We recently had the chance to connect with Wes Pryor and have shared our conversation below.
Wes, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I have built in the first 90 minutes of my day to start off at a rather slow pace. I want to have a cup of coffee, step outside and enjoy the weather, rain or shine. Have time to talk to my wife (who is in business with me) about what we need to do today to make all the things happen that we want to get done.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Wesley Pryor. I am a professional drummer since the age of 10yrs old. I have made a living doing what I love. In the year 2000 I started up a small film company: Reel Cool Films, all while still drumming on tour with Nashville artists.
At first I did music videos and small films for film festivals. While out on tour, I met a man who was working with the Great Hank Cochran. He suggested I film a documentary on Hank. I worked with Hank for the next four years and “Hank Cochran: Livin For A Song” became an award winning doc! Currently, I tour with Ricky Nelson’s twin sons doing around 30 shows a year. That gives me time to work on my current project: “Paducah’s River Of Music” a documentary of the music that has come out of my small hometown Paducah KY.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I have been very fortunate to have had three men in my life that I looked up to and was able to watch and learn from them and apply what I learned to my trade. They where blue collar workers with strong moral principles and all three men: my Dad, my Grandfather, and later on my Father In Law, all taught me skills that I could use in case this music business didn’t work out. But it did work out, and I followed their work ethic and put it to use in my work, and that is what has made me successful in my world of drumming and filming.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I am very glad that I was not an “over night” success. I have been steadily working, starting out small and growing. I do believe you have to go through some disappointments and even some failures, in order to understand and appreciate success when you achieve it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends always hear me say, “There’s a right way and a wrong way.” They know I’m determined to do whatever it takes to do the job right, even if it takes more time. For example, when I’m hired as a drummer to do a show or record in the studio, I shut out other music and only concentrate on those songs for that performance. On the day of the show, I’m completely prepared and playing with confidence that the artist and other musicians can rely on. Also, as a film director, I take all of the time I need for pre-production to make sure that all aspects of the film are done the “right way” to endure a great shoot.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell about how easy I was to work with. And all the fun that was around me because that is what I brought to the table. And a “work hard” work ethic, talented, fair, and always made everyone on the set or in the band feel important. I have always said that I want to be remembered as: He was a good man.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reelcoolfilms.com
- Instagram: reelcoolfilms
- Facebook: Wesley Pryor
Image Credits
Kaye Pryor
