ADVERTISEMENT

    Columbus Makes Art Presents: Harold Budd, Bad Burritos and Other Inspirations for Yul Brynner’s Ghost


    Brian Werstler, Guitarist

    “Inspiration can come from the day’s events, faith, or a bad burrito”

    — Brian Werstler, Guitarist

    If you’ve had the opportunity to immerse yourself in Columbus’ experimental music scene, you’re probably familiar with guitarist Brian Werstler and cellist William Stoner’s duo Yul Brynner’s Ghost. They have performed at various venues around town, including Dirty Dungarees and Rumba Cafe. They’re performing at Fuse Factory’s upcoming Frequency Fridays show on Feb. 3. Fuse Factory Founding Director Alison Colman recently reached out to Brian and William with a few questions.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Alison: What led to Yul Brynner’s Ghost’s formation?
    Brian: While working on my previous project, Unquiet Slumbers, I posted a request for other musicians to collaborate with. I’d known Bill for years but had never played music together. It worked out very well from the start.

    William: Brian and I reconnected a few years back, and, of course, we started talking music. He invited me to sit in with his guitar/harp duo Unquiet Slumbers. We all played together several times over a couple of years. When the harpist moved away, Brian and I continued as Yul Brynner’s Ghost.

    Alison: What is your approach to improvisation?
    Brian: We pick a key and just go from there. It’s very important to listen carefully to each other’s playing.

    William: As Brian mentioned, we pick a key and start playing. We usually play one song that lasts anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. This song dictates the length of the performance.

    Alison: Who are some of your influences?
    Brian: I mostly listen to jazz, prog rock and death metal. When I want to listen to ambient music, my go-tos are the NPR show Echoes, the YouTube channel Chords of Orion, and my Harold Budd album collection.

    William: My influences are varied, but my mainstays are worldbeat/roots bands like Boiled in Lead, Cordelia’s Dad and Garmarna. I’m also really into prog rock, particularly Yes. Other influential artists include Juliana Hatfield, Poi Dog Pondering, the Wonder Stuff, Kate Bush and Jane Siberry.

    Alison: Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
    Brian: Inspiration can come from the day’s events, faith, or a bad burrito. The joy of music is a big factor.

    William: My inspiration comes from everywhere: music, people, nature, effects pedals, etc. I play the cello, but I augment it with drone synthesizers and electronic hand drums.

    Alison: Can you talk about the ways you’ve supported and promoted the experimental music scene in Columbus?
    Brian: I’ve been hosting shows at bars and art spaces for several years now, originally showcasing touring musicians but now focusing only on locals. We’ve shared the bill with a great deal of Columbus artists including giving a couple of them their first ever shows. The reception has been pretty good and it’s always a pleasure to work with them. We’re very grateful to Fuse Factory for putting us on the bill for many of their shows.

    Alison: And finally, what is the best thing about the music scene in Columbus right now?
    Brian: Columbus has a very diverse group of musicians who are very welcoming to new ideas.

    William: I strongly agree with Brian!

    Yul Brynner’s Ghost will be featured alongside experimental violist/composer Jessica Pavone, oscilloscope artist Eric Lennartson and sonic explorer ABZyrd at the Fuse Factory’s February 2023 Frequency Fridays. The show will take place on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Cultural Arts Center (139 W. Main St). Doors 7:30, music begins 8 p.m. All ages, $9.25 online, $10 at the door. To purchase tickets, please visit: thefusefactory.org/event/february-2023-frequency-fridays.

    Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting and advancing the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Learn more about local artists, organizations, public art and events at ColumbusMakesArt.com.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    IncludeHealth Makes Physical Therapy More Affordable, Accessible Through Technology

    Heading to physical therapy used to mean needing to get in the car, make your way through traffic, arrive at a certain location—and then do it all again to go home. But for many people, there’s a new option.

    Eco-Chic at the Nexus of Style and Wage Justice

    HER Denim, a minority- and female-owned social enterprise led...
    Alison Colman
    Alison Colmanhttps://thefusefactory.org/
    Alison Colman is founder and executive director of The Fuse Factory Electronic and Digital Arts Lab.
    ADVERTISEMENT