If you realize Willi Carlisle, you realize he doesn’t simply write songs — he builds worlds. And together with his brand-new document Winged Victory, out now through Signature Sounds, he’s constructed his most fearless world but.
In Willi’s personal phrases, this album almost broke him — however what got here out the opposite aspect is a group of songs that refuses to pander, sugarcoat, or play good for the music {industry} machine.
The Album: No Compromises, All Coronary heart
Winged Victory is Willi’s first totally self-produced effort in an extended whereas. Each sound, each selection, each shout-from-the-heart second? That’s on him. And he’s not shying away from it. As he places it, “Every part you hear is my fault or my concept. Scary!” However don’t let that fear you — that is Willi at his most unfiltered, and it’s a pleasure to listen to.
The document jumps from a hard-hitting Union anthem straight into the hilariously titled “Huge Butt Billy” and past, providing what Willi guarantees is “much more enjoyable than Critterland.” With assist from his small however mighty staff (massive shoutout to Curtis Clogston, Whit Stone, Sam Seifert, Ellie Newman, and the parents at Signature Sounds), he’s delivered an album that’s as uncooked and actual because it will get — and one way or the other, it’s selecting up steam.
You’ll be able to take a look at evaluations of Winged Victory at Americana Highways and Slant Journal.
On the Highway Once more
If you wish to catch this magic dwell, you’re in luck. Willi is again within the van, crisscrossing the map. Tomorrow (June 28), he’s at Blue Ox in Wisconsin, after which he heads north for a run of Canadian people festivals all by means of July.
See Willi Carlisle’s Full Listing Of Tour Dates Right here.
Bonus: Tune In!
Willi’s story behind Winged Victory is getting nationwide consideration. He’ll be on NPR’s Weekend Version tomorrow chatting with Steve Inskeep — a full-circle second for a child who grew up listening to that very voice on the radio. Set your alarms, people.
Why This Issues to CMNB Readers
Right here at CMNB, we’ve lengthy been champions of artists who inform it like it’s, and Winged Victory is strictly that type of document. For those who’re bored with the over-polished, industry-polished sheen on an excessive amount of fashionable music, Willi’s newest is your treatment. It’s scrappy. It’s trustworthy. It’s nation, people, punk — and 100% Willi.
