Wesley Cook

This week, we take a slight turn on the 615 from the normal mainstream country we cover. While there are elements of country music in Wesley Cook's music, he's one of those artists that is very tough to classify. A listen to his new album, "Heavy," and you will find hints of pop, rock, Latin, and even a few 80s-styled power ballads.

Cook just released "Heavy" this month, and to say there was a sense of relief was putting it mildly. "The best way for me to describe it is... whew," he says with a sigh and a laugh. "It's kind of surreal that it's out now. The release show in Atlanta was such a success -- totally sold out. There was so much work that went into it. I'm still in disbelief. It was such a great experience. It couldn't have been better."

Wesley – who was raised in West Germany as well as South Korea, likens the release of an album to taking a test in high school. "It's like taking your SAT or your ASAP all put together," he notes. "I'm just glad that people are responding to it. You work so hard on it. You just do the best you can, and there's nothing more you can ask for than that."



The focus track from "Heavy" so far has been the moody sounding "It's You," for which Cook has just filmed a video (watch it, above) -- featuring many of Atlanta's loveliest ladies. "Nobody understands what I go through, and the burden I deal with," he says mockingly. "It was a lot of fun. It took a few weeks between shooting it, and post-production, which was a lot of work."

Make no mistake, Cook doesn't mind the work one bit. "I enjoyed all of it – every step of the creative process – the set up, the logistics, and the execution was all great. I'm extremely hands on. I run the company, have my own label, so I have a strong vested interest. You learn something new every time, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work. That's how I see it."

With such a wide path of styles represented on "Heavy," Wesley Cook is one artist that doesn't fit neatly in a 4 + 4 box. Again, that's fine with him. "That's been the consensus for my career. In a way, that's tough, because in the beginning people would say 'What do we do with this guy? Where do we put him?' That does mean that you have a taller path because you're literally carving your own. At the same time, that's a good thing. When you're as deep into things as I am now, you're kind of your own thing. For me, it's kind of special that you can't sum me up. Like anything in music, nobody is an island. Everyone stems from what you were raised on or what influenced you. I'm no different. I'm so glad that some of my heroes come up in the reviews, like Paul Simon or Dave Matthews. I'm ecstatic with that, because I respect those guys a lot. It is what it is – whatever the listener hears, and it's always interesting to hear what they come up with. As long as they like it, they can call it whatever they want to."

With the album now out, Cook plans to make sure he leaves no stone unturned while promoting it.

"All you can do is put your music out everywhere there is, which is a lot of work," he stated. "You've got to make sure you're on iTunes and Amazon, and all the social networks. I make sure I'm on everything, because it increases the likelihood of people tripping over me. You have to be out there, playing as much as possible. Nothing replaces making a personal connection with the fans, and that's my favorite part. I'm just going to try to keep this train moving. I don't have a major label. It's just me. The fans have responded well, and that's the point. That's why I get up every morning, and do what I do. I feel really fortunate." - Billboard.com

Wesley Cook is a familiar voice in the Athens and Atlanta music scene. His soon-to-be released “Heavy” offers more of his acoustic driven, lyrical pop music that is heavily steeped in deep emotions. Cook guides the listener on an emotional journey through loss, love and hope without coming off as overly sappy or trite. While his musical style is usually compared to Jason Mraz or Jack Johnson, the record evoked more of the catchy melodies and poignant lyricism of Paul Simon or Matt Nathanson.

Unlike it’s moniker, the album and the opening song “Heavy” come through as optimistic and full of hope. With a chorus including “Don’t make your life so heavy child, you’ll never make your way out of this” Cook is encouraging us to look past the worries that bring us down every day. The reggae-inspired, acoustic strumming are the perfect summer soundtrack for “tralalala-ing” your way into the sunset to a better tomorrow. There will be singing and swaying along to this song for sure. Songs like “Give Me Something” and “Up The Wall” further this optimism by evoking those feelings of grandeur when caught up in those moments that make us realize that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves, whether it’s an existential crisis of looking for something to believe in, or just falling in love.

