A new force is emerging on the indie-folk scene with The Wildlings.
Nestled in the heart of Central Victoria, a region that’s no stranger to captivating landscapes and evocative storytelling, a brand-new indie-folk duo is making waves with their explosive sound.
Comprising the extraordinary talents of Drew Walker and Ryan Gay, this duo is set to sweep you off your feet with their authentic style and captivating narratives with their debut single, Beach Blue Eyes.
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When you listen to The Wildlings, you’re stepping into a world where musical boundaries blur and authentic storytelling takes centre stage. Drew Walker, a singer/songwriter from Echuca, brings her dreamy, alternative, and raw vocals to the table, creating an atmosphere of pure emotion. Meanwhile, Ryan Gay, a seasoned artist in the Australian live music scene, adds an exploration of sonic possibilities and a hint of R&B influence to the mix.
Their unique sound, which marries indie and pop sensibilities, is firmly rooted in the power of authenticity and connecting with the listener on a profound level. When it comes to The Wildlings, there’s no pretence; just genuine, heart-on-sleeve music that resonates with the soul.
“Drew and I both believe quite strongly in authenticity,” Ryan Gay tells us. “Drew is an incredible songwriter & vocalist, and I have a love of lyrics, production, and the technical side of things. We make a good team and each of us has very different strengths. But largely our music is centred around authenticity and connecting with people.”
So, how did The Wildlings come into being? Like many great musical unions, Drew and Ryan’s paths had crossed before they decided to join forces. Initially, Ryan agreed to produce Drew’s single, ‘Nature’, marking his debut as a producer. This creative collaboration sparked the idea of playing gigs together.
“During that time we tossed around the idea of playing a few gigs together, and after doing so a couple of times we decided we should write a song or two together, and the rest as they say is history,” Ryan says.
Quickly realising that their combined talents were a match made in musical heaven, The Wildlings were born, cementing their place in the indie-folk scene.
The Wildlings’ debut single, Beach Blue Eyes, is a dreamy, classy, and all-around wonderful piece of musical storytelling. From the very first chords, it grabs your attention, and the more you listen, the deeper you fall into its heartfelt and homey embrace.
Across the three-and-a-half-minute track, Drew and Ryan’s voices entwine seamlessly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that lures you in. The song’s narrative unfolds like a heartfelt confession, drawing you into its emotional depth.
Musically, Beach Blue Eyes is clear and simple but never understated. The song is a testament to The Wildlings’ keen sense of when to build and when to allow quietness to reign. Each note is deliberate, evoking the perfect emotions at the right moments. The lyrical storytelling, backed by melodic finesse, elevates the song to another level.
The verses paint a picture of a love that once burned brightly, only to fade like the setting sun. The longing, regret, and bittersweet nostalgia are palpable in lines like, “I treated you better and you loved me worse,” revealing the raw complexity of emotions in a relationship’s aftermath.
The chorus, with its haunting refrain, “Stop calling, Stop Calling,” underscores the turmoil of a broken connection, while the bridge adds a layer of introspection and vulnerability. The repetition of “Brokenhearted,” “Disappointed,” “Devastated,” and “Nearly made it” conveys the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with a love lost.
But, Beach Blue Eyes, is more than just a song; it’s a powerful narrative that began with a dream. Ryan recalls waking up with the first verse fully formed, a rarity in songwriting. With a little help from Drew’s creative vision and natural sense of melody, the song came to life, driven by a sense of power and emotion. The duo added drums, courtesy of the talented Bradey Curtis, and bass by industry-veteran Isaac Barter, creating a lush and captivating musical tapestry.
“Often songs seem to land in your subconscious and I have absolutely no idea how. It feels a bit uncanny sometimes but I distinctly remember waking up and having both lyrics and a melody in my head which is fairly unusual to be so well-formed from the get-go. That essentially became the first verse without having to change anything,” Ryan explains.
“From there, I took the concept to Drew and we spit-balled ideas for a chorus and this song in particular found its feet pretty quickly. We recorded drums in our studio with local and super-talented drummer Bradey Curtis, got industry-veteran Isaac Barter on Bass, and self-recorded and produced everything else you hear on the track.”
Self-producing their music came with its fair share of challenges, but it’s a challenge that The Wildlings have embraced. Ryan describes the experience as “terrifying,” acknowledging the support and guidance he received from experienced producer Isaac Barter. This journey allowed them to explore the endless possibilities of their sound, and the result is a magically, distinct musical identity.
“Self-producing your own tracks to a commercially viable standard is not something for the faint of heart. I’ve had countless calls and messages with legends like Isaac while figuring out how to make our own records sound as lush as they would from any major studio. I’m absolutely stoked that we’re now able to self-release though, as it means you’ll be hearing a lot more music from us.”
The Wildlings draw inspiration from a diverse pool of artists, including The Civil Wars, Kaleo, and Angus and Julie Stone. The blend of male-female vocal duets and epic production elements creates a signature style that’s all The Wildlings.
“Together Drew and I are trying to bring the best of both worlds to our tracks. Drew’s main instrument is the piano, mine is the guitar. So by blending both of our abilities together, we’re really able to put down a style that is uniquely ours.”
The Wildlings have big plans on the horizon, including major shows set to be announced in 2024 and beyond. You can catch them live at various venues, with solo shows interspersed among their Wildlings performances.
While The Wildlings are their current focus, both Drew and Ryan acknowledge that they’ll never stop being solo musicians. As long as they’re making music they love, you can expect to hear some solo projects from these talented artists in the future.
As you dive into Beach Blue Eyes, Ryan hopes the song resonates with those who have experienced the tumultuous nature of love and commitment, as he explains, “Love and commitment is not always easy, walking away from someone you loved can be downright brutal”. It’s a powerful testament to the duo’s genuine approach to music.
In a world brimming with music, The Wildlings have a unique charm, an authenticity that’s bound to strike a chord with your soul. Let their debut single, Beach Blue Eyes, take you on a journey through the heart of indie-folk music, and be prepared for the enchantment that awaits as The Wildlings etch their names in the annals of music history.
Don’t miss this ride; it’s destined to be something special.
Listen to the debut single Beach Blue Eyes here. Keep an eye on their socials for updates, and rest assured, there’s plenty more of The Wildlings music to look forward to.
