Artist On The Rise: How did you initially become interested in pursuing a career as a music artist, and what inspired you to follow this path?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I mean with such childhood hits like Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Wheels on the Bus, how could I have NOT gone into music? I have yet to meet a woman who hasn’t swooned when I played her Old McDonald Had A Farm, and honestly who’s gonna walk away from that kind of power? 
 
Artist On The Rise: Can you provide some insight into your creative process when it comes to writing and producing songs?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: Rubbing myself down with castor oil and barking at the moon has proven to be the most effective. When that fails, I just go down to the local Elementary School and shake kids down for songs. You’d be amazed at what a couple of candy bars can get you from the 7 and under crowd.
 
Artist On The Rise: How would you describe your unique musical style or sound, and which artists or influences have played a significant role in shaping it?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I would describe it in Latin, but unfortunately I don’t speak Latin. 
 
Artist On The Rise: Can you share any challenges you've faced during your journey in the music industry so far, and how you've managed to overcome them?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: Trying to make it big with a jazz triangle player. Not gonna get burned by that one again. I overcame it by not trying to make it big with a jazz triangle player.
 
Artist On The Rise: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career, and what strategies do you use to ensure your mental and emotional well-being?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I put both in a cage and let them fight it out. Two enter, one leaves. Whoever gets the tap out gets my attention for the day. It’s a good system. Plus you get to enjoy it with popcorn.
 
Artist On The Rise: In a competitive industry like music, how do you stay up-to-date with trends and ensure your music remains relevant?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I utilize the raw power of the psychic hotline. I get a lot of honey out of that hive.  As to how I stay relevant? Well, let’s just say you can never go wrong with jazz hands. 
 
Artist On The Rise: Have you collaborated with other artists or producers, and in what ways have these collaborations contributed to your growth as an artist?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I once performed in front of a dog that howled as I played. I didn’t agree with all of his musical choices, but in the end I think I came out the better for it. Plus, I never knew the tremendous power that not shaving, excessive drooling and complete disregard of social etiquette can have on an audience. Thanks Mr. Flufferton!
 
Artist On The Rise: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or releases that your fans can anticipate?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I could, but you gotta pay double for that kind of action. My pimp gets a bit testy when I give out sneak peeks for free. However, my patreon page wants you to know that for this week and this week only, first sneak peeks are $2.99 and all subsequent sneak peeks are $0.99.
 
Artist On The Rise: How do you connect with your fan base and cultivate a loyal following? What is your approach to social media and interacting with fans?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: I connect to them strictly through a long series of avoidance. One can’t cancel what one can’t find.
 
Artist On The Rise: How do you handle criticism and negative feedback as a new artist in the industry?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: Mainly with a bazooka. I find it to be the most effective of responses. 
 
Artist On The Rise: What are your long-term goals in the music industry, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: To be a major fast food proprietor, owner and operator in all large concert venues across the globe. Music is just something I do to pay the bills.  
 
Artist On The Rise: How do you cope with the pressure that comes with being a new artist in the public eye, and how do you manage expectations from both fans and the industry?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: Full contact musical chairs. 
 
Artist On The Rise: If you could offer any advice to aspiring musicians just starting their journey in the music industry, what would it be?
 
Wesley Adams Cook: Stay off my turf or prepare for the water balloon war you never thought would come to your doorstep. 

Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly space for playlists put together by artists, collaborators, and people from all corners of our circle. Over the past few weeks, we’ve highlighted selections from Zack Fox, Danny L Harle, and Mckayla Twiggs. This latest edition spotlights British French songwriter and producer Lauren Auder, who released her second album, “Whole World as Vigil,” just last week. Created alongside Dviance and Alex Parish, the project explores the emotional layers of human relationships, from the struggles to the moments of beauty. To celebrate the release, we invited Auder to curate a playlist for us and share a few personal insights along the way.

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Where do you dance? In the bedroom.

London or France? Unfair advantage for France, being a whole country. 

What song on this playlist is your guilty pleasure? I have no guilty pleasures!

What’s your favorite sound effect? Roblox “OOH” or Bathory’s horse neigh on their album Blood Fire Death.

Dream collab, dead or alive? Lou Reed, obviously.

Who do you trust most with the aux? My roommate, Cajm.

What do you pray about? More time, more rest.

Best arrondissement in Paris? 20th probably?

What song is currently on replay? “Close to the Edge” by Yes. 

What album was your coming-of-age soundtrack? Mysterious Phonk: Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp.

Tell us a secret. I cheated my way through Latin class in secondary school. 

Night or day? Day!

What is your studio session pet peeve? Weed smell :/

Which Skins character did you relate to the most? None, I’m 27!

What are you listening to as you complete this questionnaire? Space heater next to my bed, Italian lesson next door.

What does your notes app look like? Incriminating. 

You just arrived at the function. What are you drinking? What are you smoking? Cheap lager or expensive red wine, a Syrah if it’s winter. 

The world is ending. What are you wearing True religion jeans and a white button down, as per.

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