{
  "id": 4699690,
  "title": "The Wilder Blue’s Zane Williams Talks Country Rock Band Revival & Collaborative New Project ‘Cinco’: ‘It’s More Fun Doing This Together’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/the-wilder-blues-zane-williams-talks-country-rock-band-revival",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T19:17:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/music/country/the-wilder-blue-zane-williams-cinco-album-1236329123/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Lead singer Zane Williams opens up about working with Tracy Byrd and with studio musicians for the first time.",
  "key_points": [
    "Zane Williams, Wilder Blue's lead vocalist, discusses country rock band revival.",
    "Collaborative album 'Cinco' released on August 28 with outside musicians.",
    "Nine-day recording session at The Sonic Ranch emphasizes fun and teamwork."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}