The WayStation, a local band, have played together both in St. Joseph and the area, since 1999.

There is a lot of different music out there, but it all gets filtered, formed, and shaped into the same old song and dance.
If you truly want to hear something different, take a ride on the psychedelic surfboard with The WayStation. The band features lead singer and Western sophomore Todd Long, and two Western alumni, Quentin Ames and Jeff Johnson, as well as member Jared Dunning.

It’s not hip-hop, classical, country, metal, punk or rap, but if you combine all these styles, you have what The WayStation has self- described as ‘organic rock’.

Organic rock is a type of music that has extraordinary substance. It picks and chooses the melody as it pleases. It has a play on feelings and is somewhat bipolar; you never know what mood it is in. If you’re feeling bad it will scare the hell out of you. If you’re feeling good it will make you cry.

Jay Kerner is editor of The Regular Joe and he is also active in the managing of this band. He describes how different they are.

“Most bands have songs that sound similar to each other and develop a sound that you know is theirs, but these guys do so many different things and they keep changing,” Kerner said.

The WayStation has been gigging ever since they formed and they have traveled all over Missouri and as far as Nashville, Tenn.

They are full of hopes and dreams and the members absolutely value integrity. These guys know how to connect with their audience.

Guitar player Jared Dunning explains integrity within the band at its very best.

“Its purity, we are not swayed by other people’s opinions because we are not the music, the music is us,” Dunning said

Be prepared for a journey beyond the norm. These guys just start playing and the music moves and revolves around them like a magical force. It’s hard to tell who’s playing who in the melody, and who’s playing what, literally.

The WayStation is the definition of playing musical chairs. Song after song they are trading instruments and they are all efficient in each position.

Western sophomore Todd Long is the main singer in the band and he has a voice of youth with an originality all its own. It sounds so perfectly off balance at times that it adds tension in undertones of colors unknown to man.

If that’s not enough, Western alum Jeff Johnson backs Long up with organic harmony and sound effects.

They have an album out called Da Parte Dell Anima, which is Latin meaning from within the soul, and this title describes the band completely.

These guys are definitely not out of reach or touch. Western alum Quentin Ames plays drums and expresses sincerity in the interaction with their fans.

“We want to have a true connection with our fans and bond with them in our music and beyond,” Ames said.
These guys are more than just a band, they are longtime friends.

Don’t miss out on this phenomenal listening experience that is sure to give you chills and leave you in a state of rhythmic shock.

The WayStation will be performing locally at the Rendezvous at 619 Felix St. on April 26 at 9 pm.