Where this record truly shines for me are the tracks that are clearly about loss. “With A Little Love” and “Where We Want To Be” both showcase Cook’s delicate vocals perfectly. The listener is pulled into this emotional journey along with him. Cook pleads with you to understand “So when life gets hard you just know that I’m here from the start.” Cook is trying to make the listener understand that he’s there to be the rock through the hard times. “Where We Want To Be” brings the pain to the surface. The sustained electric guitar grinding beneath the soft acoustic chords to lyrics like “And you say you can’t go on, but I beg you’ll let me carry you” and “I’ll see you alive in my dreams.. I’ll carry on and I’ll always feel you watching over me” showcase the frustration and the pain and acceptance that are part of losing someone close to you.

This record is dedicated to Cook’s brother, that took his own life in 2012. I say that these songs make a beautiful tribute. Some of them are about loss, some of them are about love and some of them are about hope. Most importantly, they help you feel these emotions when you can’t seem to explain it for yourself, which is the ultimate power that music has for all of us. If you’re looking for a perfect summer drive soundtrack, “Heavy” is the record for you. - Atlanta Music Guide

Click link to read! - Performer Magazine

"He reminds me so much of the Paul Simon sound when he sings some of his songs. It’s just amazing feel good music with great energy. Don’t confuse that statement though, Wesley has his own unique sound... I think Wesley Cook will be a force to deal with very soon in Atlanta and beyond. I myself can’t wait to hit another show to dance the night away and giggle as he throws his sense of humor out to the crowd..." - Bold Spicy News Live Show Review

"(Wesley Cook) may just be the 'Next Big Thing' to come out of Athens" - Georgia Music Magazine

"(Wesley Cook) may just be the 'Next Big Thing' to come out of Athens" - Georgia Music Magazine

"Upbeat positivity is a Wes constant, in his music and his attitude" - Rolling Stone Magazine

"Upbeat positivity is a Wes constant, in his music and his attitude" - Rolling Stone Magazine

TV spot to promote my new album "New Ground" and the Downtown Sounds Live concert series I headlined at the Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta. - Fox 5 Atlanta's Good Day Atlanta

TV spot to promote my new album "New Ground" and the Downtown Sounds Live concert series I headlined at the Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta. - Fox 5 Atlanta's Good Day Atlanta

Written by Michael Andrews
Published on February 8, 2006

Wesley Cook is a solo singer-songwriter who grew up in different parts of Europe and Asia, but most recently, he’s called Athens home. The self-released We’ve Been Here Before is Cook’s first full-length album, and a debut that shows great range in the young artist’s repertoire.

A self-taught guitarist, Cook packs no accompaniment but his six-string, which he picks, plucks and strums with enough verve and eclecticism to keep things moving swiftly in the background. In “How It’s Gotta Be,” both Cook and guitar adopt a confident swagger, led by rapid narration. “Burning Bridge” is, on the other hand, a soulful meditative ballad and “Spanish Dancer,” a singular dose of flamenco. Cook’s classical guitar background also comes into play here and there, as on the melancholic “A Letter Home.”

The album’s a little lengthy (almost 50 minutes) for just voice and guitar (and cello on one track), but We’ve Been Here Before is nonetheless an impressive first outing. It also serves well as a capsule of the differing styles that Cook’s music has adopted since he began playing guitar at a very early age, ditched the instrument for a spell, then started again from scratch. Perhaps the addition of some minimal accompaniment (piano, mandolin, percussion, etc.), though, would make the fine corners of his songs really shine.

http://flagpole.com/Music/RecRev/2006-02-08 - Flagpole Magazine

Written by Michael Andrews
Published on February 8, 2006

Wesley Cook is a solo singer-songwriter who grew up in different parts of Europe and Asia, but most recently, he’s called Athens home. The self-released We’ve Been Here Before is Cook’s first full-length album, and a debut that shows great range in the young artist’s repertoire.

