Artist Spotlight: The Wilder Blue’s Harmony, Heart, and Promising Road Ahead

the Texas five-piece is proving that independence and artistry can co-exist

Photo by: Mackenzie Ryan

Texas has long been fertile ground for musicians who blur genre lines and reimagine the sound of Americana. The Wilder Blue—a five-piece outfit made up of singer-songwriter Zane Williams, guitarist Paul Eason, multi-instrumentalist Andy Rogers, drummer Lyndon Hughes, and bassist Sean Rodriguez—has built a name for themselves doing just that. We first discovered them while compiling our signature Palomino County playlist: their song “Palomino Gold” is one of a handful of songs featuring our favorite word. Instantly, we were hooked. Their sharp storytelling, rich five-part harmonies, and seamless fusion of country, bluegrass, and rock, has positioned them as one of the most exciting independent acts in modern roots music.

In March 2025, The Wilder Blue released their fourth independent, fan-funded album, Still In The Runnin’, a project that cemented their reputation as both craftsmen and risk-takers. Self-produced alongside engineer Matt Pence (Paul Cauthen, Shakey Graves), the record captures the group’s evolving sound with tracks that balance raw honesty with infectious hooks. Standouts include “Learnin’ My Lesson” (which has already surpassed one million streams), the title track “Still In The Runnin’” (612K+ streams), and “Pass It On Down” (555K+ streams).

The response has been overwhelming. Praised by Country Central, Music Row, Saving Country Music, and Whiskey Riff, the album fueled a surge of momentum that grew their audience by more than 100,000 listeners, followers, and subscribers across platforms in just the first half of 2025. “We wanted to make music you could still listen to in 50 years,” Hughes said, pointing to The Eagles as a guiding influence. “Timelessness was always the goal.”

That sense of longevity also informs their approach to songwriting. Williams, the band’s principal lyricist, views each song as a chance to create characters with “complexity and nuance” rather than clichés. His stories lean on realism and adventure, sometimes ending with a twist but often carrying the warmth of hope. “It’s amazing what you can get done in a three-and-a-half-minute song,” he said. “The music helps paint the picture, set the mood, and convey the emotion.”

Beyond the studio, The Wilder Blue has proven themselves a formidable live act. Their 2025 Still In The Runnin’ Headline Tour has included milestone appearances at Stagecoach Festival and support slots with Flatland Cavalry and American Aquarium. Earlier this year, the band debuted at Red Rocks Amphitheatre while on tour with Flatland Cavalry, capturing their ability to translate meticulous vocal arrangements into soaring, crowd-stirring performances. They’ve also shared stages in past years with Luke Combs, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Brice, Midland, and Charles Wesley Godwin, steadily carving out their place on both festival lineups and headlining bills.

Much of their strength lies in the democratic way they craft their harmonies. “We knew harmonies were going to be a crucial part of our sound,” Hughes explained. “Five parts is a lot, so we just get creative and have a blast.” Williams, who has long been a producer and arranger, sees it as the heart of the band’s identity: five voices combining to create something bigger than themselves.

The Wilder Blue also sees their music as a reflection of American culture and identity. “I’m just trying to create something that moves me, sounds cool, and expresses what’s on my heart,” Williams said. “But because we grew up on uniquely American music, those sounds naturally show up. It becomes a reinterpretation of American culture, even if that’s not the plan.”

At the same time, place matters. For Eason, Texas itself is a character that seeps into their writing. “I love a song that paints a picture of a location at a moment in time and the people in it,” he said. “Texas has a strong sense of identity, and that comes out in my songs.”

Despite the momentum, the band keeps perspective on the challenges of a working musician’s life. Long drives, time away from family, and the grind of running a small business all come with the territory. But for The Wilder Blue, the payoff is found in the connection with fans and the freedom to stay true to their vision. “It takes years of making music until you just realize to play like yourself,” Hughes reflected. “If you love what you’re doing, you’ll find your fan base.”

Looking ahead, the band hopes their catalog will serve as both a time capsule and a timeless soundtrack. “Hopefully our music tells stories and evokes emotions that still resonate far into the future,” Williams said. “If nothing else, it can document this unique time in history—and how we liked to get down.”

With Still In The Runnin’ fueling their rise and a relentless touring schedule bringing them to new audiences, The Wilder Blue isn’t just in the running—they’re setting the pace.

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Learn about the band, tour dates, and more: TheWilderBlue.com. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @thewilderblue. Catch them this month at the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival, featuring over 16 award-winning pitmasters and two new fan experiences, taking place in Central Texas on September 12 and 13, 2025. The Wilder Blue will perform alongside headliners Parker McCollum, Cody Jinks, Robert Earl Keen and 20+ more country music acts. The festival will showcase Michelin-recognized chefs, a World Series BBQ champion, and more. Tickets on sale now at www.TanglefootTX.com.