held at the Swan Basement in North Fremantle, where The Caballeros took home first place.

Although Wing-it missed the opportunity of taking home the prestigious national title, they have been asked to perform a gig as entertainment to promote the NCBC final at the Northbridge Plaza on September 29.

Members Daniel Letch, Jason Pybus, Dean Anderson and David Lennon formed the band Wing-it in 2005.

“We are a very close band because we started off as four friends,” said lead guitarist David Lennon.

“Keeping friendship as the most important thing to never forget makes the whole thing worthwhile.”

All the members in Wing-it believed that after three years of performing their hardest in the NCBC, this year was their chance to captivate the judges and earn the first place title.

Lennon said they must have impressed someone in the NCBC with their performance because they are now the face of promoting the final.

“Although we didn’t make it through to the final, they really liked how entertaining we were,” Lennon said.

“We were told that we would be perfect (band) for advertising the next stage of the comp.”

Wing-it guitarist Daniel Letch said they performed at their very best at the semi finals because of how much support the crowd was giving them.

“It was such a rush with the number of people who came down to watch,” Letch said.

“A lot of people were very noticeably into our music, which just made us perform even better.”

Jonathon Zahra, State and National Coordinator of the NCBC said that all the bands performed well at the semi finals and said they all have equal talent.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the bands to get real exposure and win some great prizes,” Mr Zahra said.

Wing-it won a $100 voucher and the band said the prize money would be spent on new microphone stands.

Wing-it bass player Jason Pybus said they love entertaining people, but won’t let any fame get to their heads.

“It has never been about the fame, so it’s hard to say what the reaction from the spotlight will be,” Pybus said.

“I guess you just have to pay a little more attention, but really if you can enjoy it and make the most of it, it shouldn't be a problem.”

The NCBC is the largest live band competition in the southern hemisphere and has been running throughout Australian university and TAFE campuses across the country for over 21 years.

Last year's NCBC winner was Downstairs Mix-up from Queensland. Previous West Australian NCBC winners – Eskimo Joe and Jebediah – have gone on to worldwide success.

Each year up to 400 bands from over 40 institutions compete live with the hope of being crowned with the national title of first place.

Industry representatives judge competitors on six aspects – Originality of material, musicianship, stage presentation, recording viability and the audience response.

Wing-it drummer Dean Anderson said they recently released their first EP – Flying by the Seat of One’s Pants – and said this is very exciting for their future.

“We will be selling and pushing this current EP as much as we can,” Anderson said.

“Then we will be recording a full album sometime in the New Year and from there we hope to tour south and over east.”

Lennon believes that all bands should be brave and consider entering next year's NCBC because even if they don’t win, the whole process is an incredible experience.

“Be as tightly rehearsed as possible because this will make you comfortable on stage and the audience will respond better because you will be playing stronger,” he said.

“Above all, just enjoy it. You're playing music for a reason and never forget that reason.”
- 3RD Degree

Some things you know are just going to be worth it. THE SILENCE IN-BETWEEN’S EP Launch was one of them. They’ve certainly come a long way from their first gig two years ago and it was marvellous to see all their hard work paying off.

First up were the boys from Ballajura, WING-IT. This was a rather unusual set, drummer Dean Anderson was nowhere to be seen. The band attempted a semi-acoustic set with the aid of a backing track, which looked awkward on paper but was executed live without a hitch. Anderson then appeared… on a projection screen! However that wasn’t the biggest surprise of the night, no sir. A cover of the Katy Perry classic Hot N’ Cold took that honour. Despite the technical issue of the drums being on a backing track the remaining three members fired on all six cylinders. The band then finished with the crowd-pleasing ‘Dancing On The Way Down’ to cap off a set that, given the difficulties of playing without a live drummer, would terrify other musicians.
The next band, who fortunately had all members present and correct was FOOLS OF APRIL. Kicking off with ‘Sweet Honey’ the band soon tore through their set with lead singer Bec Fortune in fine form. High speed rockers like ‘Hush’ and ‘Take It And Run’ alternated with more mid tempo songs like ‘Made To Be Broken’, which featured some nifty drum work from Daniel Parise and ‘Listen’ – which had a white-hot solo from guitarist Cameron Dobie. These guys are total professionals. Simply, you’d be a fool not to see them live.

At around 10:30pm HOSTILE LITTLE FACE hit the stage. The frenzied rush the band got into during ‘I Messed Myself’ showed just how good these guys are live. They’ve got a new album coming out in October, and tracks that should be featured on the album such as ‘Superhero’ and ‘Why So Serious’ have a serious shot at airplay, they’re more catchy than the flu in July. The highlight of their set was crowd favourite ‘Return To Sender’, a song made for getting those phones and waving them. The band finished in a blaze with ‘Lights Off’. This band is going places fast.

Finally it was time for The Silence In-Between to hit the stage. Opening up with ‘Saying Goodbye’, the band wasted little time in establishing a strong performance dynamic. All members were particularly energetic, but guitarist/keyboard player Sacha was a total energy bomb with his wireless unit allowing for complete freedom of movement, both on stage and in the audience. Recent video ‘Mistrust & Deceit’ was a big hit with the crowd, as was the pop-punk sounds of ‘When You Come Home’ and the keyboard tinged ‘Closer’. The band finished with ‘What Really Matters Anymore’ and then it was all over. Obviously what matters to The Silence In-Between is putting on a damn good show, and they can certainly do that. No question.
- BY SPACE SHIP NEWS