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| Source: @thewildhood on Twitter / © Courtney Michaud [@poisonthewells on IG] |
The general assumption about smaller pop-punk bands is that they are simply plodding along, playing shows they can land and churning out almost identical tracks in order to make a name for themselves. The Wildhood, however, are an exception to the over-saturated rule, kicking into the scene with an unmatched avidity.
I had a chat with Andrew (Davis, lead guitar) regarding the band's perspective on their future plans and ambitions, and was pleasantly captured by his unconstrained response, 'We approach every day and every show like there is no venue too big for us. We believe in our music, and it'll take us as far as we let it take us. We don't want to put goals on where we want to be because they can just hold us down if we start exceeding them.' It is evident that The Wildhood don't wish to be boxed in by constructed goals that revolve around artificial rewards, and would rather set their sights on developing and evolving creatively as a group. They have an unapologetic faith in themselves, which is nothing but admirable.
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| Source: 'Comeback' Official Music Video by The Wildhood |
The alternative scene nowadays is plagued by cookie-cutter bands that succumb to twisted motives and regurgitate the same four chords with no obvious love for their craft. There is no doubt that there is corruption in the community. The Wildhood, however, are divergent in this sense, allowing their music to consume them with pride. When asked about how his band differs from the typical pop-punk standard, Andrew replies, 'I think part is the way that we are starting to write music. It's a little different than straight up pop-punk, but I don't know how to describe it. I've tried and nothing really does it justice. I think another part is our outlook on being in a band. While we always put in the hard work, we don't approach it like a job or a task.'
Since the release of their independent EP, 'No Control' in May, The Wildhood are punching sizeable holes in the festival season. 'When people think of us for opportunities - the Blackout Fest lineup was announced with Seaway headlining (we're all massive fans), and when the promoter seeks us out to ask us to play, that's fricken special. It gives a lot of worth to our actions.'
You can catch them playing:
AUG 24 @ REVOLUTION FESTIVAL - TORONTO, ONTARIO
OCT 18 @ BLACKOUT FESTIVAL - BRANTFORD, ONTARIO
Their accomplishments so far are commendable, and when questioned about the band's achievements that bring him joy, Andrew beams, 'I mean, I grew up in Oshawa originally, so the band Letdown were sort of local legends. We're good friends with them now which is so cool. I see the guys from rarity a lot, and as silly as it sounds, it's so cool that the dudes in that band know me by name. Like absolutely unreal.' On a professional level also, The Wildhood's feats are heartwarming, 'We're so lucky to have gotten the opportunities we have, and continue to get. In the past six months I've shared the stage with more of my idols than I thought I would even be able to afford to see if I wasn't playing.'
There is no question as to whether The Wildhood's charming charisma and unsubdued ambition are characteristics that should earn them your support, but coupled with their sharp guitars and gritted vocals, it's hard to understand why they don't already have the prime position on your summer playlist. This band is an exemplary concoction of 'fun, genuine and driven' guys with thriving motivation and smouldering fires in their stomachs. Their tireless work will demolish any obstacles and I have no doubt that they will soon become household names (amongst the angsty youth, anyway).
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| Source: @thewildhood on Twitter |
