Our Executive Editor Nick Welsh describes himself as a cartoonist trapped in a writer’s body. He writes news for everything from business and public safety to education and the environment. He says through his long career at the Independent, he has yet to learn how to draw.
Where did the inspiration for the cover story come from? What is the most empowering thing about the Brasscals? First, I stumbled upon them practicing in the park. Then I stumbled upon them playing at I Madonnari. Then I stumbled upon them again playing at the Night Lizard. God talks in threes. I figured I’d better listen. The Brasscals summon an energy that makes you think anything is possible.
What instruments can you play, and when did you start? What got you interested in music? Right now, I strum the hell out of an eight-string baritone ukulele. I don’t know chords or scales or songs, but the way I play keeps the burglars at bay. They hear what I do to that uke and they know I mean business.