WOLF WITHIN
/ mystic folk
BUFFALO
HIGHLIGHT: “Heartbeat” / SINGLE, ALBUM “ELEMENTS”
Music Voyager: Maddox Sargent
When you are looking for music to calm your heart, where do you go? Some would still say metal regardless, haha. BUT, for some of us out there- we like to turn to something soulful, sensitive and emotional- providing a soundscape like no other. Some listen to the sound of rain or even waves crashing gently across a shore of small rock. Is it birds chirping lightly, or is it piano keys being tapped with every note lifting you to euphoria?
Humans are fascinating in what we absorb from the world, but also what we give to it. Personally, as a person with anxiety, depression and so many other personal challenges, I seek calming music almost daily because is an act of self-love to present yourself into the presence of music for comfort and reassurance. When we share music like this with ourselves, the experience of listening escalates from a hobby to medicinal. There is a special kind of magic in music created in serenity because it provides a place of vulnerability and reflection, deep within the realm of what is being heard. We can be at peace, because someone kindly offered it to us by creating such beauty. How could we not listen? The relationship between musician and listener is deeper than we may think. Some forget to channel that energy into your routine, so this is your reminder.
Today, I invite you to follow me into the musical journey of a very special musician and performer. I have been following the solo act, WOLF WITHIN (Amanda Bridges) for the past year, and have been just blown away- witnessing their evolution in musicianship, writing, networking and through live performance. I remember the first time I came across a video posted by Bridges on instagram. It was a heartfelt message to anyone listening. Words about love, life and freeing yourself of the boundaries of anyone around you or anything for that matter. Immediately inspired, I knew this was a person that had something important to share with the world.
Since the age of twelve, Bridges has been writing original compositions. She graduated from Fredonia in music and since has used her talents to craft workshops that aim to create a safe space for others to heal through the power of togetherness and sound. Spreading the idea of empowerment and nurturing the core within, is threaded inside the purpose of her art. It is wildly inspiring to see somebody connect with others in that way.
Watching live videos of their live performance is captivating. Their musical style is a mix of electronic, folk and blues. When checking out her live footage, you will notice a cathartic connection with the audience. Knowing and already having felt the impact of their art, I knew their latest work would be remarkable, and I was absolutely right.
Released on June 7, 2023, “ELEMENTS”, the five song EP was a twenty six minute project that I honestly have had on repeat since the release. The songs are inspiring from the roots in every instrument played, to every word that effortlessly blends into the melodies. I haven’t come across a songwriter quite like this before. Every single piece of this music leads the listener down a road of aspiration and thought. The EP starts off with “FLUIDITY”, a loving entrance with a soft heartbeat hovering beneath gorgeous, interesting instrumentation. The piano was delicate, but also hosted strength inside fragility. Every piece came together as a warm feeling, pulling you with gravity into awareness. How did I feel after that track? It brought me to a place of rest, but there was a haunting atmosphere lingering just the same. As sound melts into the next track, “FREE THE EARTH”, you are greeted with exceptional guitar melody and sweet vocals that serenaded me into actually closing my eyes and sitting incredibly still. Bridge’s talent is an awakening.
As you float through to track three, “DANCING ON SUNBEAMS”, it played out to be the perfect title for this vibe. This track was an orchestration of something so unique and ethereal. It is the type of song that plays as you are dying while memories of life are playing slowly through your head like slides in a projector- as you fade away. Moments of time with your family, friends and children. I felt the sunbeams while listening. All I could do was feel a deep gratitude for the life around me. The piano led, as I walked through some moments of the past and reminisced every minute the track played.
This album is so important for so many reasons, but one that sticks out- stands inside the journey of healing. “FORGIVE”, track four, brings us back to the heartbeat, and then these lyrics unfold. “Heartbeat, heartbeat, can you feel me? Can you hear me calling? Everything is changing, rearranging, so fast, it's hard hard to keep up with this past- that's healing, releasing, unfolding, so I'm breathing it through”. To me, this was a mantra. After hearing this, I actually wrote these lyrics down on a piece of paper, to use as a daily reminder to read- because it spoke to me. These words are a beacon of light that feels like they were written from a place of sadness, but then those same words are forged like hot, blown glass into an amplitude of strength. I needed to hear these words and felt the surrounding of healing within. I personally feel that anyone in the world could put the headphones on and relate to every feeling and word given to you from listening.
I truly wished there were at least forty more songs to hear after the last one because seriously, this album is mind blowing. The released single, “Heartbeat” sits at track number five, and I was super impressed by this monster of an arrangement. The vocals reminded me of a film score, shaking the speakers as the powerful movie moment plays in alignment. Another breath-taking vocal performance that will bring shivers to your skin. You are swept into a spoken word piece that flows into the heart of the song, gently placing you into a musical journey of the realization that our self-power is rooted within us, and that we are the bright light of our own hope and strength. If you are looking for music that is meditative with a quality of emotional verity and wisdom, look no further.
Mark your calendars for July 19-21st! WOLF WITHIN and Apple Cove Farm in Gainesville, NY have collaborated and built a wellness retreat with live music! “Ripple Effect Wellness Retreat” will be a kid-friendly, substance-free event hosting workshops and local talent. Bridges is currently looking for venues and anyone else that would love to be part of this event, so reach out if interested!
Stay tuned for new music from WOLF WITHIN this year!
PASSENGERS:
Amanda Bridges- multi-instrumentalist; piano, guitar, voice
Vibe: You awaken, slowly into a realm of soft, warm mist surrounding. Standing up, you hear soft music playing in the distance. It lures you into the center of the woods where a group of humans are swaying next to a loving fire, burning gently. These sounds have created a soundscape to your experience, allowing you to break free of anything negative or heavy. Let your soul sink in and feast on every phrase of the moment.
Upcoming:
~1/26 Transcendental Music Meditation in collaboration with Kay @ Green Apotheca Full Moon Circle
~2/13 “Hail Thyself Valentine” live performance at The Ren Haus
~2/19 S.U.N.Y. at Fredonia - motivational speaking, live performance and songwriting event for Music Therapy Students (Offering name: Creating Conscious Compassion)
Performance Photo by KaitLens Photography
linktr.ee/andashamusic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLrtWK-lro
