The Wildwoods Bring Nebraska to the Bay Area
It’s a rare gift in the age of algorithm-driven soundtracks to stumble across music that feels entirely unforced, where the harmonies seem to rise from the land itself, carrying the scent of tall grass, riverbanks, and backroad sunsets. That’s the essence of The Wildwoods, a folk-Americana trio from Lincoln, Nebraska, whose songs tap into something deeply familiar and quietly profound.
With their fourth album, Dear Meadowlark, The Wildwoods—comprised of Noah and Chloe Gose and upright bassist Andrew Vaggalis—invite listeners into a world shaped by home, heartache, and the open road. It's a record that serves both as a love letter to their home state and a meditation on the places in between.
“We’ve spent a lot of time touring over the last few years,” Chloe says, speaking from the road with her husband and bandmate Noah. “And the more time we spent away from Nebraska, the more we began to appreciate its simplicity and quiet beauty.”
That deepened appreciation comes through vividly on “Sweet Niobrara,” the album’s lead single. Inspired by a road trip through Nebraska’s Sandhills region near Valentine, the song paints a glowing picture of sunflower fields at sunset, unbroken highways, and the stillness that settles in long after the city lights fade.
“It was one of those moments that just sticks with you,” Noah recalls. “We pulled over to take in the view—no traffic, no noise, just the landscape and the sky. I wrote the song thinking about how much peace you can find in that kind of solitude.”
That imagery-driven songwriting is part of what sets The Wildwoods apart. Their music doesn’t just evoke nostalgia—it brings the listener into specific places and moments, grounded by acoustic textures and the band’s signature three-part harmonies. The violin, acoustic guitar, and upright bass aren't just instruments in their hands; they’re storytelling tools.
The Wildwoods have been evolving their sound since their teenage years, when Noah and Chloe met through mutual friends in Lincoln and discovered a shared love for harmony. “We were just excited to find someone else who played music,” Noah says with a laugh. “It didn’t matter what instrument it was—just that we were both passionate about songwriting.”
Chloe adds, “I still remember the first time we harmonized on one of Noah’s songs. We even brought it to his piano teacher to help us work out the parts. That’s when we realized there was something special about singing together.”
While Dear Meadowlark builds on those early roots, the album also reflects years of growth and experience gained from life on the road. One standout track, “I Will Follow You to Willow,” is a poignant reflection on the trials of constant travel and the bond that keeps them grounded.
“After college, we hit the road almost immediately,” Chloe explains. “We were excited, of course, but it was also a rough adjustment. You miss your friends, your family. You start to question whether this path makes sense. That song became a kind of promise—to each other, and to the life we’re building together. No matter where we go, we’re in it together.”
That emotional honesty threads through the album, which blends folk traditions with a modern indie sensibility. You can hear echoes of their influences—Nickel Creek, Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchell—but the Wildwoods never feel like imitators. They’ve managed to cultivate a voice that’s entirely their own.
“We’ve always tried to make music that’s true to who we are,” Noah says. “It’s easy to get caught up in trends, especially on social media, but if you’re not enjoying what you’re making, what’s the point? That advice—‘make music for yourself’—has stuck with me. It keeps us grounded.”
That philosophy even extends to how they perform. While the band has largely outgrown the coffeehouse venues where they first honed their craft, they still incorporate intimate, single-microphone performances into their sets when possible. “It creates a kind of closeness,” Chloe says. “Whether it’s live or in a video, it draws the listener in, like they’re in the room with us.”
Their fans will get a chance to experience that intimacy firsthand when The Wildwoods bring their warm, homespun sound to Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall on Sunday, August 17. It’ll be their debut at the beloved Bay Area venue, and they’re eager to connect with a new audience.
“You can expect music, of course,” Chloe says with a smile, “but also a lot of stories and laughter. We’re not super comfortable on stage, so we end up talking to the crowd like they’re neighbors. It makes the whole experience more human.”
In a world that often rewards flash over substance, The Wildwoods have chosen a quieter path—one where the songs are as sturdy and meaningful as the places they come from.
“We just want to offer people a little peace,” Noah says. “Something that feels real.”
And in the process, they’ve given us a record that does exactly that.
Catch The Wildwoods live at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley:
Sunday, August 17
Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM
Tickets: sweetwatermusichall.org
Learn more about the band and their upcoming album at:
www.thewildwoodsband.com
