It’s not often when a Nashville-based band sounds British, but for a city that has certainly worn out its comparisons to Willie, Isbell, and Sturgill, Waker certainly lives up to their namesake. With vocals that channel a wide range of emotions that elevatory in the super dreamy realm of Coldplay and Doves, Waker might be the most un-orthodox band out of Music City in years. Add locked and loaded guitar leads filled in with keys and sax, and there are certainly many other influences in the soul and jazz spectrum to cling one’s ears to.
Waker recently announced their debut album titled Fresh Out, which is out this Friday (5/7) on Jullian Records. Produced by Lincoln Parish, former lead guitarist of Cage the Elephant, Fresh Out is the story of an American road band in the year 2020 and the trials and tribulations they’ve had to endure along the way.
Not to be confused with similar song titles by Eric Clapton and The Grateful Dead, Glide is premiering the live video for “Let It Grow,” (below) a punctuating original by Waker. A call to persevere and know that things will take care of themselves, in the end, is certainly a refreshing stifle to anxiety.
To be honest, “Let It Grow” was probably the most difficult song on this record to write. In the beginning, Chase [Bader] and I found it really challenging to put into words the emotions we were feeling at the time, in tandem with the optimistic nature of the music. We were frustrated, but the music was so…happy? In the end, it was truly a labor of love, and the song is a reflection on the role patience plays in our lives. The idea that if you are nurturing your passion with love and hard work, you will always be heading in the right direction,” says guitarist Conor Kelly.
This song in a lot of ways is very meta, because it really is about us as a band! There are so many challenges that we all face every day, and “learning how to let it grow” is no easy task. Remembering to take time after the work is done, being open to new experiences, and trusting in the process can be very healing,” addsKelly.
