“Marietta” is the latest single from 2016 NewSong Music Competition Grand Prize Winner, Wilder Adkins.
Wilder Adkins, Alabama-based musician and 2016 Grand Prize Winner of the NewSong Music Competition, released a new single Friday, August 17. The song is called “Marietta,” and we asked Adkins to share his thoughts on the song’s meaning, his process and what is coming up next for this talented and prolific songwriter.
NewSong: Could you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind the song?
Adkins: “Marietta” is about someone who has to end a relationship because they know their partner isn’t happy and probably never will be — because they’re always chasing that next big thrill. The singer is “taking a fall,” knowing that he will be blamed, and that’s why he sings “I’m going down.”
Was there any particular impetus for writing it?
I was working on some Springsteen covers for a tribute show that I played over in Atlanta, and this was the next song that I wrote. So I think it was influenced a bit by that process and listening to some Heartland rock songs, but it has my own melancholy spin on things.
WIlder Adkins and producer Gar Ragland are currently working on a two volume recording project that was recently recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Recording Studio.
In what ways has your songwriting process or point of view changed over time?
I think in some ways I have gotten faster at songwriting. I still take a while to finish most songs, but mainly because I don’t have a lot of free time to work on them. This song came pretty quickly, and I think part of that is because I’ve learned to stop trying to edit myself before putting the words down, as opposed to moving on and editing afterwards.
What musical collaborations are featured on the recording?
My good friend Molly Parden sang harmonies with me. She is a great songwriter in her own right, but also performs frequently with notables such as Peter Bradley Adams, Matthew Perryman Jones, and David Ramirez. A Birmingham native, Jamison Harper, played the Baritone sax. Jamison is a visual artist, as well, so he is a very multi-talented guy.
What’s next for you in your music career?
After this song releases, I am putting out a cover of Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” next month. I’m also looking forward to finishing up a recording project at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville this fall.
Listen to “Marietta” on Spotify.
Listen to “Marietta” on iTunes.
Stay up-to-date with Wilder Adkins at his website.
