When Peoria, Illinois natives Austin Thompson and Collin Krause joined forces with John Williams on bass and vocals, John Merikoski on drums and percussion, and Travis Kowalsky on banjo in 2013, they lit the fuse for a musical dynamic that would ignite fast. The quintet called themselves The Way Down Wanderers, which was a fitting name considering they hit the road right away, traveling in an RV so they could stop to play acoustic sets. Before long their homegrown style of folky-bluegrass was grabbing the ears of fans across the Midwest and beyond with soulful, infectious harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and instrumental prowess capable of turning any performance into a boot-kicking jamboree.
On July 15th The Way Down Wanderers will release their new full-length, self-titled album. The album was recorded at Sonic Ranch in Texas and produced by The Avett Brothers’ drummer Mike Marsh. It also features appearances by Michael Duchette (accordion on “Silver Days”) and Old Crow Medicine Show’s Critter Fuqua. The collection contains 12 vibrant songs ranging from ballads to driving bluegrass reels and folk rock stories of the road. All told, we are presented with a gang of musicians who are excited about what is coming down the road while also savoring the moment with a rollicking blend of fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and drum.
Glide Magazine is excited to present an exclusive premiere of The Way Down Wanderers’ tune “Sweet Morning Vision”. The catchy, fiddle-charged tune encapsulates everything that is special about this band, as well as the unmistakable chemistry of its members.
Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Collin Krause gives his own insight to the song: “‘Sweet Morning Vision’ is one of the first songs written for our record and the first song we recorded in the studio. For me this song is about being honest with yourself. In relationships we tend to see things from only our own perspective. I wrote this song without considering the other person’s thoughts on the matter. So over the years this song has taken on several meanings and constantly reminds me to consider situations from both parties perspectives. I hope others can relate to this song through whatever complicated situations or breakups they might be going through.”
The Way Down Wanderers released their new album on July 15th. For more music and info visit thewaydownwanderers.com. Tour dates:
May 13, 2016 | Music and Monarchs Festival | Elkader, IA
May 14, 2016 | Music and Monarchs Festival | Elkader, IA
May 20, 2016 | Fiddle & Bow Folk Music Society | Winston-Salem, NC
May 21, 2016 | The Evening Muse | Charlotte, NC
May 22, 2016 | Artsplosure | Raleigh, NC
May 27, 2016 | Summer Camp Music Festival | Chillicothe, IL
May 29, 2016 | Buses by the Beach | West Olive, MI
June 3, 2016 | Silver Star Cafe | Park City, UT
June 4, 2016 | Mendon Mountain Music Festival | Mendon, UT
June 8, 2016 | Sam Bond’s Garage | Eugene, OR
June 9, 2016 | Brewminatti | Prosser, WA
June 10, 2016 | The Green Frog | Bellingham, WA
June 11, 2016 | Morso | Gig Harbor, WA
June 12, 2016 | Columbia City Theater | Seattle, WA
June 17, 2016 | DG’s Tap House | Ames, IA
June 18, 2016 | Fiesta del Sol in Central Park | Hannibal, MO
June 19, 2016 | The Stage at KDHX | St Louis, MO
June 23, 2016 | CEFCU Center Stage @ The Landing | Peoria, IL
June 24, 2016 | Moccasin Creek Festival | Effingham, IL
July 7, 2016 | Short’s Brewing Co. | Bellaire, MI
July 8, 2016 | Blissfest | Harbor Springs, MI
July 9, 2016 | Blissfest | Harbor Springs, MI
July 10, 2016 | Manitou Music Festival | Glen Arbor, MI
July 14, 2016 | US National Whitewater Center | Charlotte, NC
July 15, 2016 | Little Yough Music Festival | Oakland, MD
July 16, 2016 | Private Event | Columbia, VA
July 17, 2016 | The Charter House | Midlothian, VA
July 22, 2016 | Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar | Nashua, NH
July 28, 2016 | The Dock | Ithaca, NY
July 29, 2016 | The Grove | Saratoga Springs, NY
July 31, 2016 | Sportsmen’s Tavern | Buffalo, NY
August 3, 2016 | Gen Con | Indianapolis, IN
August 4, 2016 | Woodlands Tavern | Columbus, OH
August 5, 2016 | The Ludlow Garage | Cincinnati, OH
August 6, 2016 | Poor Farm Fest | Williamsburg, WV
August 11, 2016 | Redstone Room @ River Music Experience | Davenport, IA
August 12, 2016 | The Longbranch | Clifton, IL
August 19, 2016 | Hoxeyville Music Festival | Wellston, MI
August 20, 2016 | Rock the Farm | Morton, IL
August 26, 2016 | Porcupine Mountains Music Festival | Ontonagon, MI
August 27, 2016 | Porcupine Mountains Music Festival | Ontonagon, MI
Cover photo: Keith E Cotton
One Response
Great article. Thanks!