And thus it begins...
The seeds of WENiS were planted five years ago, when two friends, Iku Kazoo and Wheetamoo Openmouth,
began to teach each other the kazoo and vocals and play songs together. What started as a casual relationship - an irrepressible desire to play music - gradually progressed into a vehicle for artistic expression and a strong bond between the two budding musicians. Original songs were written, and although simple and at times rather naive, they foreshadowed what was to come.

In the summer of 1998, after jamming together for two and a half years, things finally started to come together. Wheetamoo introduced Iku to Ted Knickerson, a drummer who lived down the street from her. Jamming sessions ensued, but only briefly - Wheetamoo bought a drum set and the first two members began to play on their own. It was around this time that the basic forms of "Moneybutts", "chupa mi peni", and "Humpty" were written. (Interestingly enough, "Humpty" was originally written as backing music for the poem "For Annie" by Edgar Allan Poe, as a project for English class). Iku and Wheetamoo, realizing that Ted was a better drummer than both of them, began to jam with him more frequently, improving on the aforementioned songs and writing new ones. Wheetamoo switched from kazoo to vocals at this time. During the spring of 1999, the next piece of the puzzle fell into place. Ted and Wheetamoo were introduced to Emofille Banjo, who worked in the store next to where Iku worked. After initial jamming, the band realized Emofille's potential for wackiness and and the scope of her musicianship, adding her as their guitarist and the fourth member of the group.

Over the summer, the band began to practice more frequently, honing their songs and developing their style, preparing to play local shows. Finally, on September 10, 1999, WENiS played its first show at the Chemical Free Zone in Campbell, California, gathering a crowd of 50 to 60 of their close friends. Needless to say, the performance was an exhilarating experience, fueling the band's desire to perform their music and share their vision with others.

It was during this show that the band was reacquainted with Notoreyous Fourstrings, whom Wheetamoo and Iku had known in the past. Only with the help of Notoreyous and Sinnomen Klickymaka, the band's close friend/manager/promoter/crazy mofo, WENiS was able to play the show. Notoreyous went on to do much more for the band - starting up their website, designing a CD and producing it, and making business cards, stickers, and T-shirts. In view of the fact that Notoreyous was helping the band out so much, as well as her reputation as an able bassist, she was asked to join WENIS. They all add to the scope of the group's musical and philosophical vision.

These two components of the band - music and philosophy - complement each other quite well; the band's penchant for experimental and deeply moving music reflects their philosophical views of individuality and self-discovery. The band's musical influences span a wide range of musical styles, allowing for a unique combination of sounds - of swirling textures, pounding rhythms, and sublime melodies and harmonies. All of this makes for a unique and moving brand of music - and
the depths of this music have not even been remotely explored. The band is in a constant process of learning and growth.

WENiS is not just about the music, however - it serves as an outlet for the members to express their
opinions on society, religion, individuality, and other such subjects. Literary influences play a major role in the composition of lyrics. Influential authors include: Friedrich Nietszche, William Shakespeare, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Jonathan Swift. The Bible also serves as a source of inspiration. The band is in strong opposition to ignorance and its consequences, particularly in America. MTV
and popular culture, conventional morality, and the consistent silencing of the self are harshly criticized, viewed as a deterrent to the evolution of mankind, the expansion of the intellect, and the realization of the instincts. The general consensus among the band members is that awareness, social criticism, and the reassessment of morality are of the utmost importance. Pain is not refuted, but accepted with the humble realization that such pain will bring about a positive reaction. So often, the truth is compromised for irrational and selfish
reasons. Beliefs, in particular, are extremely dangerous; unwavering faith in a leader or cause can lead to the abolishment of truth, paving the way for human suffering and social illnesses. Beliefs must be questioned from time to time in order to dissuade corruption and hypocrisy.

WENIS is a process of self-discovery; it is a cognizance of life and the problems which arise from life. Ignorance is the real killer among us - it is the main cause of suffering and death. Man will bring his own demise if he does not change, if he does not gain control of his convictions. It is not the wrath of God that will bring about the apocalypse; our ignorance, our illusions of happiness, of power, of control, will desecrate
humanity. Our time is near. We must change or we will die.

We'd just like to thank Dilemma for the insperational words. *snickers to self*