http://www.indieville.com/articles/bestof2001.htm

That aside, the Roar EP is a nine-song collection of lo-fi recordings that are sometimes and sometimes not entirely realized. “Computer USA” is the available single download that features the rather simple and straightforward song structure and what clearly sounds like a basic four-track recording technique. True to his or rather my perceived tutorage, the second song is a 35-second song snippet titled “Kiss My Big Black Ass.” Whether finalized or just an earmarked song page for future development, it’s something the artist wanted to share with the listener.If not recalling earlier GBV recordings, Woody Whatever is also similarly appealing to me in a way that the first Tom Daily release Happily Deceiving Culture did much of what Schmall is doing here, but with just a bit cleaner, fuller final product. However, fans of Daily will indeed have much to like here, including the songs “I Won’t Last,” “Navy Brats,” and “On Your Way to Titus.” When stepping out of the pop-hook trappings, be it a clarinet accompanied instrumental or the more dour song “Let a Saw In,” Woody Whatever approaches the lo-fi aesthetic preferred by Lou Barlow circa Sentridoh.

For those that may be also guided by beer, the Roar EP from Woody Whatever might be something to go ahead and throw in with the overflowing suitcase collection of lo-fi one-offs and pop gems from that other Dayton, Ohio band. – Thomas Prindle

http://www.splendidezine.com/reviews/aug-20-01/aag.html#aag33

This ep, on the wonderful Ionik Records label, collects nine short songs by the very diy-influenced Erik Schmall (under the pseudonym Woody Whatever). The recording level is delightfully unprofessional, and many songs, such as “Salute to Classical Music” feature quite a bit of tape hiss. Fortunately, the production quality never seems to interfere with the music, instead making it sound more like a musical artifact. This is a very pop-based affair, as songs such as “Stale Males” are actually quite reminiscent of bands like Pavement (except much more amateurish and experimental). On the other hand, “On Your Way To” sounds like it belongs on an oldies collection, despite the poor recording quality. This ep represents a nice variety of pop songs, using a mixture of spacey, slow pieces, as well as excited, energetic ones. Rest assured, listen to this once and you’ll probably get some of these tunes stuck in your head immediately. As for influences, this ep seems to be quite similar to music by bands such as Smog, Pavement, Guided By Voices, and perhaps even some Modest Mouse. As well, the lo-fi, home-produced aspect of it does not detract from it’s beauty, but rather adds to it. But, I would still really like to see what Woody Whatever could do if he was given the chance to have his music professionally recorded and produced. DIY indie fans, you’ll eat this up.

82%

Top Tracks: “Let a Saw In,” “Calculated Confusion,” “I Won’t Last”

KETTERING–Life can be a song for musician Erik Schmall. Even whiling away the hours at his job inspired him to write a tune.
“Whatever is going on at the moment (is what inspires me),” Schmall said.
The recent Kettering Fairmont High School graduate now has an album available on the Internet through an independent record label.
Schmall’s album, Roar, is recorded under the name Woody Whatever. The CD costs $6 and is available at ionikrecords.com.
Schmall, 18, started playing guitar when he was 11, and was writing songs when he was 13. He also plays the drums and the piano. Although he has been playing and recording for years, it wasn’t until recently that he tried to sell his music.
Schmall’s brother, Jason, encouraged his brother to put his music out where others could hear it.
Jason Schmall, a 25-year-old advertising copywriter who lives in Columbus, has played with Erik in the past.
“Erik has a good sense of melody and harmony,” Jason said.
When Jason heard some of Erik’s songs recently, he told his younger brother to take it a step further.
“I said ‘Erik, this stuff is great,’” Jason said. “He was doing the music on his own for a while. People around my office thought it was good.
“I just think it’s great for him to pursue something he really likes,” Jason said.
Jason contacted Mike Winters, an old friend and musician who is the founder of Cincinnati-based ionikrecords.com.
The Web site allows musicians to market their music. Winters started Ionik Records label about five months ago to give developing artists, including his own band, Post-Haste, a chance to have their music known.
“Littler labels are starting to pop up everywhere,” Winters said. “For myself, I would love to spend more time and money on this.”
Winters, a biochemistry graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, said he liked Erik’s music and gave it a place on his Web site.
When someone orders a CD, Winters uses the master version to make copies and ship it off to customers.
Schmall said his music falls under the alternative category. His style has been inspired by Guided by Voices and the Beatles. Schmall said he writes the music first, then the lyrics.
“It’s sort of part of the style,” he said.
Schmall does not normally perform for audiences, although he played drums last year in older brother Jeremy’s band, Starchild, at Miami University gigs. Erik said his parents, George and Suzanne, have been supportive of his musical interests.
Erik plans to attend Ohio University this fall and major in music production.
“I’d really like to try to get a better and better sound,” he said.
After finishing college, Schmall hopes to work somewhere in the music scene, perhaps in New York City.
“I hope to still be making records,” Schmall said.