Bedrock is the single that has kicked off 2022, can you talk about the immediate inspiration behind the track? 

“Bedrock” is about the having a tough time. That feeling when every time you catch a lucky break, the rug gets pulled out from under you. Rock bottom, last straw. The song came out of a period of depression, something that can feel completely out of your control. Even after you check all of the boxes, practice mindfulness, drink 8 glasses of water a day, it can still rear its ugly head. This is the moment where you throw your hands up and give in to it. There’s a sense of relief in that, accepting it for what it is and being OK with being down. This song is like the catharsis that comes with that feeling.

I think outwardly I come across as a pretty happy easy going guy, which most times I am. But I think, like most people, there are times where I don’t feel myself and I have off days, and even for weeks at a time I can feel really crummy. I hope that people could see that and see that it’s normal and ok to not feel good. And when you accept that and name it, it becomes a little less scary. Solidarity is a simple thing, but I think it helps a little bit, to show that you’re not alone and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. 

We put so many parts of ourselves into this record. The stories and emotions we feel I think were truly representative of us as people. We were up, down, unsure about the future, silly, confused, heartbroken, in love. I think lyrically and musically it’s a very honest time capsule of where we were at the time. And I think that’s always how we’ve connected with people, connecting with ourselves first, and usually if you’ve felt something someone else has as well.  

Definitely. We really try to dig into our own feelings. We like to put references of real life people and places to paint the picture and make it feel tangible. At the same time, on this record, we wrote songs about other people’s stories as well and tried to draw inspiration externally. Amsterdam is about a friend of ours who went through a really tough long distance break up. 

I think so, a little bit. It’s just been so long since we made a full length record, and it’s such a massive undertaking. With a project that big you can get in your head about it. But we were comforted by the fact that at the end of the day, it’s just another record, and it’s just a bunch of songs, and we just had to make something we really loved. Which we did. 

We rented a house in Echo Park, LA for a few months in 2019 to write the record. We wanted to get inspired by the change of scenery and by living all under the same roof. We had all the instruments set-up in the living room, it felt like a sitcom. We then drove down to Connecticut to work with Peter Katis at his studio. We had been a big fan of his work for a long time. Halfway through recording, the pandemic  from our own apartments, parents’ houses, and friends’ cottages. It was definitely not as smooth as a process as we initially intended, but I think all the locations added a new depth to the album.

It was definitely interesting to see the songs take on new meanings as things unfolded. We had created the title/concept of Sidelines prior to the pandemic. It took on an extra dimension as the whole world became “sidelined” from what they would normally be doing.

It is very fulfilling to finally get to interact IRL with the people listening and sharing the songs. We got to see a lot of streaming numbers and data over the last couple of years, but it all felt a bit impersonal and shallow until we were able to be face to face with people again, playing the songs live. The forced time off gave us a whole new level of appreciate for touring.

These have been our best shows yet. Many of the people in the crowds are attending their first shows in a couple of years, and the energy in the room is palpable. We have also added so many songs to the setlist that we are just getting to figure out and play for the first time live. The reaction has been so genuine and fulfilling, it means the world to us. 

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Ahead of the release of their new album Sidelines, indie trio Wild Rivers have released the track “Bedrock.” The band’s effortless harmonies surround the brooding lyrics which reflect the weight we carry, while ultimately finding acceptance. It’s a stunning track that beckons in the forthcoming era of their music for this year.

Wild Rivers’ Khalid Yassein [guitar, vocals, keys] says, “The song came out of a period of depression.  Even after you check all of the boxes, practice mindfulness, drink eight glasses of water a day, it can still rear its ugly head. This is the moment where you throw your hands up and give in to it. This song is like the catharsis that comes with that feeling.” 

Sidelines captures Wild Rivers [Yassein, Andrew Oliver (lead guitar, synths), Devan Glover (vocals)]  as they navigate their twenties, moving from the college years into the uncharted territories of adulthood.  While introspective and thoughtful, songs on Sidelines also offer the lighthearted fun of discovering a whole new world. 

Demand for tickets for Wild Rivers’ debut UK and European tour saw them extend it last year. They will be supported by the reflective Icelandic singer-songwriter Axel Flóvent.  Any remaining tickets for the dates, listed below, are available here.

UK and European headline tour dates:

MAY 2022

6th – Ireland, Dublin, Workman’s Club Cellar (JUST ADDED)

7th – Ireland, Cork, Cyprus Avenue (JUST ADDED)

9th – UK, London, Oslo (JUST ADDED)

10th – UK, Manchester, Night & Day

11th – UK, London, Oslo (SOLD OUT)

14th – UK, Bristol, The Louisiana (SOLD OUT)

17th – The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso Noord (UPGRADED VENUE)

18th – Belgium, Ghent, Trefpunt

19th – Germany, Cologne, Subway

20th – Germany, Berlin, Privatclub

22nd – Germany, Hamburg, Hebebuhne

24th – Denmark, Copenhagen, Ideal Bar (Vega)

25th – Sweden, Stockholm, Obaren

26th – Norway, Oslo, Norway, Krosset

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The post SINGLE REVIEW: Bedrock – Wild Rivers appeared first on off the record.

