Ears Wide Open: WHIT3 COLLR

Kevin Bronson on April 30th, 2021

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Will Sawyer is 17 years old, Donovan Hess is 16, and the style of music they’re unleashing on the world is twice their age. Or, timeless, depending on your point of view.

The Orange County duo work under the name WHIT3 COLLR, and their first single “16 Sweet” should awaken every ghost on the Sunset Strip, not to mention the living ones at the Whisky. It’s pure, hair-flying metal, with a guitar solo that burns.

Let there be shred.

Will Sawyer sings lead and plays guitar and bass. Hess drums and sings backup. They’ve been friends since eighth grade, sharing a love for rockers such as Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, KISS and Guns N’ Roses. “We are actually big influences on each other,” Hess says of the partnership. “We motivate and push one another. When someone learns a lick, I learn a lick. We are always encouraging each other to try new things.”

Adds Sawyer: “There is a pure chemistry between Donovan and I. Whether it is just hanging out or playing music, we are always so tight and in lock with one another. We have each other’s back and just like to have a good time.”

WHIT3 COLLR is putting the wraps on a full-length with producer Jon Joseph. “We are doing it because we love it and we just want to project that energy onto our fans,” Sawyer says. “We are in it to create and put something out we are truly proud of and love.”

||| Watch: The video for “16 Sweet”