I’m almost ten days late on Aaron Wylder’s latest single “Folk Star” and that’s my own fault because I wrote that this banger of a tune was going to be released on the 26th and not on the 16th. Colour me embarrassed when I realised I was so, so wrong.
Following his 2023 EP releases The King of My Own Heart (June) and Adventure Songs (January), “Folk Star” sees the Canadian artist sinking into the feel good grooves and mood of music that reminds me of artists like The Beatles, T-Rex, and The Eagles.
That feel good groove and mood are the keys in what makes “Folk Star” shine bright like a star. The wonderful sense of ease and delivery of Aaron’s vocals plus the lyrics offer a sense of a dream being bigger than the person, yet a dream that is so attainable and within reach that success is going to happen nonetheless.
While Aaron may be considered a folk artist, the reality of the situation is that he’s just a great artist and “Folk Star” showcases his lyrical, musical, and vocal talent through its effervescent bouncy beat. The genuineness of the lyrics shine a light on his inner thoughts, but they also connect with the listener and allow one to see inside.
On the song, Aaron says,
“I wrote this song back in late August. If I remember correctly, it started out with me thinking about the process of trying to write a really good song, and trying to put myself in the shoes of the greats as best as I could. As I continued, it turned into an ode to the life of a folk star.”
He further adds,
“The song did start out very folk and acoustic driven. However, like all my songs, once I’m in the studio everything and anything is possible. Connor [Head], my producer, came up with that killer fuzz guitar part you hear beating throughout the song. It really added a cool rock n’ roll element which I think helped transform it into that power pop-rock vibe.”
“Folk Star” is sticky and infectious. It lands in one’s ear and dances about and doesn’t let go.
