Pulling inspiration from multiple genres and experimenting with sound in a way that is still distinctly Wilmah, Matt Connolly(vocal/guitar) and Will O’Connor (bass) are constantly pushing boundaries in their sound and vision to rewrite what an alt-pop band can be. Infusing the brutal honesty of their lyrics with fun as a means of uplifting listeners, Wilmah is currently collaborating with multi-hyphenate producer Sachi (Joy Again, Wallows) and use their unique approach to songwriting and production to find the meaning in everything and understand their relationship with the world.
Growing up in Buffalo, NY where they made music together in their bedrooms before cutting their teeth playing together, Wilmah relocated to New York City and quickly became music scene staples, playing stalwart venues such as The Mercury Lounge alongside artists like Spencer Ludwig, Maris and more. With the pandemic putting live shows on hold, Wilmah took advantage of the forced break and used it as an opportunity to write music and grow. Now, they’re ready to show the world what they have been working on: songs that embody Wilmah and are introspective, genre-bending, heavy in lyricism, but buoyant in sound.
What is “Television” about? What was it like shooting the music video?
Television is about romanticizing the past, specifically the times you’ve had with someone romantically, and longing for something that was never really there. It was really exciting for us to work with a full crew and bring our vision to life with the help of such talented people.
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
I use music as a way to document my life and feelings basically. To me, it gives everything I go through a purpose. If I’m going to get my heart broken, at least I can get a cool song out of it!
When did you start writing music?
I wrote my first song when I was 7 with my cousin Hannah. It was called, “Negative or Positive.”
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
I find a lot of inspiration from conversation. Things I say or funny observations I make throughout the day make it into my songs. I often feel like a comic writing the setup and the punchline.
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I would say follow your intuition and always trust yourself. I think being honest and genuine is most important when writing songs. Songs should represent who you are and what you’re going through in an interesting and intelligent way.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
Squid Game, obviously! I quite enjoyed it. I’m now in love with HoYeon Jung.
What makes you nostalgic?
A lot of songs bring me back to times from the past. That can make me pretty sad or nostalgic sometimes. I often long for my life before COVID happened. I think a lot has changed since then and it feels like a different lifetime ago. I think about that sometimes.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Someone very handsome and cool. Perhaps Timothee Chalamet.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Trust the path you’re taking. It’s going to be okay.
Wilmah’s new single Wait Until Tomorrow it’s a bubbly expansion of the band’s sound and the track speaks to pushing off negativity and disappointment to protect your own happiness
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