A self-taught guitarist, Cook packs no accompaniment but his six-string, which he picks, plucks and strums with enough verve and eclecticism to keep things moving swiftly in the background. In “How It’s Gotta Be,” both Cook and guitar adopt a confident swagger, led by rapid narration. “Burning Bridge” is, on the other hand, a soulful meditative ballad and “Spanish Dancer,” a singular dose of flamenco. Cook’s classical guitar background also comes into play here and there, as on the melancholic “A Letter Home.”

The album’s a little lengthy (almost 50 minutes) for just voice and guitar (and cello on one track), but We’ve Been Here Before is nonetheless an impressive first outing. It also serves well as a capsule of the differing styles that Cook’s music has adopted since he began playing guitar at a very early age, ditched the instrument for a spell, then started again from scratch. Perhaps the addition of some minimal accompaniment (piano, mandolin, percussion, etc.), though, would make the fine corners of his songs really shine.

http://flagpole.com/Music/RecRev/2006-02-08 - Flagpole Magazine

Written by Gordon Lamb
Published on November 30, 2005

It’s no secret that among contemporary musical genres, the one of acoustic-guitar-playing singer-songwriter is the hardest in which to distinguish oneself. Local artist Wesley Cook certainly has his work cut out for him, but has already made a solid entry into this often-bland world of copyists and caricature.

Cook, an Athens resident and recent graduate of the University of Georgia with a linguistics degree, spent the first 17 years of his life outside of the United States, from his birth in Germany to his graduating from high school in Korea. After a few fitful months studying classical guitar as a boy, he gave up the instrument for several years, until finally picking it up again and teaching himself to play.

“I didn’t learn anything from my lessons when I was a kid. I hated it,” Cook says. “I still can’t read music and I don’t know anything about theory and I don’t even know [the names of the chords].”

The now self-taught Cook relates that his method is pretty much the same as the majority of musicians in the Athens music scene. “Mostly what I do is listen to a piece of music I like, in any style, and just copy it by ear,” he says, “then gain an instinct for playing a certain way to make a certain sound, and that’s how I learned to play, pretty much. I’ve also had friends tell me where to put my fingers and I just remembered what does what on the guitar.”

Cook’s honesty is refreshing, especially when one considers that musicians, like most folks, are more than willing to take credit for knowing more than they actually do.

What Cook may lack in pure theory, however, he makes up for in soul. When listening to his new album We’ve Been Here Before, it’s difficult to tell he’s never formally studied the guitar. His hands deftly pluck out intricate melodies and rhythms. His often-understated music exhibits tenderness, sincere vulnerability and lyrical distinctiveness.

On first listen, one might make comparisons to artists as diverse as Nick Drake, John Martyn, Antonin Carlos Jobim and Bert Jansch.

For his part, Cook says, “Well, I have no idea who I sound like… that’s up to the listener. I’d like to think that I sound like me, but everything is related to something. A lot of the musicians I’ve spent years admiring and being moved by lyrically are John Lennon, Simon & Garfunkel, Dave Matthews and Leonard Cohen. But I also like to push myself with guitar, as well as lyrically. A lot of my guitar idols, like Paco de Lucia, Al di Meola, Eric Clapton and Ricky Skaggs, motivate and move me to grow and expand as a guitar player, both in expression and complexity.”

Lyrically, Cook treads familiar territory for the genre (anger, love, loss, etc.); however, he is much more of a storyteller than a diarist.

“Very little in my songs is from personal experience,” he says. “Many people ask me that question. Everybody has experiences that deal with love, loss, excitement, uncertainty, etc., but no two people will be affected in the same way. I really like things like that, but then, I also like fun, life-affirming and borderline silly things.”

As with the work of any artist, some of Cook’s songs aren’t as immediately attractive as others. However, the bulk of Cook’s tunes are a welcome treat to hear. His strengths are most evident when concentrating on the slower, softer numbers, rather than the faster, more percussive ones. In a town full of songwriters, it’s always nice to find new songwriters that stand apart. And in a genre that so often gives credence to half-baked, half-written drivel, Wesley Cook certainly raises the standard.

http://flagpole.com/News/WesleyCook/2005-11-30 - Flagpole Magazine

Written by Gordon Lamb
Published on November 30, 2005

It’s no secret that among contemporary musical genres, the one of acoustic-guitar-playing singer-songwriter is the hardest in which to distinguish oneself. Local artist Wesley Cook certainly has his work cut out for him, but has already made a solid entry into this often-bland world of copyists and caricature.

Cook, an Athens resident and recent graduate of the University of Georgia with a linguistics degree, spent the first 17 years of his life outside of the United States, from his birth in Germany to his graduating from high school in Korea. After a few fitful months studying classical guitar as a boy, he gave up the instrument for several years, until finally picking it up again and teaching himself to play.

“I didn’t learn anything from my lessons when I was a kid. I hated it,” Cook says. “I still can’t read music and I don’t know anything about theory and I don’t even know [the names of the chords].”

The now self-taught Cook relates that his method is pretty much the same as the majority of musicians in the Athens music scene. “Mostly what I do is listen to a piece of music I like, in any style, and just copy it by ear,” he says, “then gain an instinct for playing a certain way to make a certain sound, and that’s how I learned to play, pretty much. I’ve also had friends tell me where to put my fingers and I just remembered what does what on the guitar.”

Cook’s honesty is refreshing, especially when one considers that musicians, like most folks, are more than willing to take credit for knowing more than they actually do.

What Cook may lack in pure theory, however, he makes up for in soul. When listening to his new album We’ve Been Here Before, it’s difficult to tell he’s never formally studied the guitar. His hands deftly pluck out intricate melodies and rhythms. His often-understated music exhibits tenderness, sincere vulnerability and lyrical distinctiveness.

On first listen, one might make comparisons to artists as diverse as Nick Drake, John Martyn, Antonin Carlos Jobim and Bert Jansch.

For his part, Cook says, “Well, I have no idea who I sound like… that’s up to the listener. I’d like to think that I sound like me, but everything is related to something. A lot of the musicians I’ve spent years admiring and being moved by lyrically are John Lennon, Simon & Garfunkel, Dave Matthews and Leonard Cohen. But I also like to push myself with guitar, as well as lyrically. A lot of my guitar idols, like Paco de Lucia, Al di Meola, Eric Clapton and Ricky Skaggs, motivate and move me to grow and expand as a guitar player, both in expression and complexity.”

Lyrically, Cook treads familiar territory for the genre (anger, love, loss, etc.); however, he is much more of a storyteller than a diarist.

“Very little in my songs is from personal experience,” he says. “Many people ask me that question. Everybody has experiences that deal with love, loss, excitement, uncertainty, etc., but no two people will be affected in the same way. I really like things like that, but then, I also like fun, life-affirming and borderline silly things.”

As with the work of any artist, some of Cook’s songs aren’t as immediately attractive as others. However, the bulk of Cook’s tunes are a welcome treat to hear. His strengths are most evident when concentrating on the slower, softer numbers, rather than the faster, more percussive ones. In a town full of songwriters, it’s always nice to find new songwriters that stand apart. And in a genre that so often gives credence to half-baked, half-written drivel, Wesley Cook certainly raises the standard.

http://flagpole.com/News/WesleyCook/2005-11-30 - Flagpole Magazine

Written by Krista Derbecker
Published on December 1, 2005

Wesley Cook can’t read music.

The local singer/songwriter and University alumnus has performed at venues around Athens and will release his first CD tonight, but he still can’t read a note of music.

