Song of the Day: Wild Ones - Dim The Lights

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. This week’s songs come during the 2015 Fall Fundraising Drive. Today’s song is “Dim The Lights” by Wild Ones, from the 2015 Heatwave EP on Topshelf Records.

Wild Ones - Dim The Lights (MP3)

Wild Ones - a collaboration between singer Danielle Sullivan, guitarist Nick Vicario, keys player Thomas Hines, bassist Max Stein, and drummer Seve Sheldon - infuse a collective DIY spirit and unique energy into their music-making process, and while each of the five band members admit it’s not always the quickest or most streamlined way to produce new material, they can’t imagine getting into their creative groove any other way. Based in Portland, Wild Ones learned many lessons on the bumpy road to creating and gaining recognition for their debut album, Keep it Safe, in 2014. Things like sticking with your gut, not overworking the material, and when necessary, throwing things away. Now, with the recently released Heatwave EP, light synths adorn the soothing dream-pop sound, while the lyrics offer relatable narratives to appeal to fans in a sincerely authentic way. The steady vibe is a bit edgier and more polished than the first album as Wild Ones set out to embody “young people passing through the threshold into early adulthood—confused and unready.” Mission accomplished. The lyrics for today's featured song, “Dim the Lights”, in particular offer Danielle Sullivan’s uniquely fresh, ambient vocals as she croons “Our youth is gone and so we revel in the new age / And I fall asleep always dreaming of the big stage.” We’re on the journey together, with the car windows down and the volume all the way up for this instantly likable indie-pop tune.

Speaking of traveling, Wild Ones are now on tour but currently don't have a Seattle date listed. Hopefully, they'll add one, as they will be heading towards the Pacific Northwest. Keep checking their website and Facebook page for updates. For now, enjoy the official video for “Dim the Lights” below: