Today we’d like to introduce you to Wonder Truly.
Hi Wonder, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, Voyage Mag! My name is Wonder Truly. I’m a singer-songwriter, music producer, and visual artist in Phoenix, AZ.
I have been making music seriously for the last 13 years, and had the pleasure and privilege of touring the continental US as a solo artist from 2014-2019.
The pandemic gave a hard stop to my touring plans, but I discovered an opportunity to start learning music production. Under the mentorship of my mentor, Jamie Hill (https://deptofenergymgmt.com), it’s my great honor to say that I have self-produced several of my releases, in addition to a number of releases by fellow artists.
Following a two year hiatus from music, I’m happy to report that I’m back with a brand new album, “The Best Of Me”!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an artist at all is a life riddled with its own challenges, like any passion and vocation, but especially so for femme artists who have to contend with an industry that already has predispositions for what a “female” artist should look and sound like, and just how audacious and honest we’re allowed to be with our work to be considered marketable.
On the personal front, I’ve contended also with serious illness and injuries over the last five years. I got sick with long covid at the end of October 2021, and was mostly bedridden with the illness until December, 2022. The road to recovery was years long, and I’m still struggling with my voice and stamina not being what they used to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most known in my community for my storytelling in songs. I don’t shy away from writing about topics that I might otherwise keep close to the chest. I’m very transparent about my journey with mental illness, in all its highs and lows and manic phases. Songwriting has been a form of therapy for me for as long as I can remember, though the nature of the catharsis has changed.
When I first started out 13 years ago, I was mostly writing songs to express my pain and confusion at the world. I didn’t know how to create if I wasn’t in crisis, so sometimes I would manufacture crises in my life and relationships just so I could keep writing. Now, though I still write from a place of overflow of emotions, thanks to a decade of therapy and a loving partner & support system, my work is more grounded. I can create without being in pain. I can express pain without it being all-consuming. I’ve fought hard to become someone who is optimistic and cheerful. Rather than diminishing the quality of my work, this has actually expanded my capacity. I can write from any perspective, imagine any scenario, and tell the truth in music even if I’m wearing the mask of a fictional character telling their story.
The work I’ve done in therapy gave me agency I never knew I could have, and I’m so grateful to have an expanded and grounded base to create from.
I’ve had some wild experiences in my music career, including getting to open for artists like Cake, the John Butler Trio, and Taylor John Williams. Touring provided me a lot of wonderful opportunities, and I do frequently miss the breakneck pace of being on the road and meeting people of all stripes on a daily basis. But I wouldn’t trade the stability I have now for any measure of clout.
How do you think about happiness?
As someone who is chronically ill and has experienced both debilitating illness and serious injury, I am fueled by gratitude. I’m not entitled to anyone listening to or loving my music, and the fact that I have an audience is so humbling and wonderful. Every day that I have a functioning body that allows me to walk and work with my hands is a day I’m deliriously grateful for. I’ve made a beautiful life with my partner and our cats, and the relationships I”ve nurtured bring me joy daily.
I also love birds. I’m not religious anymore, but I try to pay attention to the signs that make me feel connected and held by the universe. When a bird hops near me, or when a small flock flies across my line of sight, I feel seen, and that brings me joy, too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wondertruly
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealwonder
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/wondersings