“When people ask me what chord progression I’m using, I just say, ‘Dude, I don’t know what that means. I’ll just show you where to put your hands,’” he said.

Cook’s debut CD entitled “We’ve Been Here Before,” features acoustic guitar and self-written lyrics about life. They are songs everyone can relate to, Cook said.

Other than tonight’s release party, Cook has big dreams for his life.

“I want to be a bum and a vagabond,” he said. “Well, not necessarily a bum but definitely a vagabond.”

Cook’s troubadour-inspired lifestyle springs from his childhood, as he was raised moving around. He was born in Germany, moved to Turkey and lived in Korea until he graduated high school.

Cook claims four languages and always has planned on learning French as well.

But even with all of his talent, he still does not call himself gifted.

“My dad kept me around subjects bigger than myself. He put big ideas in my head when I was young and then gradually taught me what they meant,” he said.

Cook’s father, an English professor, made Cook memorize and recite poetry for allowance money. Cook still remembers many of the poems but doesn’t know most of the authors.

“Mostly I don’t know who wrote them, except Shakespeare,” he said, rattling off several lines of Hamlet’s “To Be or Not to Be” monologue.

His father also exposed him to opera, classical, bluegrass, blues and folk music, Cook said.

While not busy memorizing Frost and Keats, Cook picked up the guitar when he was eight and took some lessons. He soon quit but picked up the guitar again when he was 12, teaching himself how to play.

Now Cook is promoting his first CD release at a party and show at Tasty World tonight.

http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/12/01/438e72b8a1d6b?in_archive=1 - The Red and Black

Written by Krista Derbecker
Published on December 1, 2005

Wesley Cook can’t read music.

The local singer/songwriter and University alumnus has performed at venues around Athens and will release his first CD tonight, but he still can’t read a note of music.

“When people ask me what chord progression I’m using, I just say, ‘Dude, I don’t know what that means. I’ll just show you where to put your hands,’” he said.

Cook’s debut CD entitled “We’ve Been Here Before,” features acoustic guitar and self-written lyrics about life. They are songs everyone can relate to, Cook said.

Other than tonight’s release party, Cook has big dreams for his life.

“I want to be a bum and a vagabond,” he said. “Well, not necessarily a bum but definitely a vagabond.”

Cook’s troubadour-inspired lifestyle springs from his childhood, as he was raised moving around. He was born in Germany, moved to Turkey and lived in Korea until he graduated high school.

Cook claims four languages and always has planned on learning French as well.

But even with all of his talent, he still does not call himself gifted.

“My dad kept me around subjects bigger than myself. He put big ideas in my head when I was young and then gradually taught me what they meant,” he said.

Cook’s father, an English professor, made Cook memorize and recite poetry for allowance money. Cook still remembers many of the poems but doesn’t know most of the authors.

“Mostly I don’t know who wrote them, except Shakespeare,” he said, rattling off several lines of Hamlet’s “To Be or Not to Be” monologue.

His father also exposed him to opera, classical, bluegrass, blues and folk music, Cook said.

While not busy memorizing Frost and Keats, Cook picked up the guitar when he was eight and took some lessons. He soon quit but picked up the guitar again when he was 12, teaching himself how to play.

Now Cook is promoting his first CD release at a party and show at Tasty World tonight.

http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/12/01/438e72b8a1d6b?in_archive=1 - The Red and Black

By Chris J. Starrs

Story updated at 10:52 PM on Tuesday, August 8, 2006

"It would be nice to be famous and to be remembered," says Wesley Cook, who has lived in Athens for the past six years. "But what I really want to do is pay my bills and make music."

A solo artist whose original compositions run the gamut from flamenco phrasings to gypsy stylings to the old reliable blues, Cook has appeared in many of Athens' better-known musical emporiums and released his debut album "We've Been Here Before" last December.

