Behind the Band: The Lonely Wild

An indie band's new album explores themes about death--but manages to stay upbeat

From the LifeMinute Team

December 15, 2015

The Lonely Wild's second record touches on some difficult themes, but isn't afraid to make a statement.

The Los-Angeles-based band had "a lot of fun recording it in the studio," says lead singer Andrew Carroll, explaining that the group didn't use computers or anything artificial in production. Instead, "everything was recorded, analogued and put on tape.

It was definitely harder in some ways that way but I think it definitely pushed us to do new and different things," he continues.

The focus of the record has been the impetus of many comments on social media: death.

In response to the maelstrom, Carroll says "yes, it's been named our death album a little bit. It's heavily focused on death and existence but I think ultimately it's an uplifting record."

In keeping with the theme, the song "Running" takes a step back and looks at death and acceptance in broader strokes, according to the band, bringing questions such as 'What does it all mean?' to the forefront.

Says Carroll: "We don't necessarily have the answers, but that's ok."

Another song, "Snow...And There's Nothing On Television," serves as a metaphor. "It's about the afterlife, or the lack thereof," Carroll says.

"I've been told by older people that kids today aren't going to get it because there is no snow on television today.

Band member David Farina chimes in, "Remember when we were in Minneapolis and a kid totally misunderstood the lyrics?"

Carroll remembers. "A young man in the audience came up to me and said, 'I totally get it. It's like you're saying 'I'm stoned and there's nothing on the television, man.'"

"I didn't correct him," he grins.

Fan Appreciation

The band gives each performance their all. "It's gratifying that some superfan has traveled a distance or has been in a car for hours to see you so you always have to get out there and give it your best performance no matter what," says Carroll.

"We've been in the van for hours too," says Jessi Williams, so it's just time to let it out!"

To contact the band go to thelonelywild.com, and look for them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.