By Daniel Warren Hill
Making her studio recording debut, Washington D.C. educator and saxophonist Allie Wilding has just released her first EP, The Love-Chord. Admittedly, we were expecting something a little different, but were pleasantly surprised by the lo-fi influences exhibited on the various tracks resulting in more of a soundtrack rather than traditional pop song structures.
In contrast to what you might expect from a jazz influenced saxophonist, The Love-Chord seems to resonate more with experimental artists like Massive Attack. The saxophone occasionally takes on the duties that a vocalist would traditionally provide, while at other times you can hear how it influences a track without being the dominant instrument.
Wilding has developed her unique voice as a jazz, soul, and electronic producer over the years, having performed with a variety of bands in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas and collaborating with a number of musicians in a multitude of genres. The Love-Chord is “a love letter to a place and time, and where I fell in love with music,” she says, reflecting on growing up in and exploring “the landscapes on the fringes of the San Francisco Bay Area.”
The Love-Chord is a beautiful homage to the sounds of home. Wilding notes, “It’s about a connection to the past and coming full-circle back to myself.” Coming back full circle is recommended, since you’ll easily be able to put the EP on repeat for personal reflection, for chill music to study to, or for a breezy summer drive.
Since its release on February 11, The Love-Chord’s leading single, “Castles Burning,” has already received thousands of listens, but you’ll want to explore and experience the full offering for yourself. We assure you that one song is not enough to gain the necessary appreciation for the talent demonstrated in Wilding’s debut.
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Daniel Warren Hill is an American musician, writer, and motivational speaker. He is best known as the frontman for Washington DC area Alternative Rock band YellowTieGuy, as co-founder of Capitol Groove Collective, and increasing the exposure of artists on a global scale through his work with Alchemical Records.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