Now that he's finally obtained reliable transportation, Cook - who grew up in Germany and attended high school in Korea - has visions of taking his one-man show beyond the Classic City limits. "I'm bursting to hit the road," says Cook, 24, who moved to town to attend the University of Georgia and graduated in 2004 with a linguistics degree (he speaks five languages). "And now that I have a car, I'll be able to do what I want to do. I won't be stagnant."

A finalist this year in the solo/songwriter category for the Flagpole Athens Music Awards, Cook recently completed a monthlong residency at Flannigan's and will perform Friday at DT's Down Under on Clayton Street. He also will open for Nelo on Aug. 23 at the Georgia Theatre.

As part of his ongoing "squalorship," Cook makes ends meet by "working in bars" and keeps mind and soul together by focusing on his music, which has been embraced by a number of local denizens. "I can't stand standing still," he says. "I'm a musician, but I'm not a flake. I guess you could say I'm a Type-B person with a Type-A motor. I've got a strong work ethic and I'm not living on Cloud Nine with lofty ambitions. I'm aware there are rocks in the road and I'm ready to tackle them."

Cook initially picked up the guitar at the age of 6 but didn't relish learning the fundamentals of classical picking, so he put it down for six years and is basically a self-taught player. "I don't know anything about chords or notes," he says proudly. "I couldn't answer even the most basic questions about the guitar. I took classical lessons when I was 6 and once I realized there was a lot of hard work involved and that I had an instructor that hated children, I quit.

"When I got to Athens, I had been living in Germany and Korea my whole life, so I actually lost sight of music as a career possibility. Coming here was definitely a culture shock and there was so much to explore. Music and school both wound up on the back burner because there was a lot I had to get used to. Once I finally figured out that I wanted to travel the world playing music, I did a couple of open mic nights and took it from there."

Cook assents that many of his performances aren't centered on his own songs, so he turns to his pop-culture heroes - including Leonard Cohen, Dave Matthews, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash - to fill out his set. "I was born a mimic, and I'm pretty good at picking things apart and spitting them out in another form," he says. "I've got a lot of influences and I grew up listening to all different types and all different approaches to music."

Venturing into Athens-based Pigpen Studios to record "We've Been Here Before" proved to be an educational experience for the young singer-songwriter. "It was great, although most of the time I wanted to blow my head off," he jokes. "My problem is I don't know what I sound like to other people, so my producer (Daniel Maldonado Collins) constantly challenged me to better myself. The learning experience came when I'd (record) one song five times and they'd all sound the same to me but different to everyone else. So I learned about being consistent, I learned about timing and the beat and I learned a little bit about the business aspects of music."

Cook's album is available at Wuxtry and Schoolkids Records and also can be obtained at iTunes and cdbaby.com.

While he looks forward to collaborating with other musicians, Cook thinks his professional life always will revolve around his solo leanings. "I appreciate music and I want to see what other musicians come up with," he says. "Solo (work) is my bread and butter but I'd love to branch out and work with other artists."

Wesley Cook
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: DT's Down Under, 140 E. Clayton St.
Cost: Call
Call: (706) 543-9276
Check it out

Recently, Cook was selected to be featured on the MTV2-sponsored Web site On the Rise, which is a place for unknown artists to get exposure. The Web site has three levels and votes from the public help the artist proceed to the next level. Once hitting 5,000 votes, the artist is able to add a photo, an MP3 and some concert dates to his profile. When the artist receives 25,001 votes, he can add more photos and songs. To see it, visit http://mtv2ontherise.com
For more information about Cook, visit www.wesleycook. com or www.myspace.com/ wesleycook

http://onlineathens.com/stories/080806/living_20060808037.shtml - Athens Banner Herald

By Chris J. Starrs

Story updated at 10:52 PM on Tuesday, August 8, 2006

"It would be nice to be famous and to be remembered," says Wesley Cook, who has lived in Athens for the past six years. "But what I really want to do is pay my bills and make music."

