 |
Photo by: Céline Klein
|
Kingston rockers The Wilderness’ massive sound has earned them comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, The National and The Lumineers. To date, they have spawned six independent global releases and played over 400 shows across North America.
Their most recent release Until Tomorrow is mighty in more ways than one.
The latest single “If I Have To Die” – from the band’s first full-length album, is as much a statement of defiance as it is a response to crisis. Though the song was written before the COVID-19 pandemic, the sentiment carries a certain weight in this era of social isolation.
Lead vocalist Jonas Lewis-Anthony comments:
As a whole, Until Tomorrow encapsulates a sense of honesty, insight and introspection that is mirrored by that of the band itself. The sextet – with members spanning from across the globe, brings together a diverse lineup in a world where the cultivation and celebration of diversity and differences among us is so greatly needed.
The guys take pride in their organic growth since forming back in 2015 and continue to use their platform to spread important societal messages:
“We're certainly no Rage Against the Machine but we won't ever ignore the need for three chords and the truth.”
The diversity of nationalities has had a very interesting influence on us as musicians. Having widely varied childhood experiences, and musical influences has really helped bolster our creative arsenal as a band, and it has given us lots to work with and plenty of different perspectives. It often feels as though the broad range of perspectives and influences helps us connect and relate to others on a personal and musical level.
It was quite simple really, we had been crafting singles and stockpiling material for about 6 months and the process left us feeling stagnant. We went to a cabin in Quebec in the middle of winter and the quiet isolation was so inspiring that an album came out. It really was the perfect experience. Together, the six of us, under the same roof has always resulted in our best work. Together we were able to work through some things that were on our minds and would then collectively work those things into songs. It was so cathartic and much needed that the songs eventually just fell into place!
We all have our personal favourites but mine is probably "Twenty-Five."
I believe that people with a platform and a voice have a responsibility to address political and societal issues. Rock and roll has always been political and the last thing we want is to be just some feel-good, cookie-cutter boy band. The six of us align politically which certainly makes things easier when we write about these things. The world is fucked right now and we refuse to shy away from the fact that that is the case. We're certainly no Rage Against the Machine but we won't ever ignore the need for three chords and the truth.
This year has affected us all in so many different ways that it's difficult to find an all encapsulating piece of advice that addresses every reason one could have a heavy heart. The best I can do is to say: keep going, there are better times on the horizon as long as you can still find the beauty in even the smallest things.
Go out there and play shows, talk to people, travel, and don't focus on being anybody but yourself. Being honest with your fans about who you are and what you're doing goes a long way in terms of building up a fanbase of people who really want to support you in what you do.
Well since we can't tour, we've put together a bunch of amazing content to keep our fans engaged so watch out for that! After that, we will probably be going to another cabin and writing the next record.
The latest single “If I Have To Die” – from the band’s first full-length album, is as much a statement of defiance as it is a response to crisis. Though the song was written before the COVID-19 pandemic, the sentiment carries a certain weight in this era of social isolation.
Lead vocalist Jonas Lewis-Anthony comments:
“'If I Have To Die' is a song that I felt I really had to write, we started 2020 by being bombarded with what at the time felt like pretty apocalyptic news. It felt like climate change, capitalism, coronavirus and a potential world war three was going to kill us all and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The song acknowledges the world is awful and although it feels like we're on the precipice of disaster, we can find comfort and peace in and around the people we love.”
As a whole, Until Tomorrow encapsulates a sense of honesty, insight and introspection that is mirrored by that of the band itself. The sextet – with members spanning from across the globe, brings together a diverse lineup in a world where the cultivation and celebration of diversity and differences among us is so greatly needed.
The guys take pride in their organic growth since forming back in 2015 and continue to use their platform to spread important societal messages:
“We're certainly no Rage Against the Machine but we won't ever ignore the need for three chords and the truth.”
Q: With an international lineup, how does the diversity of your band’s members play a part in who The Wilderness is and the music you deliver?
The diversity of nationalities has had a very interesting influence on us as musicians. Having widely varied childhood experiences, and musical influences has really helped bolster our creative arsenal as a band, and it has given us lots to work with and plenty of different perspectives. It often feels as though the broad range of perspectives and influences helps us connect and relate to others on a personal and musical level.
Q: Your album 'Until Tomorrow' is a cohesive collection of tracks. What was the initial inspiration behind crafting this project?
It was quite simple really, we had been crafting singles and stockpiling material for about 6 months and the process left us feeling stagnant. We went to a cabin in Quebec in the middle of winter and the quiet isolation was so inspiring that an album came out. It really was the perfect experience. Together, the six of us, under the same roof has always resulted in our best work. Together we were able to work through some things that were on our minds and would then collectively work those things into songs. It was so cathartic and much needed that the songs eventually just fell into place!
Q: Is there a personal favourite song off the record?
We all have our personal favourites but mine is probably "Twenty-Five."
Q: Your single "If I Had to Die" is about serious topics surrounding the current state of the world. How important is it as a songwriter to paint narratives that coincide with current political and societal issues?
I believe that people with a platform and a voice have a responsibility to address political and societal issues. Rock and roll has always been political and the last thing we want is to be just some feel-good, cookie-cutter boy band. The six of us align politically which certainly makes things easier when we write about these things. The world is fucked right now and we refuse to shy away from the fact that that is the case. We're certainly no Rage Against the Machine but we won't ever ignore the need for three chords and the truth.
Q: What's some advice you would give to those whose hearts are heavy during this tumultuous year?
This year has affected us all in so many different ways that it's difficult to find an all encapsulating piece of advice that addresses every reason one could have a heavy heart. The best I can do is to say: keep going, there are better times on the horizon as long as you can still find the beauty in even the smallest things.
Q: You guys take pride in finding honest success, which is refreshing in today's industry. What's the recipe behind developing a fanbase organically?
Go out there and play shows, talk to people, travel, and don't focus on being anybody but yourself. Being honest with your fans about who you are and what you're doing goes a long way in terms of building up a fanbase of people who really want to support you in what you do.
Q: What's next for The Wilderness?
Well since we can't tour, we've put together a bunch of amazing content to keep our fans engaged so watch out for that! After that, we will probably be going to another cabin and writing the next record.
Connect: