The Wilder Blue’s Zane Williams Talks Country Rock Band Revival & Collaborative New Project ‘Cinco’: ‘It’s More Fun Doing This Together’
Lead singer Zane Williams opens up about working with Tracy Byrd and with studio musicians for the first time.
The Wilder Blue, a Texas country rock band, has made a name for themselves by merging Texas country sounds with five-part harmonies. On their latest album, Cinco, released on August 28, the group expanded their sonic palette while staying true to their essence. Lead vocalist Zane Williams explained to Billboard that they invited outside musicians to collaborate on the album, including fiddle player Steve Auburn, steel guitarist Harrison Yount, and keyboardist Travis Bishop.
The nine-day recording session, held at The Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, emphasized the importance of fun and teamwork in creating the album. Williams also highlighted the influence of groups like the Eagles and referenced their collaboration with Luke Combs on "Seven Bridges Road." The album features a variety of songs, including the epic cowboy-themed "Sinners and Strays" co-written with songwriter Phoenix Mendoza, and a heartfelt closer, "Only the Years."
The Wilder Blue's success is part of a broader revival of country rock bands, as Williams believes that the genre's distinctive harmony-driven sound is making a comeback.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
