Texas Supergroup ‘Hill Country’ is Now ‘The Wilder Blue’
Ever since releasing their debut self-titled record in late May, the newly-formed Texas music supergroup recording under the name ‘Hill Country’ has been receiving worthy praise for their music, including from country music superstar Luke Combs, who said in late June after discovering the band here on Saving Country Music, “I just can’t stop listening to this album, it just strikes every chord that I want it to. The melodies, the harmonies, the instrumentation, and the songs. All just grade A. Y’all check this record out.”
Consisting of solo artist and songwriter Zane Williams, songwriter and performer Paul Eason who also plays guitar for Kevin Fowler, Houston drummer Lyndon Hughes, Austin bassist Sean Rodriguez, and multi-instrumentalist Andy Rogers, Hill Country has the latitude to articulate just about whatever style of American music they choose, from classic rock to bluegrass, to country and folk. And they take full advantage of it.
You may not find a more laid-back record in 2020 then the Hill Country debut. But as some have remarked, the name is just generic enough for it to get buried or confused with other things, including other bands with similar names, or geographical regions, or local businesses etc., making them a little hard to distinguish by the name itself.
Well now the band has officially decided to change their name to ‘The Wilder Blue,’ which is a phrase used in one of their signature songs “Dixie Darlin'” (you’ll immediate start humming the song if you know it). Though The Wilder Blue definitely is more distinctive, that’s not exactly the reason for the name change. According the the band, a trademark issue got in the way of them moving forward with the original name, which perhaps isn’t surprising for how common the ‘Hill Country’ phrase is.
So they made the switch, and luckily it’s still pretty early on in their lifespan, so hopefully fans will figure it out and make the migration (posting about it here so if folks go to Google, hopefully they’re led in the right direction). It may take a while for the name change to populate on platforms like Spotify and such, but the band’s website is officially changed now to thewilderblue.com, and their social media properties have been switched as well.
So let it be known, ‘Hill Country” is now ‘The Wilder Blue.’ Same great music, just a more distinctive name.
October 8, 2020 @ 8:22 am
I never liked the name for all the reasons mentioned. Really solid album and great sounding.
I am a bit confused how the CD under Hill Country would start getting linked to the new name.
Could they re-release it?
October 8, 2020 @ 8:23 am
I said CD lol..
Whatever media the album is on.
October 8, 2020 @ 8:35 am
It’s definitely possible to go back and repopulate albums and songs under different names. Each song has what’s called an ISRC code, and no matter what the title is, the ISRC code stays the same, and tracks plays and such across all platforms. But in my experience, that process definitely takes time, sometimes weeks or months, and depending on how they distributed their music, can involve some work. So I wouldn’t expect it to happen tomorrow.
October 8, 2020 @ 8:44 am
Never cared for the old name and I really don’t like the new one. I’ll tell you one thing though after thinking it was pleasant but a little bland, this album crept up on me to be one the top albums in the rotation this summer/fall. Yes it took a nudge from you guys and Luke to go back and hear what I might of been missing, so glad I did. True story……listening to this album yesterday on the bike trail and I’ll be damned if a very large bird wasn’t soaring over head while “The Eagle” was playing. Gave me goosebumps! Whatever they call themselves I’m looking forward to more music from em.
October 8, 2020 @ 8:55 am
I did the same thing, put it off not expecting much. Was on a long drive and decided to play it and man, its a solid album. I’ve always been a Paul Eason fan, wish there was more lead from him. Overall, this is a great album.
October 8, 2020 @ 9:25 am
I didn’t know Ammon Bundy was in a band
October 8, 2020 @ 10:09 am
Good call. There are some pretty good songs on that album. And how about that Morgan Wallen debacle with SNL? They should have done the smart thing in the first place and booked Childers instead of that milquetoast “country” bro Wallen.
October 8, 2020 @ 10:25 am
I liked the name, but more importantly I absolutely love the album!
Probably my top choice for Album of the Year, just one great song after another!
October 8, 2020 @ 11:38 am
I am listening to Dixie Darlin’ as I write this on Sugar radio. Love this song.
October 8, 2020 @ 12:28 pm
Liked Hill Country, think Wilder Blue is a lame name. Oh well.
The album is on my short list for AOTY, it’s incredible!
October 8, 2020 @ 3:55 pm
I agree, Wilder Blue is a name for a pop band imo.
October 8, 2020 @ 2:25 pm
This is the kind of album that (to me at least) is so immediately, sincerely, cloyingly catchy that you question your feelings about it. Like, is this good, or bad or what? Well, through the sheer strength of its many hooks and harmonies, it’s definitely one of my most-played albums this year and got a ton of milage on some road trips this summer. It’s definitely gonna be on my top-ten favorite albums list this year, deservedly so.
As for the name change, Hill Country was generic AF. Wilder Blue is moderately better. It’s fine. Can’t wait for a second album. They’ve been playing some new songs on their FB Live concerts (one recent one had a 4/4 disco beat).
October 8, 2020 @ 3:53 pm
Wilder Blue sounds like a 80’s pop band but if Zane is in it, I’ll listen.
October 9, 2020 @ 8:39 am
This band musicianship is nothing short of incredible!! The album is super solid and enjoyable even if a bit all over the place to be an AOTY.
Isn’t there a R&B singer named HILL COUNTRY?
October 9, 2020 @ 10:44 am
LOVE the sound of this single, Kyle! Will be checking out the rest of the album! Kinda reminds me of my New Grass Revival days. Thanks for turning us on to these guys.
October 9, 2020 @ 12:05 pm
This band has promise for me. Like it so far.
October 11, 2020 @ 7:04 am
Man, these guys are not good at naming bands.
October 17, 2020 @ 5:13 am
Wow – caught this band on their introductory shows in Austin. I am sold on this group – the songs, harmony and blending has made me a huge fan and included most of their songs on my playlist. Thanks for the ride – I see the shadow of my wing man…
December 29, 2020 @ 2:15 am
The band name could be dog turd troubadours, if Paul Eason is in it, I’ll listen!
August 9, 2021 @ 2:31 pm
Oh my ,saw them last night in Denton,Montana. Such great guys and their vocals and harmonies were amazing. What A Great Show! And Thank You “The Wilder Blue” for coming to Denton, Montana and showing some love for everyone that has been fighting fires on everyone’s farm’s and Ranches. Thank You,Thank You. Hope I get the honor to be at more of your shows. Beautiful Job! Was a Blast!