When music is surrounding a person from an early age, many people might embrace the challenge of understanding the complex rules and theories it takes to learn an instrument. Cory Myraas, vocalists and guitarist of Windmills, did just this.

Q&A

First, please give a background on your interaction and work or experience with music before you began producing your music.

I’ve always loved music, from an early age moving forward and I think I’ve always toyed with the idea of being a musician and performing. In the past I wasn’t as proactive, or even confident to succeed with what I was doing, but now that I’ve immersed myself in what I do, I love the challenge, and I couldn’t be happier.

How did you come up with your name as an artist?

I came up with the idea of Windmills after a conversation with some friends one night. It stemmed from the question, “Where, outside of Amsterdam, do you find traditional windmills?” My one friend said “Windmills in Wisconsin” or something along those lines, and it just stuck with me. I decided to use the name Windmills as my band name as opposed to just my normal name because I always love the mystery and intrigue behind band names, where they came from, what they mean to the artist, etc. And who I am as Windmills vs who I am as a normal person are very different.

Where did you get your start in music (who helped you get started in learning instruments, singing, etc.)

I’m actually self-taught! I began by teaching myself to play the piano one summer, and from there it eventually led to guitar. I’ve been playing guitar now for 7 years and like to think I’m constantly moving forward!

Who or what are some of your inspirations to make music?

One of my biggest inspirations comes from movies and film. I love the way they can transform an audience from one emotion or memory to another simply by placing the right music in a scene. So a lot of what I try to create is an emulation of those massive sound-scapes you hear in movies. But I’m also constantly inspired by other musicians (a lot of which are friends… namely Van Damsel). There are a lot of bands that I would love to be like in the next few years moving forward.

How do you reach out to fans?

I reach out to fans in a number of ways! Mainly I promote using facebook and twitter, as well as instagram to try and find new fans that have similar interests in music that I do. Or fans that follow and like the same artists I like. I find that way if someone’s never heard of me, and they’re curious as to who I am, or how I found them, maybe from there they will check out my music and who knows, maybe they’ll dig it!

How would you describe your music?

(More than the genre, more your opinion, how you want to sound)

I describe my music as ambient-folk mixed with post-rock, inspired by the massive sound-scapes in film. But I strive to create music that has an impact on a deeper level than just a sing-along song, something that affects the listener in a way that lingers after the song has ended. If I’m writing a sad, heart-broken song, I want it to be the saddest song my listener’s have heard, and if I’m writing a happy song, I want it to be the happiest song the listener will hear. Something that makes an impact with the listener.

REVIEW

“Tilting- EP”, Windmills

“Tilting- EP” is a combination of folk and soft rock inspired loops that surround the lyrics to create a sense of balance to the thick tones. In “Tilting,” the feelings and emotions Myraas tries to communicate are sent through the pace and harmonizing patterns he creates with his looping stations. By using complex equipment, Myraas achieves a more full sound and one that stands on its own.

To find Windmills

Twitter

Souncloud

Bandcamp to get an awesome shirt like the one to the left

Youtube to the song “Fire”