2009 artist to watch: Wild Light

Pop & Hiss offers a look at some of the artists we expect to make noise in 2009.

Artist: Wild Light

Why them: There’s one major downside to Wild Light's debut single, the classic-rock sing-along "California on My Mind." With its joyously gratuitous use of obscenities, any opportunities to hear the song outside of the anything-goes-world of the Internet will be severely limited. But who needs radio play? Wild Light has already performed at the Hollywood Bowl with cult faves LCD Soundsystem and has a 29-city winter tour lined-up with indie rockers Tapes ‘N Tapes (at the El Rey on Jan. 24). And while "California on My Mind" isn’t totally kind to our friends in the Bay Area, it's a pop anthem that's hard to resist. It celebrates a kind of random frustration anyone can relate to, and it's embellished with a wayward harmonica, a galloping piano and some scrappy vocals. But one note: Those attached to San Francisco may be better off skipping the tune, and instead sampling the warm harmonies, jangly guitars and spacey accents of "Surf Generation."

What’s next: The East Coast band will release its Rob Schnapf-produced debut album, "Adult Nights," on March 3 via Columbia Records-affiliated StarTime International/Almost Gold Records.

--Todd Martens

Photo credit: Michael Schmelin

Comments

[the incredible hick]

what a cute song................
PASS

[the incredible hick]

what a cute song................
PASS

[mannequin jack]

not even worth a listen.

[Andrew]

Got to interview these guys and they were a blast. I think they definitely have the skill and sauve to take it to the next level. Here's that interview:

http://rockiowa.tv/2009/03/02/wildlight-interview/