Interview by Scott Preston
In order to fully understand The Werks, one must first witness them perform live. Self-described as a groove rock band, The Werks’ original songs explore genres such as funk, electronica, soul, bluegrass, jazz, afro-cuban, celtic, R&B, and dance. Their unique style of performing is affected and manipulated by the energy of the audience, guaranteeing that each show will be different and memorable.
Their influences are as eclectic as their music, but some common influences include Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, Phish, Jimi Hendrix, Rush, The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink Floyd, Umphrey’s McGee, and The Grateful Dead.
The Werks have shared the stage with many great acts such as Ekoostik Hookah, Particle, Tea Leaf Green, Badfish, U-Melt, The Macpodz, BoomBox, Freekbass, One Under, The Maji, The Recipe, The Spikedrivers, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Papadosio, Jam Samich, Burning River Band, Mike Perkins, Covert Operations, Boogie Matrix Mechanism and The Goods to name a few.
As their tour radius increases, it is obvious that The Werks are becoming one of the Midwest’s fastest growing bands. This success is largely accredited to the hard work of their street team and the dedication of their fans.
Cincy Groove: How long have The Werks been together?
Rob Chafin: Chuck and Houser were in one band and Dave and I were in another band. We ended up merging together about 2 1/2 years ago.
Cincy Groove: Who are some of your musical influences?
Rob Chafin: I would have to say Led Zeppelin, Phish, Umphreys McGee.
Cincy Groove: What other cities have The Werks played in?
Rob Chafin: We have played in Chicago, Florida, St Louis. So we are slowly be surely branching out. We also just found out we are playing at Bike Week up in Sandusky, Oh with ekoostik hookah. We were also told they are providing us with 2 hotel rooms which kind of amazed us. Having one hotel room is cool but getting 2 rooms doesn’t happen very often.
One of our main goals for 2008 is to get out to Colorado. We have to do a Manifest Destiny before we play in another country (laughing). We have to have 2 -3 weeks of open schedules to make the trip out west. I think we don’t have that much time open until August.
Cincy Groove: What do you like to do when your not playing music?
Rob Chafin: well, I like to escape from being social (laughing). My friend and I figured it out I actually have 23 hours of free time per week where I’m not working, sleeping or doing band stuff. When I’m not playing drums, I’ll pick up a guitar or play piano. I’m always thinking about music.
Cincy Groove: Do you remember the name of the first band you were in?
Rob Chafin: Dr Distortion and His Leaded Pencils of Death. My friends and I were in the 6th grade. We covered Jimi Hendrix and all these classic rock songs. We didn’t have any originals, we just jammed.
The Werks are:
Chris Houser – Guitar, Vocals
Rob Chafin – Drums, Vocals
Dave Bartoletti – Keyboards, Vocals
Chuckie Love – Bass, Vocals
Upcoming The Werks tour dates:
For complete show details visit The Werks website: thewerksmusic.com
March 27, 2008 Billy’s Lounge Grand Rapids, MI
March 29, 2008 The Loading Dock Traverse City, MI
April 04, 2008 Seven Timbers Live Dayton, OH
April 05, 2008 M-Fest 2008 University of Dayton, OH
April 11, 2008 Stanley’s Pub Cincinnati, OH
April 18, 2008 Bluegrass Brewing Company Louisville, KY
April 26, 2008 The Blue Gator Athens, OH
May 02, 2008 The Store Chicago, IL
May 03, 2008Canal Street Tavern Dayton, OH
May 30, 2008 Wang Dang Doodle Fest 3 Cincinnati, OH
May 31, 2008 Nelson Ledges Quarry Park Garrettsville, OH
June 06, 2008 Bluegrass Brewing Company Louisville, KY
June 07, 2008 Tree’s Farm Jam Middletown, OH
June 21, 2008 Southwind Music Festival Bellafontaine, OH
