It’s hard to shock anyone with a music video in 2015. (Well, it happens, but it’s usually pretty easy to tell when a band is trying too hard.) Western Scene, however, is not one of those bands. 

The indie-rock duo’s video for “See What You Want To” is a stunning visual accomplishment that aptly fits the band’s sunny, California aesthetic. It would be impressive even if you didn’t know how it was made, but that’s the best part: the just-over-three-and-a-half minute stop motion stunner, directed by Wet & Reckless’ Emily Wilder, was recorded entirely on an iPhone 6.

But there are no tricks up the sleeves of Emily or Tom Pritchard, the Los Angeles-based singers who make up Western Scene, just years of songwriting cred. Initially formed three years ago by Tom, the two started writing together while creating “See What You Want To,” a story about people experiencing the same relationship very differently. The creative process helped them realize how well they write together and led to an upcoming EP, which includes their newest single, “Believe.” Myspace caught up with the band to find out more about their changing sound, surf rock influence and must-see places in LA. 

Homebase: Los Angeles

Where does the name “Western Scene” come from? 

Tom: I was looking for a name that matched the music I was writing at the time, in 2012. I had an emotive feeling about old Westerns. I randomly saw a picture that someone took on Reddit of a splash of water on a pier footing, and the title was “Accidental Western Scene.” It was so easy for once. The name can carry a lot of different meanings, though; some people think we’re a country band at first. 

How long did it take to execute the “See What You Want To” music video?

Emily: It took about two months from treatment to final edit. It was so much fun to make. My dad always told me, "Even your own brother and sister speak different languages." The goal is always to ask questions to understand the people around you, and to me, this song evoked that reminder. I wanted to make something that shows the misunderstandings we all experience and hopefully learn from them.

Can you give us a hint us to what the upcoming EP will sound like?

Tom: The new EP has a crazy amount of different influences, and we are following through on every one of them.

Emily: Lionel Richie meets the Monkees meets the Jeffersons meets the Fonz. 

What inspired you lyrically when creating this new album?

Tom: I am inspired by what I see and hear around me when I’m out at night or when I’m wandering around the hills by my house. I had been focused on different grooves and old R&B and wrote accordingly. Working with Emily has been significant and helped me to dive deeper.

What are some of your biggest musical influences?

Tom: I started playing surf music, which got me into a certain melody construct. From there, I tried to find my own unique sound and took elements from classic rock, indie rock and old soul.

Emily: I grew up on stuff like Yo La Tengo, Sebadoh, Archers of Loaf, Pavement and Magnetic Fields, plus tons of local bands around Florida, where I grew up as a kid.  

What song reminds you most of childhood? 

Emily: My mother, Dot, is a jazz singer, so I was often in tow to her gigs. The one I think of loving as a child is “Summertime.” That and Violent Femmes' “Kiss Off.” She didn’t sing that one! That was my older’s brother’s influence.

Tom: I would say Steve Winwood takes me back the most. My parents played the s**t out of his records. 

Emily, is there a different side you get to explore in Western Scene from the music you’re creating with Wet & Reckless? 

Emily: It is such a different side, but I think they will grow to lean on each other, as far as experiences go. The girls and I seem to dive head first into something, and we all hear the song under whatever we are in. With Western Scene, it is very orchestrated by Tom, and there are more players, so I don't have to play guitar and sing as much. 

If you had 24 hours to bring a visiting friend around LA, what would the itinerary look like?

Emily: In this order: Huntington Gardens, Skid Row, the Observatory and Malibu. I actually clipboarded that itinerary for my brother and his wife when they visited. 

Tom: First would be the beach at Point Dume in Malibu, because it’s too hot anywhere else. Half the day would be getting back from there, so we’d then grab shawarma at Al Wazir Chicken and go to my place to play music for a few hours, then head out to the bars. We’d finish it all off with Taco Zone.