Wilding, the musical brainchild of Naarm/Melbourne artist Justin Wilding Stokes, has recently unleashed his latest sonic creation, 'Whatever I Am'. This album, released via Half A Cow Records, is a whimsical exploration of self-identity and existential musings wrapped in a vibrant tapestry of sound.
Wilding reflects on the album's thematic core, stating, “At its core, Whatever I Am is an album about generational identity. I seem to be asking… is this me? Was this me? Will this be me?” Through his playful lyrical prowess, Wilding navigates a spectrum of themes, from the desire to transcend the mundane to deep introspection.
The album's sonic landscape traverses genres, blending elements of Britpop, post-punk, funk, and neo-disco, resulting in a kaleidoscopic journey of sonic experimentation. Wilding's writing delves into the brightest and darkest corners of the human experience with unapologetic candour, employing characters as vessels for self-exploration. As Wilding explains, “The lyrics are the most important song element for me. I try to use characters, and sometimes obnoxious ones, to explore how I feel about myself and my place in the world."
Recorded at Fishbones Tone Shack studio in Northcote by Fabian Hunter and Wilding Stokes, and mixed by ARIA Award-winning producer Wayne Connolly, 'Whatever I Am' boasts a rich sonic tapestry. Each track invites listeners to contemplate their own identity amidst a backdrop of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics.
Wilding's live performance, set to take place at Melbourne's iconic Old Bar in Fitzroy, promises to be an electrifying experience. Joined by talented friends Redspencer and newcomers Follies, Wilding and his band will bring the album's euphoric energy to life on stage.
In a world where the quest for self-understanding is perpetual, 'Whatever I Am' serves as a poignant reminder of the universality of human experience. Through its eclectic sound and candid lyricism, Wilding invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where the lines between the individual and the collective blur in a symphony of introspection and euphony.
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