Wildberry

I came across Wildberry’s music on a quiet evening, when a recommendation for her song “Polaroid” with Jimmy Brown appeared in my shuffle. From the very first note, her voice drew me in with the various genres of sound and ambience she created. I was instantly captivated;  her music had a way of making you pause, reflect, and most importantly, feel.

Musician and multi-instrumentalist Wildberry set out to make her latest album AGAPE feel deeply personal. This album features songs like “Castaway” and “Witness” that tell her story like a sonic diary. “Castaway” particularly resonated with me for its hauntingly beautiful explorations of feeling lost within waves, where the shores seem so far away.

Raised with a foundation in classical piano, Wildberry credits her time studying in New York as the catalyst that deepened her passion for blending styles such as electronic folk, alternative rock, and ambient pop. Her unique sound is influenced by diverse artists like Kehlani, Yuna, and Clairo, yet it remains distinctly her own, rooted in her personal narrative.

AGAPE explores new emotional ground while retaining familiar sounds, an approach that especially resonates with those who straddle multiple cultural identities. Her music reflects the complexities of living in different worlds, as she explains, “I want to make music that expresses the feelings of being connected to everything around me—nature, the universe, my own heritage—yet still feeling like an outsider at times.” For those people who are stuck in between balancing culture with modern expectations and aspirations, Wildberry’s fusion speaks into that sense of belonging, creating a safe, recognizable space.  

In an interview with Timid, she delves into the making of the album and her desire to heal others through her own energy. Through her music, Wildberry continues to push boundaries, using her music as both a vehicle for her own introspection and a bridge to her fans.

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Timid Magazine: Let's dive right in. After listening to your latest album and following your work from before, what inspired you to fuse these genres, and how has your sound evolved over time?

Wildberry: At the time, I was really into cinematic music, but eventually, I wanted to compose music that felt more personal. That led me to explore my own voice, and I found inspiration in artists like Kehlani, Yuna, and Jhené Aiko.

TM: Do you recall the moment when you decided to pursue music as a career?

W: It was when I started writing my own songs. I felt comfortable expressing myself through music, and it expanded my sense of self. I realized this was what I wanted to do—I felt truly happy in the process of creating music.

TM: That's wonderful. What was the inspiration behind your first song?

W: My first popular song was "Polaroid." It had this lo-fi, chill vibe that people connected with. That song gave me the confidence to continue, and from there, I began exploring different genres and sounds.

TM: You mentioned earlier that alternative and indie pop influences played a big role in your latest album. Can you tell us more about that?

W: Yes, I’ve been influenced by artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Clairo. They really inspired my latest album, especially with their emotional and atmospheric soundscapes.

TM: Let’s talk about your songwriting process. Do you start with a concept or melody, or do you let the music guide you?

W: Usually, I start by making a beat and sketching out a chord progression. From there, I loop it and start singing melodies. The concept and lyrics come later as the music guides me.

TM: Your new album showcases a much more diverse sound. Can you share what inspired the musical direction?

W: We shared a lot of references and aimed for a blend of hip-hop, electronic pop, and synth-pop. We were inspired by artists like 070 Shake and Elaine, who mix ambient sounds with pop.

TM: You produced the album in two months, which is impressive! Is your creative process usually that fast?

W: No, not usually. This time was special. Everything came together smoothly, and the tracks were mostly done in about three months.

TM: Do you have a favorite track from the album?

W: I think "Castaway" and the last track “0” are my favorites. I put a lot of energy into those songs, and they naturally came together in a way that I really love.

TM: There are moments in your lyrics where it feels like you're having a dialogue with the universe. How does that reflect your daily life?

W: I think about energy and how it flows through everything—nature, people, the universe. I often feel connected to it all. When I’m outside, looking at trees or the sky, I feel a responsibility to protect and respect the world around me. It’s a constant connection in my life, and I hope to reflect that through my music.

TM: If your album were the soundtrack to a film, what would the main plot be, and which song would play during the climax?

W: I think the climax would be set to "Witness." It has dramatic development and strong beats, and it represents peak emotional energy for me.

TM: Were there any challenges or rewarding moments during the making of the album?

W: Recording the last track was tough. I was sick and almost lost my voice, but I had to push through. It was challenging, but I’m proud of how it turned out.

TM: Your fans must really feel your energy. How do you hope to connect with them through your music, and do you connect with them in other ways?

W: I believe my music carries a healing energy, and that’s the message I want to share. I also put a lot into my visuals, like the "Castaway" music video. I hope people feel that connection through both the music and the visual elements.

TM: Are there any themes from this album that you want to expand on in future projects?

W: This was my first full album, and while I’m proud of it, I know there’s more I want to explore. I’d love to work with more live instruments and collaborate with other artists. I’m also considering a meditation album in the future.

TM: Can you share any upcoming projects or events with us?

W: Yes, I’m planning an exhibition that combines my music with meditation. I play the singing bowl, and I’d love to incorporate that into live performances. I’m really inspired by Jhené Aiko and how she uses the singing bowl in her shows.

TM: That’s amazing! I’m sure your fans will love it. Thank you so much for your time today.

W: Thank you!

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Disclaimer: This interview was edited for length and clarity.

AGAPE was released on October 4, 2024.