Cover art By Max Devereaux
OUI053: Max Devereaux - Dave Rothenmaier - Jason Wietlispach / Warthogs
Max Devereaux has never met Jason Wietlispach or Dave Rothenmaier, and he’s not even sure how Wietlispach ended up on his Facebook friends list. But when Wietlispach posted a selection of his favorite LPs, those posts appeared in Devereaux’s feed, sparking an instant connection over their shared musical tastes. That moment ultimately led to the creation of Warthogs.
Once the possibility of remote collaboration was established, Wietlispach set up in his Wisconsin-based home studio, working alongside Rothenmaier. Together, they recorded five improvisations with Rothenmaier on drums and Wietlispach on saxophone and vibes. The files were then sent to Devereaux in California, who quickly added his guitar improvisations. Within two days, the record was nearly complete.
For Devereaux, the mixing process was all about creating a cohesive sonic space where each instrument could shine. The goal was to make it sound as though everything had been recorded in the same room, while still preserving the distinct power and focus of each instrument.
When it came time to find a label, Devereaux knew exactly who he wanted. He reached out to Off—record label, who, after hearing the second round of masters (the first were rejected by both Devereaux and Wietlispach), enthusiastically agreed to support the project.
Though Devereaux has never met Rothenmaier or Wietlispach in person, they share a common bond—they’ve all, at one point or another, called the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area home. This shared experience has fostered a unique understanding, one that translates beautifully into their collaboration, even with the physical distance between them. You can hear it clearly on the record.
What gives Warthogs its distinct sound is the unique blend of performances. Rothenmaier remains cool and collected throughout, never losing control, and keeping the entire ensemble moving forward.
Wietlispach weaves in and out, decorating the corners and edges of the tracks, almost serving as a narrator, commenting on the sections. Devereaux, on the other hand, is completely untamed, his flurry of textures and activity rarely taking a breath, even in the quieter moments.
Together, the trio strikes a unique balance that mirrors the unprecedented era the world finds itself in. In these uncertain times, we must turn to equally unconventional forms of music to express our thoughts, fears, anger, and sadness.
Max - Pic by Hiro Ugaya
Max Devereaux is an artist, musician, and filmmaker from Milwaukee, WI. He has been very active in the arts for around 15 years. He is currently based in Southern California.
Dave
Dave Rothenmaier is from Racine, WI. His family will attest he's been banging on stuff since he was “this tall”; he's been active in various Milwaukee music circles for 20 years or so.
Jason
Jason Wietlispach is an improvising musician, artist, classical radio DJ, and recording engineer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has been playing and recording music for over 35 years in Chicago and Wisconsin.
Produced by Max Devereaux, Dave Rothenmaier and Jason Wietlispach
Mixed by Max Devereaux
Electric guitar - Max Devereaux
Drums - Dave Rothenmaier
Saxophone, Vibes - Jason Wietlispach
Recorded in Wisconsin and California, USA
Digital release on the 13th of June 2025.
Track listing:
1: ارتجال
2: hoʻopono
3: doğaçlama
4: ইম্প্রোভাইজেশন
5: sự ngẫu hứng
Itunes, Spotify, etc.:
And on Bandcamp:
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