Introducing Wednesday: Your new favorite alt-country indie rock band
Explore interesting locales with the unique sounds of Wednesday, a band hailing from North Carolina that effortlessly blends elements of alt-country and indie rock. Wednesday is not just a musical entity but a portal to intricate storytelling tucked within concise lyrical lines that embody whole universes. Their music is a reflection of both Drive-By Truckers and Pavement, interweaving lap steel melodies, guitar fuzz, folksy vocals, and raw lyrics.
The band is set to drop their sixth studio album, “Bleeds,” on September 19, marking a new chapter in their sonic evolution. Karly Hartzman, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, speaks of the growth in her songwriting on this album, noting that the songs are more succinct and immediate than ever before. What started as Hartzman’s solo project blossomed into a full-fledged band with members Ethan Baechtold, Xandy Chelmis, Jake Lenderman, and Alan Miller joining her on this musical journey.
Wednesday’s discography is a testament to their narrative prowess, with albums like “I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone” and “Twin Plagues” showcasing their signature “creek rock” sound. Their previous release, “Rat Saw God,” received critical acclaim for delving into the complexities of Southern identity, setting the stage for “Bleeds” to sharpen their storytelling tools even further.
In the upcoming album, “Bleeds,” Wednesday delves into various sounds and emotions, each track offering a glimpse into a different facet of their artistry. Songs like “Wasp” bring hardcore catharsis, while lead single “Elderberry Wine” exudes a shimmering, fermented country vibe. Hartzman shares that tracks like “Wound Up Here (By Holding On)” are inspired by real-life events, such as the story of an Appalachian poet who meets a tragic end.
Memory and nostalgia play a significant role in Wednesday’s songwriting process, with Hartzman drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences. She meticulously collects snippets of conversations, vivid imagery, and personal anecdotes to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Through her music, Hartzman aims to preserve stories and emotions, encapsulating moments in time that might otherwise fade away.
As Wednesday continues to evolve musically, their dedication to storytelling remains unwavering. Hartzman’s keen ear for sound and emotion drives her to explore new territories and draw from a vast array of influences. Fans of the band can expect “Bleeds” to be a continuation of Wednesday’s poignant narratives and evocative melodies, inviting them on a sonic journey through the landscapes of memory and emotion.