Indie trio Wild Rivers have made a big impact in the space of just one album and two EPs. Drawing upon elements of pop, rock, indie and folk, they craft tracks which are rich with evocative emotions and classic songwriting. It’s a flair that’s naturally connecting with audiences. They’ve accumulated over 200 million global streams, including 30 million+ for the songs ‘Wandering Child’, ‘Amsterdam’ and ‘Thinking ‘Bout Love’, leading to more than 2 million monthly listeners at Spotify.

Wild Rivers have now shared their brand new single ‘Neon Stars’ as they prepare to release their second album ‘Sidelines’, which will be out on February 4th via Nettwerk.

‘Neon Stars’ was written by Wild Rivers’ Khalid Yassein with celebrated Nashville singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith, whose credits include Miley Cyrus, Meghan Trainor and FLETCHER. The result is a stripped-down, contemplative song that romanticises a carefree love from the past through the lens of the more complicated present. The band’s beautifully blissful vocal harmonies capture the yearning for something that has long since passed: “You were sleeping I was tracing / Every part of you a constellation / I knew you / But I was terrified.” 

Khalid Yassein (guitar, vocals, keys) says, “Caitlyn is one of those people where you can tell that she was born to write songs. I had this idea that I couldn’t figure out for a long time, and after showing it to her, within a minute she figured out the puzzle like it was nothing. Songwriters that have that magic and humility are a rare breed. Not to mention it was pretty special to hear her voice sing it in the room.”

The song’s accompanying video imagines the song in the context of a sparsely attended open mic night. An older man performs to a near empty room, although at least one woman is paying attention. The three members of Wild Rivers also appear in small roles. Vocalist Devan Glover steals a shot of vodka from the bar for Dutch courage as she’s next on stage.Andrew Oliver (lead guitar, synths) plays a barman with his own less-than-admirable plan, while Khalid Yassein appears as the bar’s only other customer.

‘Neon Stars’ will feature on the ‘Sidelines’ album alongside Wild Rivers’ recent singles which include ‘Better When We’re Falling Apart’ and ‘Amsterdam’. ‘Sidelines’ is where Wild Rivers poured their collective impressions about merging into their mid-20s, a strange, transitional age where it’s easy to romanticize childhood. The album was co-produced by Peter Katis(The National, Interpol, Sharon Van Etten) and Wild Rivers, and was recorded in Connecticut, Los Angeles and Kingston, Ontario.

Andrew Oliver describes ‘Sidelines’ as looking back longingly upon “The time when you were truly present and you didn’t have this forward-thinking vision where you’re worried about the next thing.”

Devan Glover adds, “A lot of ‘Sidelines’ is about perspective and longing to be somewhere that you’re not, or trying to figure out how to get to a place that you want to be, whether it’s physically, emotionally. I think we’re all kind of struggling with our sense of identity, in the stage of life that we’re in.”

‘Sidelines’ is available to pre-order HERE. The album will be released on digital, CD and vinyl formats, while their official store offers signed CDs and vinyl, as well as a range of new merch designs.

Wild Rovers’ debut North American tour resulted in packed venues, selling-out shows in key cities including New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Nashville and San Francisco. Demand is also high for their debut UK and Ireland tour, which has seen a second night added at London’s Oslo after the initial show soon sold-out. The Bristol show is also sold-out. Please see here for ticket details and a full list of the band’s upcoming international shows. Axel Flóvent will support at all gigs in the UK, Ireland and Europe.

UK and Ireland headline tour dates:

MAY 2022
6th – Ireland, Dublin, Workman’s Club Cellar (ADDED DATE)
7th – Ireland, Cork, Cyprus Avenue (ADDED DATE)
9th – UK, London, Oslo (ADDED DATE)
10th – UK, Manchester, Night & Day
11th – UK, London, Oslo (SOLD OUT)
14th – UK, Bristol, The Louisiana (SOLD OUT)

The post WATCH: Wild Rivers Share New Video for ‘Neon Stars’ appeared first on off the record.

After releasing their self-titled debut album and two EPs, Wild Rivers’ music continues to go from success to success, amassing over 200 million streams on Spotify. Now Wild Rivers continue to build anticipation for the release of their long-awaited second album ‘Sidelines’ next year – on February 4th – by sharing the new single ‘Better When We’re Falling Apart’. Listen here.

