We need not travel too far to take a ride on the Wilde side. A long-time east Auckland local, Jesse Wilde, is set to perform a homecoming gig of sorts.
“I’ve played all over east Auckland, from The Prospect to The Longview, but this is actually my first show at Uxbridge,” the veteran musician/producer confirms.
“[The songs] will be originals but we might throw in a cover here and there. It’s going to be all about storytelling – and we have a lot of great stories to tell.”
The show, titled Wilde and Wilda, will also feature yarns from a much younger (but no less Wilde child) Jesse’s daughter Faith.
“Faith has been living in America and going very well over there. She played in front of more than 25,000 people last year with [folk-pop musician] Noah Kahan. For someone who’s only 22, she’s come a long way already.”
A new single (which dropped in July) and new album (expected for release before Christmas) will play a key note when Jesse, Faith and their band perform.
“The single is called We Had a Choice. I wrote it after Chris Hipkins said everyone in New Zealand had a choice to get vaccinated. I thought that was a bit rich as I had friends who lost their jobs because they didn’t want to be,” Jesse explains.
“The album [Surrounded by Angels] will be my masterpiece – I’m very proud of it. I’ve written a lot of new songs and it might even end up being a double album including some songs from my past as well.”
Those yet to experience Jesse’s music may be thrown by his look – he appears a little bit country but he’s a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll.
However, asserting that one of his greatest influences, Steve Earle, was ‘too rock for country and too country for rock’, Jesse says the lines can become blurred, adding to the depth of performances.
“I’d never call my music ‘country’, although people have referred to it as ‘Americana’, but I’d say it’s definitely rock ‘n’ roll. On the other hand, Faith loves country, which will bring something extra to this next show.”
Some of the stories taking centre stage will cover Jesse’s rock ‘n’ roll pilgrimage to the USA. During this time he met, and even performed with, some of his idols including Bob Seger, John Mellencamp as well as Steve Earle.
Now based in the city – where Jesse established Wilde Records, transforming a former textiles factory into a recording studio – this former Bucklands Beach local has no intention to turn down the volume anytime soon.
“Am I too old to rock? Absolutely not!” he laughs. “I’m playing more gigs than ever and have no plans to stop. Keith Richards is 80 now, so yeah, I think I have at least a few years left in me yet!”
Jesse and Faith Wilde will join Mema Wilda, along with other musicians, at Uxbridge on August 25. Click here for more information.
