Being a new face to the Indianapolis music scene, Sinclair Wheeler has already begun to establish himself in the market. Bringing nothing but incredible guitar playing, a dance worthy attitude, and old fashioned blues and funk music to the stage you are in for a show when you see Sinclair live. I am excited to get the chance to sit and talk with him. Enjoy yourself and make sure to catch him live. He has three different live sets he does; solo acoustic, trio, and full band.
So Sinclair, how long have you been playing music?
I have been playing music since I was about 12 years old. I learned a song and couldn’t put it down. When I was 17 I hit it hard. 17 years old, I am about to be 23, so 5 years in the making.
When did you first realize you wanted to make a go at this incredibly competitive market?
The day I came out o the womb.
You are an actor too. Tell me a little bit more about that.
I am just I feed off of positive attention. I have been blessed with the ability to comprehend a part and portray it. It is just another avenue of expression. The more that I can express myself in a positive manner the better.
You have an incredible presence on stage. What is your motivation to having so much fun?
I have no idea. I literally go on stage and when the guitar goes on my shoulder, and I black out. It’s the same thing if I am listening to music in my car, in the mall. It is an uncontrollable unstoppable feeling that has emphasized when I am producing the music.
You said at your last show, one that did not have a great turnout, that you bring 100% to the stage every time. That is rare in today’s market. How do you stay focused when you get up there and there are only a few people in the audience?
It’s just again that uncontrollable feeling. I don’t want to stop and whether it’s 1 or 1,000, I want every time for someone walks away with an unforgettable experience.
What is the largest crowd you have played for?
Close to 400. It was at Mass Asteria for Theater on the Square. It was a block party. It was a fundraiser.
What are you drinking when you are on stage?
Jim Beam on the rocks.
When should we expect an album from you guys?
You can expect an official album release late spring or early summer. I started in the studio yesterday, actually. I just don’t want to be rushed. Andy Lee is the guy producing the album. He is from the Chester Kings.
You do three sets of stage shows. Tell me a little bit about what makes each one so different and why you choose to not just focus on one setup.
Versatility is the key; being able to, at any time, have the ability to switch into a specific mood or setting. The acoustic stuff is freeing because there is no one else to look at but me. There is a lot less stress when I am by myself. That is compared to when I play with a band. The Trio is slowly becoming my favorite aspect of my music. I am getting the chance to play music that is deep. My father introduced me to music. I am living out his dream too. I am playing the blues. The full band is kind of like an unopened door. We have the ability to tap into any genre we want. I am trying to stay focused on funk and blues. We can still keep it under a pop umbrella.
If you could go on tour in support of anyone in the business right now who would it be?
If I could go on tour with anyone in the business who would it be? (Thinks) as far as inspiration and in itself a life goal is Stevie Wonder. As in genre fitting, realistic and the general masses; John Mayer.
If you could meet anyone alive or dead who would it be and why?
Jesus Christ. He was living proof to me that there is a God. Because of Him and his sacrifice I am able to follow my dreams and live my life.
What do you want people to remember you for when you have quit playing music?
That is so broad. I want to be funny. I want to be serious. I think, and I told Barrett this, and this was in the first interview that we did. Live music and live people is so much more a saying if you look in history. You feel it. It’s alive. It’s soulful. The people got live. They rose up. They voiced their opinion. They had a fuel called music behind them. Live music. Live people. I think that is a great way to have people remember me by.
Who is your motivation when you sit down to write a song?
The mood in the room. The lighting. How fast my heart is beating. The sounds in the background. What I did the night before.
If you could play only one cover for the rest of your life what would it be?
Boogie on a Reggae Woman by Stevie wonder.
What toppings do you put on your pizza?
Pepperoni and jalapenos.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In front of the general masses. In whatever avenue that seems appropriate at the time.
I always like to let the artists get the last word in. Go.
I think sometimes in the midst of Indiana there is a blanket over a lot of beautiful things going on because we are in Indiana. If I could express to people that if they got their mind out of the gutter knowing that we are not in L.A. that there is still beautiful music being played on a daily basis all over the state. It would be beneficial to not just the artist and musicians, bar and club owners, but extremely beneficial to themselves.
