LISTEN: Thirsty Curses’ “Memphis” Is Warm Americana Balladry With Soaring Harmonies

Thirsty Curses is an eclectic rock project based in Raleigh, centered around songwriter Wilson Getchell. Drawing from punk, alt-country, classic rock, and power pop, the project blends restless, genre-spanning arrangements with lyrics that explore cultural decay and the search for meaning in a fractured world.

While anchored by Getchell’s songwriting and vision, Thirsty Curses operates with a rotating cast of collaborators in the studio and a dedicated live band. This approach allows each release to take on its own character while maintaining a consistent voice at the core.

Over the past decade, Thirsty Curses has released five full-length albums—Music is a Scam (2025), To the Ends of the Earth (2022), Thirsty Curses (2019), All Shook Up (2018), and Holy Moly (2017)—along with several standalone singles and the vinyl compilation Through the Daze (2023).

Since the release of their 2025 LP, Getchell and Thirsty Curses have not let their foot off the gas. “Memphis,” the latest release from the project, marks their third single of 2026 and showcases the nuanced experimental fusion that sets this artist apart from their peers. “Memphis” is a longing-fueled lo-fi ballad with soaring backing harmonies that emphasize the instrumental’s infectious swing and the cathartic nature of the lyrics. “Memphis” catches Getchell in a vivid daydream, pondering the endless void of what-could-be that haunts over life’s biggest decisions, as he forces himself to sit in emotions most would scurry away from. The beauty of “Memphis” is in the emotional patience of it all. While unhappy with his current situation, Getchell understands the power in misfortune and how it is more of an indicator of an exciting change rather than a burden. The artist poetically details this meditative state across the warmth of “Memphis,” a heartfelt promise for something better.