The Wilders
Upcoming shows:
Genres: Bluegrass / Roots, Country / Rockabilly
Sound description: Hillbilly Riot
RIYL: Johnny Cash, The Clash, Avett Brothers, Louvin Brothers, Freight Hoppers, Roan Mountain Hilltoppers, Split Lip Rayfield, Hank Williams Sr., Jr., III
Web site: http://www.wilderscountry.com
E-mail: mail@wilderscountry.com
History:
"There's a good maxim in art," says Ike Sheldon, lead singer and guitarist Kansas City's hillbilly band, The Wilders. "You shouldn't really break the rules until you know the rules. Look at Picasso; the dude was absolutely amazing. He could draw anything perfectly, very detailed and realistic. That's how he could move on to other things. We said 'If we are gonna play country music, let's learn what makes it tick.' And now that we know, we are reaping the benefits; we can throw the rules out the window. If you want straight Hank Williams, we can do it right. But don't give me any shit for being just like a rock and roller and totally twisting it around."
The band's all-new April 15, 2008 release, Someone's Got to Pay, is an Americana album progressing around a real life murder trial (or as the lyrics say, "An old murder ballad come to life") and fleshed out with more original recordings conjuring up small town crazies and wrecked lives. But don't let the dark subject matter fool you. The Wilders just got wilder and the music is more engaging then ever.
"We're doing whatever we want and that's what's really exciting for us," adds Ike. "This ain't sitting on the front porch rocking chair music. We play hillbilly music and we play the shit out of it."
Musicians:
- Phil Wade: Banjo, Dobro, Mandolin, Vocals
- Betse Ellis: Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals
- Ike Sheldon: Guitar, Vocals
- Nate Gawron: Bass (upright)
Formed:
1996 in Kansas City, MO
Discography:
| Name | Year | Label | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cornbread, Molasses and Sassafras Tea | 1998 | Rural Grit |
 | The Wilders | 1999 | Rural Grit |
 | Live at Vandivort Theater | 2001 | Rural Grit |
 | Lissenup! | 2001 | Rural Grit |
 | On the Wings of a Dove | 2007 | Free Dirt |
Fourth of July / The Danny Pound Band / Drakkar Sauna / Black Christmas / Ebony & Ivory / Brodioke :: A measly $2 gets you into two venues all night to see this walloping mega-bill of top-shelf local rock, hip-hop, metal, alt-country, and DJ acts ... More info
- Russ Rob and Friends Graduation Celebration
- Art Tougeau Parade
- Approach / The Hearers / The Appleseed Cast
- Grant Fitch
