How a solo project from Asheville became a Southern rock powerhouse
In short: What began in 2017 as Karly Hartzman’s solo musical outlet has evolved into one of indie rock's most acclaimed ensembles. Blending shoegaze, noise rock, and alternative country, Wednesday crafts gritty, semi-autobiographical stories about life in the American South, navigating both musical shifts and personal upheavates.
The band's origins trace back to 2017 in Asheville, North Carolina, when Karly Hartzman, inspired by a Mitski NPR Tiny Desk performance, launched a solo project. Alongside multi-instrumentalist Daniel Gorham, she recorded the debut album, *yep definitely*, in 2018. The group's name itself pays homage to the British band The Sundays, a group whose vocal style Hartzman sought to merge with the heavier textures of shoegaze bands like Swirlies.
As the lineup expanded, so did the band's complexity. While early iterations featured Gorham, the group eventually grew into a five-piece. A pivotal moment arrived in 2021 with the release of *Twin Plagues*, the first album to feature MJ Lenderman as a full contributing member. The band's discography has since been marked by significant transitions, including a move to the Dead Oceans label in late 2022 and the departure of bassist Margo Schultz, who notably painted the cover for the critically acclaimed 2023 album *Rat Saw God*.
The band's internal dynamics have mirrored their turbulent lyrical themes of trauma and anxiety. In 2024, it was revealed that Hartzman and Lenderman had ended their six-year relationship. Despite Lenderman taking a hiatus from touring in early 2025, he remains a vital creative force in the studio. As the band prepares for new eras, including the release of *Bleeds* in September 2025 and the addition of guitarist Jake "Spyder" Pugh, Wednesday continues to refine its signature blend of Southern storytelling and sonic experimentation.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Wednesday (American band)
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