“Surround You” by WILD – A Song Feature

     “Surround You” begins with a rhythmic, almost dispassionate description of the mindset of a struggling loved one, “… Mountains to climb / Rain keeps coming...” But before the song finishes, the force of the instrumentation, the passion in the vocals, and the conviction in the lyrics remove all concern that the person might be left alone with those troubles. In talking about “Surround You,” WILD explained their single as an exploration of  “the helplessness one feels while watching a loved one struggle; it’s the moment of silence where you hug somebody.”

     The builds and drops are skillfully composed and executed. The first example occurs fifty seconds into “Surround You.” With each of three assurances that “I’m not running,” the intensity builds. The listener is delivered at a chorus with lush texturing and vocal power. The drop at 1:38 is more sudden. Still, our favorite change in “Surround You,” is a subtle one. In fact, we don’t fully trust our sense of change. At the three-minute mark, the song becomes more orchestral.

     WILD is a trio based in Los Angeles. The members are Lauren Luiz (vocals), Tyler Thompson (producer, guitar), and Zach Daegatano (vocals, guitar). On June 12, they will release a six-song EP entitled “Goin’ Back.” The EP release is via Nettwerk and will include “Surround You.” Quoting the press materials:

  “The songs on ‘Goin’ Back’ were born from a fruitful writing trip to Nashville, but WILD felt it was important to return home to Los Angeles to record. The band explains, “We make ‘L.A. Folk,' if you go to Oregon, Tennessee, or Texas, the genre sounds different. This is what folk would sound like in Los Angeles, because of the production and the hooks.”

     “Surround You” by WILD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildthebandUS/

Website: http://www.wildtheband.com/

Lyrics of “Surround You” by WILD

So the rain comes down

Oceans haunt the ground

Mountains to climb

Rain keeps coming

New highs, blue skies

I'm not running

I'm not running

Oh, I'm not running

I-I-I'll surround you

And I-I-I will be there, I'll be there

Ships will sink

And castles they will fall

Wish that I could

Somehow fix it all

But I'll be there, I'll be there

Arms to keep you warm

Shelter from the storm

Cold hearts outside

Snow keeps falling

I'll hold you tight

No, we're not running

Oh no, we're not running

I-I-I'll surround you

And I-I-I will be there, I'll be there

Ships will sink and

Castles they will fall

Wish that I could

Somehow fix it all

But I'll be there, I'll be there

But I'll be there, I'll be there

But I'll be there, I'll be there

Mountains to climb

Your heart, blue skies

I'll hold you tight

I'll be there

I’ll-I’ll-I'll be there, I'll be there

And I-I-I'll surround you

April Songs that Bear Repeating

The Independent is sheltered - for now

     As a welcome to the new month, here are the favorite songs from April posts of Indie Obsessive.

     “A Foreign Place” by Maps Of (from the post of April 24, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “You” by We the Lion (from the post of April 16, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “Clouds” by Psychic Markers (from the post of April 28, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “Rise” by Ships Have Sailed (from the post of April 22, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “Statues” by India Electric Co. (from the post of April 27, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “Hey Hey I” by Other Lives (from the post of April 15, CLICK HERE if interested).

    “Cheryl” by Gaspar Sanz (from the post of April 2, CLICK HERE if interested).

    “13Bullets (pt, 1)” by Stop Light Observations (from the post of April 21, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “The Ride” by Volunteer (from the post of April 14, CLICK HERE if interested).

    “Alive” by Trenton – A Song Feature (from the post of April 3, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “Happy For You” by Francesca Blanchard (from the post of April 25, CLICK HERE if interested).

     “Suburbia” by Temples of Youth (from the post of April 30, CLICK HERE if interested).

     The comprehensive list of songs with Spotify accessibility and with deserving bonus tracks (via Spotify):

  “Lovely” by TOLEDO

  "I Wanna Live In Your Bedroom" by David Ramirez

“Little Ol’ Me” by Qwiet Type – A Song Feature

      Make space for “Little Ol’ Me” on that list of best songs about changing the world. Earlier this year, Spinditty assembled its selection of 71 songs (if interested, CLICK HERE). The single from Qwiet Type compares favorably with those in the listing.

     “Little Ol’ Me” is more than mere advice. The lyrics poetically identify the perceived obstacle to people making a difference, then they present the solution. The world is large; it is too difficult to implement change. There are so many people, so worrying about all of them is daunting. After all, it’s just little ol’ me. The solution? Just beyond two minutes, thirty seconds into the song, the percussion becomes powerful and tribal backing vocals enter. “Spin around” and only worry about the things you can see and feel - the things you value. Qwiet Type describes his single as a message that “the world doesn't seem too overwhelming when you just worry about your own little world.” As the song ends, the declaration is that little ol’ me can effect change.

      The instrumentation in “Little Ol’ Me” is equally praiseworthy. The percussion is commanding at times. A brass section is alluring, as is the delicate single woodwind. And the guitar adds to the artistry of the texturing.

     Qwiet Type is the performance name of solo artist and producer Matt Powell. He is based in Pensacola, Florida. His songs are often a fusion of indie, alternative, pop, funk, synth pop, experimental, electronica, new wave and even a touch of hip hop. Says Powell:

  "I love music from all genres and decades. The music from my past and the music I love today seem to be coming out of me in such a blended way that I can't explain. I am not copying anyone, I am just releasing the music that's in my head on to my recordings the best I can."

     Qwiet Type will be releasing a new single every few weeks that will all be a part of his first solo artist album, so keep an eye/ear out!!

     “Little Ol’ Me” by Qwiet Type 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwiettype/

Website: https://www.qwiettype.com/

Bandcamp: https://qwiettype.bandcamp.com/releases