Meet Ivan Wentzel | Drummer & Band Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Wentzel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been inspired by the independence, flexibility, and opportunity that business owners have access too in their lives. When i started my business (The Wentzel Brothers band) it wasn’t a business at all. It was myself on drums and Jacob Newcomb slapping the bass in the shed behind my dad’s woodshop in Chapel Hill, TN. It seems like it was no time before we had added my brother Issac Wentzel to our lineup and we had our first paying gig. It soon became evident that if we were going to become successful, we had to run the band like a business. That same mentality has allowed me to continue to play music consistently until this day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Like every artist, it was a struggle to get to where I’m at today. Overcoming differences between band members is never easy, and it can be hard to reach a consensus when you are creating music. After all, it’s all based on opinion. Sometimes arguing over the little details of a song can be what makes it great.

I started writing music when I was 16 and needed something for my band to play. Once I realized I had a knack for it, writing songs became an easier and faster process. I am proud of how far we have come from a ragtag threesome with little musical experience to the rockin’ trio we are today. What sets me apart from others is my ability to adapt to any situation and find solutions. Whether it’s in the studio, behind the kit or in the woodshop, I’m always determined to get the job done right. I believe that is a big reason that The Wentzel Brothers have been successful.

A lesson I have learned is that you don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not to get the approval of others. I make music that is based on the music that inspires me in hopes of passing on that feeling to someone else.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One place I would recommend is Kimbros Pickin Parlor in Franklin, Tennessee. Kimbros was one of the first places to book The Wentzel Brothers Band, and has given me so many great memories. We have been playing gigs there for 5 years, and plan to play for many more. Kimbros not only has great food, drinks, music and atmosphere, it has some of the best people around. I met my wife, Maddie, at Kimbros in 2019.

The Mulehouse in Columbia, Tennessee is another great place to catch a show! It has amazing acoustics and beautiful stained glass windows.

Asgard Brewery and Tap House in Columbia, Tennessee brews the best viking themed beers around.

Hanks Honky Tonk in Murfreesboro, Tennessee is a hoppin little bar in a strip mall that is always a great time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have had a positive effect on my life but I will just mention a few .Elton Wentzel has been a guiding example for me. I’ve been able to understand how a man can go out into the world and build a business up from nothing by observing and participating in his lifelong business WWwoodworks.He is always willing to drive and retrieve whatever random piece e of gear we forgot to bring this week. My mom ,Carly Wentzel also deserves a mention because her and my father were very much a driving force in getting my business off the ground. They were able to enter venues and scout out gigs for the band before we were old enough to enter. My mother has helped tremendously with management as well.

Website: https://thewentzelbrothers.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewentzelbrothers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewentzelbrothersband/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TheWentzelBrothers?si=xSJ8b0_XBvhO3PWh