Artist description Musically all over the map, but with a penchant for twangy instrumentals, The Weisstronauts feature three lead guitarists, but hardly any of the bombast associated with 24 strings. Instead of over-the-top guitar flash, The Weisstronauts play deceptively off-kilter tunes. Sometimes they veer into unabashed novelty. Sometimes they get downright reverent. Under the unpredictable direction of cult producer Pete Weiss (Willard Grant Conspiracy, Charlie Chesterman, Seks Bomba etc.), The Weisstronauts occasionally have no musical shame, but always put a grin on the listeners' mug.

Music Style Off-kilter pop-rock; twangy instrumental

Musical Influences Monkees, Zappa, Sesame Street, western swing

Similar Artists Parsons-era Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Captain Beefheart, Buck Owens

Artist History In the wake of his previous band, Pete Weiss & the Rock Band, producer/artist Pete Weiss assembled a diverse lineup of Boston talent in late 1999. The original idea was to write and play shimmery, Beatle-y pop with sugary harmonies. For some reason, however, Weiss became transfixed with twangy, western-y instrumental tunes and began writing them at a furious clip. The band's debut CD is a 5-song Christmas EP entitled "I'm Dreaming of The Weisstronauts' Christmas." The plan is to follow it up with an all-instrumental disc entitled "Featuring Jaunty."

Group Members Pete Weiss on guitar, Kevin Quinn on bass, Emily Jackson on drums, Kenny Lafler on guitar, and Aaron Tap on guitar. Everyone sings when necessary.

Instruments Aside from the 3 guitars, bass and drums, The Weisstronauts have incorporated banjo, accordian, and various keyboard instruments into their recordings.

Location Brookline, MA - USA

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