BRIGHTON, Mass. — After five years of making music, The Wandas recently took their musical career to the next level. Over a span of two days, the four band mates worked together to create their very own music video for their latest single, ‘Thank You Note.’

The upbeat lyrics describe how the band received family, friends and new people into their Brighton home. Keith McEachern, Brent Battery, Pete McElholm and Ross Lucivero welcomed anyone and everyone into their home to take part in their debut music video.

As soon as I walked in the door I was warmly welcomed by McElhom, the band’s lively drummer. Though I only came to cover the shoot, he convinced me to be an extra in the video along with 100 others.

Bassist Ross Lucivero at video shoot

“We really wanted to get as many people as possible from different backgrounds to be in the video,” he said. “Everyone is welcome.”

It was hard to distinguish a rowdy music video was being filmed inside the unassuming three-story home. Walking down the street in search of the shoot, I expected to immediately identify which house was the site of the shoot, with only the sounds of birds chirping and cars passing filling the air.

Once I entered through the door marked “WANDAS Video Shoot,” it was a different scene altogether.

In the living room, extras took part by singing-along while listening to the song and reading a copy of the lyrics. With the song on repeat for most of the day, it was certainly hard to forget the catchy lyrics. Family and friends mulled about between the living room and kitchen, all showing their support.

Originally from Worcester, McEachern, McElholm and Lucivero had friends and family travel to take part in the band’s big day.

While McElholm and Battery organized extras downstairs assigning numbers and handing out lyrics, lead singer McEachern and bassist Lucivero directed the video shoot in a bedroom three flights up a winding staircase. Walkie-talkies in hand, they signaled downstairs when they were ready for a new extra.

In the small room, a large professional camera faced a stool in the middle of the room. Bright lights facing the stool were certainly intimidating. I immediately regretted my decision to take part. As I sat in the chair with all eyes, a camera and blinding lights facing me, I waited for Keith’s cue to begin.

But once the song played and the camera rolled, I felt right at home. With large cue cards to guide me through the song, Keith danced around the room encouraging me to do the same. In an instant, my nerves disappeared and I became part of the video.

To accompany the theme of the song, extras were asked to write a short thank you note to whomever they pleased: “To all my friends, and all my acquaintances, I wanted to share my feelings with you…”

With two full days of shooting extras for the video, The Wandas were excited to step in front of the camera to do what they do best.

After all the extras had sung-along to the four minute song, the Wandas dressed up and performed as if they were on stage at one of their regular gigs.

“We’re really excited about making our first video,” McElhom said. “It’s been really fun.”

Thank you to everyone who came out over the course of the weekend to help us with the making of our music video for Thank You Note. Everyone played a crucial role and we appreciate everyone's efforts.

We can't wait to finish the video and share it with everyone!

Cheers,
theWANDAS 

All,

Due to circumstances way beyond our control, we regret to inform you that the show at Great Scott this friday March 7th has been canceled.  We were all looking forward to a great time, but unfortunately the show will not be happening.

Thanks to the department of homeland security, who are keeping us safe from terrorists and starving musicians.
Not all members of Krief, were granted U.S. visas for ridiculous red tape & bureaucratic reasons. I can't express how disappointed we all are. Hopefully we'll work a show out in the near future.

Cheers,
theWANDAS & Krief

theWANDAS music video is being shot:

Saturday March 29th and Sunday March 30th at:

120-122 Holton St
Brighton MA 01235

Street parking is open to the public, and there is a parking lot across the street that is open to the public, as long as you don't park overnight.

For people coming from Rhode Island and Central MA, you can look into the commuter rail at: www.mbta.com.

There is a forum setup on our web site for people who want to connect for car pooling. It is located HERE.

For more info visit the official Music Video Production page. 

Also. theWANDAS are performing at Great Scott in Allston, March 7th with Krief, (members of The Dears). These guys are awesome. theWANDAS go on at 8:30pm sharp! It's an early one, so please make plans. The Pill dance night follows, which is always fun. Great music, great times. They've also arranged for our fans to only pay one cover for the entire night.

Cheers,

Ross 

Sorry it's been a while since we've posted an article. We've been really busy with a ton of things, and I just haven't been able to get to the blog. Anyway, I'll try to update everyone now.

We've been nominated by the Worcester Magazine Turtle Boy Awards for best "Alternative / Indie Rock Band" Please click on the banner at the top of the page at WorcesterMagazine.com that says "Turtle Boy Awards". And vote for theWANDAS under "Alternative / Indie Rock Band". There are write in spots for any of the other categories as well. Anyone can vote, and it only takes a second. You can only vote once, so make it count.

We've been planning some shows in different parts of the U.S. stay tuned for some updates on that. We're going to be playing at least one show in Boston with Broken Mirrors, Patrick Krief and George Donso III from The Dears' side project. These guys rock. It looks like the show will be at Great Scott in Allston. Check the tour page for more info.

MUSIC VIDEO - A lot of you have already signed up for this. The response has been great. We're still gathering more people. So if you haven't already signed up or you can think of a few people who would be interested. Have them drop there email address on the official music video production page. The vide is going to be really cool but it takes a lot of planning. We appreciate everyone's support and patience.

We have four new songs, recorded, mixed, and mastered. Expect to be hearing these real soon.

Peace,

Ross

P.S. We'll see everyone at Tammany Hall in Worcester, MA on Friday Feb 15th