‘Better When We’re Falling Apart’ is a poignant ode to a toxic relationship, which focuses on a couple who are always on the verge of a dramatic break up. The song’s introspective lyrics and melodies also reflect the band’s journey, as they continue to navigate new experiences and adapt to adulthood. The single features on ‘Sidelines’, which was co-produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Sharon Van Etten) with Wild Rivers, and recorded in Connecticut, Los Angeles and Kingston, Ontario (where the band formed). It’s a record in which Wild Rivers draw upon a spectrum of sounds, imbuing pop, rock, indie, and folk into each song’s blueprint and this latest track both shows the influences that the band have drawn upon and the journey to their more mature lyricism that will be showcased on Sidelines. 

The band commented, “When you’re on the sidelines, you’re watching life go by, and maybe wishing you were wanting to play a different role. There’s a sense of detachment from the experience, which makes it challenging to be present in the moment. On the other hand, only time and space can offer a renewed context that’s otherwise difficult to see while you’re caught up in it. And we’ve literally been sidelined for a year to take it all in. In these songs, we’re making sense of it.”

‘Sidelines’ is available to pre-order here. The album will be released on digital, CD and vinyl formats, while their official store offers signed CDs and vinyl, as well as a range of new merch designs.

Remaining tickets for the UK and European headline tour dates are available here.

MAY 2022

6th – Ireland, Dublin, Workman’s Club Cellar (JUST ADDED)

7th – Ireland, Cork, Cyprus Avenue (JUST ADDED)

9th – UK, London, Oslo (JUST ADDED)

10th – UK, Manchester, Night & Day

11th – UK, London, Oslo

14th – UK, Bristol, The Louisiana (SOLD OUT)

17th – The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso Noord (UPGRADED VENUE)

18th – Belgium, Ghent, Trefpunt

19th – Germany, Cologne, Subway

20th – Germany, Berlin, Privatclub

22nd – Germany, Hamburg, Hebebuhne

24th – Denmark, Copenhagen, Ideal Bar (Vega)

25th – Sweden, Stockholm, Obaren

26th – Norway, Oslo, Norway, Krosset

Follow Wild Rivers: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify

The post SINGLE REVIEW: Better When We’re Falling Apart – Wild Rivers appeared first on off the record.

With over 200 million streams and a number of upcoming sold out shows, Toronto’s Wild Rivers has established a devoted following with their eloquent and introspective lyrics, genre-fluid melodies, glorious harmonies and captivating live performances.  Now the indie trio is set to release their anticipated sophomore album Sidelines (Nettwerk) on February 4th.

Sidelines finds the band sonically and lyrically expanding their sound, which imbues pop, rock, indie, and folk into each song’s blueprint. Co-produced  by Peter  Katis (The  National,  Interpol, Sharon  van  Etten)  and  Wild  Rivers, Sidelines  was recorded  in  Connecticut,  Los  Angeles  and  Kingston, Ontario (where the band formed). Wild Rivers is Khalid Yassein [guitar, vocals, keys], Devan Glover [vocals], and Andrew Oliver [lead guitar, synths]. Pre-order Sidelines here.

First single “Long Time” embodies the notion that emotions often come with a timeline of their own. The band shares, ‘This idea came out of getting an unexpected call from an ex-lover. Your conscious, mature brain might tell you that you’re over something, and then in a moment, you’re right back to the place you were before.

Sidelines finds the band evolving both individually and collectively, growing up and navigating new and unfamiliar territory. “A lot of [Sidelines] is about perspective and longing to be somewhere that you’re not, or trying to figure out how to get to a place that you want to be, whether it’s physically, emotionally,” says Glover. The songs on Sidelines deftly personify those feelings, while yearning about young love on “Neon Stars” and musing on depression on “Bedrock.”  However, Sidelines is not without levity, clearly evidenced by the sing-along melody and breezy rhythm of “Stubborn Heart” and the humorous, upbeat “Weatherman.”

Wild Rivers first caught audiences’ attention with their 2016 self-titled debut, followed by their acclaimed EPs, 2018’s Eighty-Eight and 2020’s Songs To Break Up To. Now the band are set to begin their extensive fall tour on September 10 in Boulder, CO before finishing in Minneapolis, MN on October 10. Their live shows are selling out quickly, with sold out dates in New York, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Diego, Boulder and more every day. New dates have been added as well. For tickets, go to www.wildriversmusic.com/tour.

SIDELINES Track Listing:
More or Less
Bedrock
Long Time
Stubborn Heart
Amsterdam
Weatherman
Untouchable
Better When We’re Falling Apart
Neon Stars
Safe Flight

Follow Wild Rivers: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify | Website

The post Wild Rivers Set to Return With Introspective Release – Sidelines in 2022 appeared first on off the record.