THE YOUNG RHYTHM AND BLUES ARTIST CAPTIVATES AUDIENCES WITH HER SOULFUL STYLE
By Mark Greenlaw Holiday 24
If you haven't heard of Glori Wilder, it's time to take note. With her rich, soulful sound and a growing catalog of original, captivating music, Wilder is quickly becoming a name to watch in the Berkshire music scene. At just 22, she's already built an impressive following and has performed at venues such as The Egremont Barn, The Stationery Factory, The Foundry, The Lion's Den, and Dream Away Lodge. With a new album on the horizon and newfound confidence from her recent solo performances, she's poised for even bigger things.
Wilder’s Musical Journey
Like many artists I've interviewed, Wilder's love of music flows from family. She was fortunate to have been born into a household full of musicians in Medford, northwest of Boston. That includes her uncle, Boston-based rock and reggae musician Jimmy Trapella, known as Jimmy Treez, whom she credits for “putting me in front of crowds even when I didn't sound great as a kid.” Growing up, her living room was always set up for a band to jam so she had access to instruments and a place to play from an early age. Her family always was listening to music and going to festivals. “One of my biggest influences, Norah Jones, was even part of my childhood,” Wilder says. “I couldn't fall asleep without her album playing.”
Wilder began songwriting when she was seven and played the flute and saxophone when she was young. Her main instruments today are piano and guitar, and she composes her songs using one of these instruments.
After her family moved to Northwest Connecticut, Wilder became interested in the local music scene. Jenny Rubin, co-owner of The Egremont Barn, remembers those earlier days well. “I first saw Glori Wilder when she started coming to our open mic nights when she was about 15,” says Rubin, who books all the performers at the venue. “The first time I heard her, I stopped what I was doing and turned my head, as I do when I hear something special. Wilder just had a little bit of that extra special something from a young age.”
Wilder says that Berkshire legend Wanda Houston was a big influence on her. Houston, who was her vocal coach for two years when Wilder was a teenager, helped her find her voice instead of following mainstream music.
“She was a great student,” recalls Houston. “What I appreciated most was her willingness to persist. She truly listened to what I told her and actually applied what she learned. What was also impressive was that she stepped out of her comfort zone, did the work, and got involved in other activities that would further her knowledge.”
During a captivating performance at The Egremont Barn, Wilder caught the attention of Deep Stream Records, which ultimately produced her first record. Wilder also credits her parents for her success. They believed in her as a songwriter and gave her the space and the support as she pursued a career in music, Wilder says. “My mom and stepdad have been my biggest supporters, even though they didn't push me into music.”
The Creative Process
When it comes to songwriting, Wilder admits it's a bit of a mystery, even to her. “I begin with a chord progression—something that feels new or slightly different,” she explains. “Then I find a melody, usually by humming and mumbling words until something clicks. I like to keep things simple and catchy, but I always aim to tell a compelling story. Sometimes, I lose myself in the process and can't really explain how it all happens.”
Wilder's songwriting is shaped by those who influenced her, including Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, and, more recently, Raye. Wilder is open to experimenting with different genres and sounds. “I'd love to collaborate with hip-hop artists, where I could add a catchy chorus,” she says, hinting at her love for exploring new musical territory.
To date, she has recorded three EPs and 14 original songs. Wilder has over 4,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and her song “Hands and Knees” has over 175,000 streams—impressive numbers compared to other young artists in the region. When we spoke, she had just returned from a solo studio session at Stone Studios in the Taconic Mountains, hoping to record a few songs but ended up recording nine for the new album. Wilder is especially excited about three of those songs. “I can't wait to release them,” she says with a glow of pride. She planned to release the first of these songs, “Dead Flowers,” on November 8, followed by two more songs in late November and early December. Her album, A Culmination of Years, her first as an independent artist, will be released December 20.
The Joy of Making Music
What Wilder enjoys most about being a musician is writing songs, especially when a song flows out naturally. “There's nothing like the moment you know a song is going to be amazing, even if it's not finished yet,” she says. “Those moments are the best, especially after a long writer's block.”
She also loves performing live. “I love doing solo performances—they're so enriching,” she says. It’s evident from the way she lights up when talking about her shows that she thrives in front of an audience. Wilder feels that she builds real connections with her audience and gains valuable feedback.
One audience member who has connected with Wilder is Ilona Packie, a local music fan who lives in Otis and has seen Wilder at least five times. “We went to see her with friends, and she just blew us away,” says Packie. “The fact that she sings original music is incredibly impressive to me. Her songs are personal, soulful, and she has an old soul quality— she's young but sings with such emotion and depth. Her topics are so relatable. And her voice—it's incredible. She deserves to be seen and heard by a wider audience.”
“I've witnessed patrons at the Red Lion Inn step into the room and be transported,” says Johnny Irion, a Berkshire-based musician, recording artist, and producer. “It's like seeing Amy Winehouse before she was Amy Winehouse or Fiona Apple before the world knew who Fiona was. She's a true talent, and it's exciting to watch.”
A Look to the Future
Wilder’s aspirations for her musical career are interwoven with her love of travel, and she hopes her music will provide a way to see the world. “Ideally, I'd like to spend half the year out in the world, traveling, playing music, meeting people, seeing the world,” she says, “and then the other half of the year back here in my space, writing music, collaborating with people, and working with artists. I'd love to consistently play shows for a few hundred or even a couple thousand people.”
Her authenticity and commitment to her craft make her an exciting artist to watch. With new music on the way and a growing fan base eager to see what's next, there's no doubt she's on the path to making an even bigger impact in the Berkshire music scene and beyond. Wilder's journey is just beginning.
Wilder will perform on Sunday, November 24, at Daryl’s House in Pawling, New York, and Saturday, and Friday, February 21, at Park Theater in Hudson, New York. For updates on more live shows, including performances in the Berkshires, visit:
Mark Greenlaw is creator and content
director of Music in the Berkshires,
an Old Mill Road Media online publication.
“Take Note” is a new series highlighting
young artists making their mark on the
music scene in the Berkshires.
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