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H-Town Rock
Rock Talk, Vol. IX
Most music interviews focus on musicians who have already made the big time. Here, we want to do something different, and also look at artists at the beginning of their career. Micah Walker, lead singer on Houston’s Versecity, is an example of that. Versecity plays at Fitzgerald’s this Saturday night, with fellow Houston artists Brains for Dinner, Heptic Skeptic, Concerta Circus, and Stuck Lucky.
What's behind the band's name?
We were all from the university (University of Houston), and since in the beginning, we were two white guys and two black guys -- we thought we had a lot of diversity, plus we felt like our style of music was very universal. Basically, the word versity kept reappearing, so we decided to keep it as our name, but we wanted to spell it different so it would be unique. A few different spellings came up but all were quickly dropped until we came up with Versecity. It’s like the “verse” in a song and “city” as in Houston. But its still pronounced the same as the way you would say “versity.”
When and how did Versecity come together?
This is all about our manager Chase Gutierrez. He found me on Facebook and told me he wanted to start a band and wanted me to be the singer. His cousin was a drummer and he knew a very good guitar player, so we all met up and tried to work on some stuff, but it was immediately clear we had completely different styles. At this point, we decided that I’d just go forward as a solo artist. Chase was able to get me in a meeting with local Houston rapper Rob G and Latium records representative T Grey, a former DJ on 97.9. After playing for him he told me I had it but I needed a producer to structure my songs better and a band behind me so the sound would be stronger and then to come back to him once we were ready. So, Chase and myself were back looking to put a band together. A week or so later I was walking to my apartment and there was this black dude (Marcus) jamming on guitar out on the breeze way balcony. I introduced myself and went and got my guitar and we jammed for a little while. I played him some of my songs and he played me some of his, but I wasn’t really thinking of the band I was just playing some music with someone who loved it as much as I did. Later that week Chase was on his way over and he saw and heard Marcus jamming so he grabbed him and brought him to my apartment and made us work on music together. After a few days of jamming together, we knew we had the start of the band.
It’s a three piece band, including drums, lead and rhythm guitar. .Where’s the bass?
Yes, yes – we are still looking for the right bass player. The bass is very important, but it as to be a perfect fit and we wont settle for anything less. So, if you think you’re up for it, contact us!
You list Maroon 5 and Jack Johnson as some of your influences on your site, and it's noticeable on the songs that you have on MySpace. Who was some other musically influences for you?
For me, it’s Brandon Boyd, the lead singing of Incubus. I’ve never taken actual voice lessons, but I’ve been singing along to Incubus for so long I feel like I’ve taken lessons from him. My voice is by no means the same as his, but if you listen to Incubus and then you listen to me, you will hear a lot of his singing style in my voice.
How did your family play a part in inspiring you musically?
My father has been a singer his entire life. He has been there to support me from the first song I wrote 5 years ago (which was bad) and It’s a great feeling to know I’ll have him to help me along the way. His dreams in music have inspired me and became my dreams and I know together and with Versecity, we can make all our dreams come true.
Versecity is still rather new on the local music scene. What's your plan for the future?
We are currently recording our first professional demo. It will be 4-6 songs and we should have it finished by the beginning May. Then we will be shopping it out to all the labels we have made connections with so far, as well as trying to work our way up in the Houston music scene and build a solid fan base.
What are your thoughts on the Houston music scene?
The Houston music scene is awesome and it’s only growing! Major labels are moving into the city and setting up studios. A lot of it is the popularity of the Houston rap scene but that will only make the rest of Houston’s music scene grow. Though rap may not be our genre of music, I feel as though our music can reach that audience as well as the local rock audience. For me, Houston is a great place for our band right now. I love the city.
Are you fans or friends with the other bands on the bill Saturday night?
I haven’t heard of many of the bands, but we are friends with and have played with Heptic Skeptic before. They have a cool sound and it’s sad to hear about their break up.
If you could be any Houston landmark, what would it be?
The JPMorgan Chase tower because is it the tallest/biggest building in the city. I want, and I believe, our music will take us to the top and we will become the biggest thing to ever come out of the city of Houston. Just Wait!
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