A solo artist whose original compositions run the gamut from flamenco phrasings to gypsy stylings to the old reliable blues, Cook has appeared in many of Athens' better-known musical emporiums and released his debut album "We've Been Here Before" last December.

Now that he's finally obtained reliable transportation, Cook - who grew up in Germany and attended high school in Korea - has visions of taking his one-man show beyond the Classic City limits. "I'm bursting to hit the road," says Cook, 24, who moved to town to attend the University of Georgia and graduated in 2004 with a linguistics degree (he speaks five languages). "And now that I have a car, I'll be able to do what I want to do. I won't be stagnant."

A finalist this year in the solo/songwriter category for the Flagpole Athens Music Awards, Cook recently completed a monthlong residency at Flannigan's and will perform Friday at DT's Down Under on Clayton Street. He also will open for Nelo on Aug. 23 at the Georgia Theatre.

As part of his ongoing "squalorship," Cook makes ends meet by "working in bars" and keeps mind and soul together by focusing on his music, which has been embraced by a number of local denizens. "I can't stand standing still," he says. "I'm a musician, but I'm not a flake. I guess you could say I'm a Type-B person with a Type-A motor. I've got a strong work ethic and I'm not living on Cloud Nine with lofty ambitions. I'm aware there are rocks in the road and I'm ready to tackle them."

Cook initially picked up the guitar at the age of 6 but didn't relish learning the fundamentals of classical picking, so he put it down for six years and is basically a self-taught player. "I don't know anything about chords or notes," he says proudly. "I couldn't answer even the most basic questions about the guitar. I took classical lessons when I was 6 and once I realized there was a lot of hard work involved and that I had an instructor that hated children, I quit.

"When I got to Athens, I had been living in Germany and Korea my whole life, so I actually lost sight of music as a career possibility. Coming here was definitely a culture shock and there was so much to explore. Music and school both wound up on the back burner because there was a lot I had to get used to. Once I finally figured out that I wanted to travel the world playing music, I did a couple of open mic nights and took it from there."

Cook assents that many of his performances aren't centered on his own songs, so he turns to his pop-culture heroes - including Leonard Cohen, Dave Matthews, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash - to fill out his set. "I was born a mimic, and I'm pretty good at picking things apart and spitting them out in another form," he says. "I've got a lot of influences and I grew up listening to all different types and all different approaches to music."

Venturing into Athens-based Pigpen Studios to record "We've Been Here Before" proved to be an educational experience for the young singer-songwriter. "It was great, although most of the time I wanted to blow my head off," he jokes. "My problem is I don't know what I sound like to other people, so my producer (Daniel Maldonado Collins) constantly challenged me to better myself. The learning experience came when I'd (record) one song five times and they'd all sound the same to me but different to everyone else. So I learned about being consistent, I learned about timing and the beat and I learned a little bit about the business aspects of music."

Cook's album is available at Wuxtry and Schoolkids Records and also can be obtained at iTunes and cdbaby.com.

While he looks forward to collaborating with other musicians, Cook thinks his professional life always will revolve around his solo leanings. "I appreciate music and I want to see what other musicians come up with," he says. "Solo (work) is my bread and butter but I'd love to branch out and work with other artists."

Wesley Cook
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: DT's Down Under, 140 E. Clayton St.
Cost: Call
Call: (706) 543-9276
Check it out

Recently, Cook was selected to be featured on the MTV2-sponsored Web site On the Rise, which is a place for unknown artists to get exposure. The Web site has three levels and votes from the public help the artist proceed to the next level. Once hitting 5,000 votes, the artist is able to add a photo, an MP3 and some concert dates to his profile. When the artist receives 25,001 votes, he can add more photos and songs. To see it, visit http://mtv2ontherise.com
For more information about Cook, visit www.wesleycook. com or www.myspace.com/ wesleycook

http://onlineathens.com/stories/080806/living_20060808037.shtml - Athens Banner Herald