Karly Hartzman shares wild southern gothic rock stories
Karly Hartzman, the 28-year-old frontwoman of indie-rock band Wednesday, is a collector by nature, and her eclectic home showcases this trait perfectly. Filled with dolls, cassette tapes, fabric scraps, and overflowing bookshelves, Hartzman’s space is a reflection of her creative mind. Inspired by the likes of Drive-By Truckers and Swirlies, Wednesday’s music combines heartfelt melodies with intense, wall-of-sound dynamics.
The band’s breakthrough album, Rat Saw God, released in 2023, is a vivid tapestry of stories that include references to urine-colored soda, sex shops, accidental arson, and drug-fueled escapades. Their upcoming sixth album, Bleeds, promises to refine their signature sound, emphasizing melody while maintaining their unique storytelling style. Hartzman describes their sound as a natural evolution resulting from each band member’s distinct musical influences.
Despite critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork, Hartzman keeps a low profile in her hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina. Having recently returned from Asheville, where she resided on a picturesque property surrounded by fellow musicians, Hartzman’s live performances are known for their energy and intensity, in contrast to her more reserved off-stage demeanor.
Hartzman’s musical journey began when she was introduced to bands like My Bloody Valentine and Unwound by friends. Initially hesitant to pursue music formally, she was inspired to pick up a guitar after witnessing the carefree, unpolished style of indie-rock trio Palberta. Wednesday’s lineup solidified with Xandy Chelmis on steel guitar, Ethan Baechtold on bass and piano, Alan Miller on drums, and MJ Lenderman on guitar, as they immersed themselves in the DIY music scene, playing house shows and intimate venues.
Living together at Haw Creek, Hartzman and Lenderman navigated both personal and professional challenges. Their amicable split in 2024 was attributed to differing life goals, with Hartzman emphasizing the importance of aligning long-term intentions in a relationship. Despite their breakup, Hartzman acknowledges Lenderman’s continued creative involvement with Wednesday’s music, even though he won’t be joining them on tour due to his demanding schedule.
Bleeds, the band’s latest album, features songs written before the breakup that touch on the complexities of fading love and self-reflection. Tracks like “The Way Love Goes” explore themes of apology and acceptance, while “Wasp” delves into the dissolution of a once-solid relationship. Despite the emotional weight of these experiences, Hartzman remains dedicated to her art and the enduring bond she shares with Lenderman as creative collaborators.
With Bleeds set to take listeners on a journey through Wednesday’s distinctive blend of southern gothic rock, Hartzman’s storytelling prowess and musical vision continue to captivate audiences, solidifying the band’s reputation as one of indie-rock’s most compelling acts.