“Armed with big choruses, blazing guitar solos, and powerful melodies, WILDSTREET is a sex-fueled rock n roll explosion beckoning the glory days of 80s arena rock. Two years after their debut EP release by Las Vegas based indie label, Retrospect Records, WILDSTREET has done four extensive tours and geared up for their much anticipated new EP. WILDSTREET's live performances and dedication to making quality records has got rock fans and critics buzzing worldwide. [Their] balls out, fist pumping rock n roll is exactly what today's rock scene has been waiting for.” 

The band features Eric Jayk (lead vocals, guitar), IanMacPherson (lead guitar, vocals), Aaron Joos (guitar, vocals) and Ali Hassan (bass, vocals).

Most of your musical influences had their major success in the 80’s. How do you take inspiration from rock bands of decades past and make it new and fresh for your fans?

Eric Jayk: Wildstreet's vision has always been to be an authentic and real Rock & Roll band. We all grew up listening and loving 70s/80s rock bands, but that’s just one of many of our influences. We’re a 3-guitar, 4-part harmony, over-the-top, hook filled, kick ass, bring the party Rock & Roll band!

It’s been said that you guys are the “Second coming of Def Leppard.” Was it your intention to align yourselves musically with the band?

Eric Jayk: Our intention is always to make killer Rock & Roll records. We love Def Leppard and their producer Mutt Lange, but we're out to be Wildstreet. We're not gonna limit ourselves by trying to be anyone else but who we are.

You’ve played shows with many different musicians. Did one of those performances really stand out, and why?

Eric Jayk: We've played with so many talented musicians and bands but my personal favorite was our last NYC show with Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks! He's one of the best front men I have ever seen…

This year you performed at SXSW. How did that experience compare to doing shows the last three years at Rocklahoma?

Eric Jayk: The festivals have been incredible for the band! Honestly, SXSW and Rocklahoma are one-of-a-kind and very different experiences. SXSW encompasses all styles/genres of music and media. It takes over the entire city in Austin! Rocklahoma is a “souly” rock festival which is contained and isolated on the outskirts of a small town in Oklahoma. At both festivals we have played killer shows, met a ton of awesome people and gained a lot of new fans!

Last but not least, what’s the best part of being in a band?

Eric Jayk: I love playing music with my closest friends. We make people happy doing what we love and do best, and that's satisfying and truly beyond words!

Ali Hassan: There's so many aspects of being in a band that are really amazing. Meeting new fans, making new friends, traveling and seeing different places, trying different food, and so many more. But for me the best part is getting lost in the music with the crowd while I'm on stage. Whatever problems, joys, troubles, worries, excitement, or anything other feeling, it all pauses for a brief moment in time.

Ian Macpherson: Traveling the world, meeting new interesting people and being part of something that myself and other people believe in. That feeling you get at a live show where the band and the crowd are feeding off of each other, lifting each other up to a point where nothing else matters. It's a moment of pure happiness. Pure excitement. All positive energy. That feeling of connection at that moment. That's what it's all about. That's what keeps me coming back.

Aaron Joos: Playing live is my favorite thing to do in world. Nothing else in life can compare to it. Sharing your deepest passion with others makes all the hard work, worth it.

By: Jessica Appelstein