Wes Period. Even the name itself is punctuated and pronounced, much like Wes’ stage presence. Wes has an exuberant energy that radiates on and off the stage. Growing up in La Habra, CA, a county that meets the state average in almost every capacity, the not-so-average Wes Period rose up and landed in the world of music and Hip Hop. Now twenty-five, Wes creates a unique blend of R&B, Hip Hop, and late nineties Punk influences within his music. His catchy songs caught the attention of Taste & Tone/Atlantic Records and they released his song “Champagne Champion” under their singles label. Bursting at the seams with passion and creative energy, Wes Period anticipates the release of his upcoming debut album, Late Bloomer. His excitement to show the world his latest work is contagious.
Did you always know you were going to get into music and hip hop?
No, I didn’t. Other than music and Hip Hop, the other stereotypical thing that I pursued as a Black-American kid was trying to get into the NBA. So in my sophomore year of high school, I was on the school basketball team. But it just so happened that the first game of the season happened to be the same night of my very first gig with my band. I ended up playing for the first quarter, and then left mid-game for my show. After that night, I chose music and never went back to basketball practice.
Who do you consider to be your main musical influences?
I think it’s because of my age bracket that I connected to Kanye West’s music. I remember very clearly when College Drop Out came out. I was sick and my Grandma bought me that album to help me feel better. I sat there listening to it over and over. Other more rooted influences came from my parents. They introduced me to people like Carol King, George Benson, and lots of Quincy Jones-produced material from the late seventies.
What is your favorite song that you’ve written to date?
It changes all the time, but I wrote a song called Erica. It’s about someone very special to me and it’s the first song I’m releasing where I sing all the way through. It’s my very first, actual love song. It’s going to be on Late Bloomers and that’s one I definitely want people to have their ears out for.
Text by Zee Chang
Photograph by Darian Zahedi
Styling by Giorgia Tramontano
Makeup by Heather Cvar
Hair by Michael Quinn
Photography Assistant Eduardo Whaite