In this interview spotlight, I chat with Wilder Daze about the latest release, motivations, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I grew up mostly in northern Virginia, but I’ve lived in New York City since 2010. I’ve been writing and recording music consistently ever since. I’d describe my music most simply as moody pop. The mood isn’t always the same. I feel like my music is meant to show the many different shades of life. It’s always meant to be thought-provoking. Always emotional. Each song is a little piece of my soul.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Singing was my first love. I’m Brazilian on my mother’s side, and everyone in our family loves music so much and a lot of my relatives are artists. It’s in my blood. As I got older, songwriting became something that I had to do as my therapy. I didn’t commit to anything as a career until I was 17 and decided I was going to move to New York City and become a pop star. If I’m ever doubting myself and need to feel inspired, I just think back to how I felt back then, when 

I first moved to New York. There was nothing anybody could tell me. 

How do your new singles differ from those on Golden Hour? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

I definitely went into this album wanting to make songs that were a snapshot of this time. Not in my life specifically, but of my generation’s. The production is also more minimalist and realized. Much less electronic. I stripped things back a bit. I wanted there to be more nostalgia in the sound than in the lyrics. My new album True Nature came from a more self-assured place.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

I think a challenge is finding the balance between taking cues from other artists of what’s working well without comparing yourself to others, because everyone is out here. I’ll never take technology for granted though. It’s allowed me to connect with people anywhere, with no limitations, even as an indie artist.

What was the last song you listened to?

High and Dry – Radiohead

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s? 

I love it all! I have a growing collection of vinyl, but I was born into the CD era so they’ll always have a special place in my heart. I got my debut album made into CDs because I wanted it to make me feel the way the first albums I ever listened to did.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I’ll admit I use Apple Music more, but I absolutely love what Spotify has been doing for artists lately. 

I’m a big fan of them right now. They respect and appreciate indie artists. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Best place is my Instagram (@wilder_daze)