This past Wednesday, March 26th, Wilby hosted a show at The End for her new singles “Pleaser” and “Spin,” which hit streaming services a day prior. Wilby is the project of singer-songwriter Maria Crawford, who has been making introspective indie rock since 2020. While she originally hails from Philadelphia, Wilby has lived in Nashville for over a decade. Wilby’s personality, charm, and artistry shined while on the stage. Both Joiner and Kate Teague opened the show with catchy, dreamy rock. The small Nashville venue was alive as people mingled and danced along with the music. All three performances of the night featured captivating women-rockers at center stage, something that is always a delight to see. On her two new tracks, Wilby finds power in vulnerability.
On “Pleaser,” she sings about a partner who only wants exactly what she wants, because “that’s just what a pleaser does.” The track is reminiscent of an early 2000’s pop punk song that will get stuck in your head for days on end. “Spin” is a mix of soft storytelling and an electrifying chorus comparable to Chicago’s “45 or 6 to 4.” “What’s the point if it’s not hard?” sings Wilby, as she expresses her inability to appreciate the things that come easy to her, opting to take the hard road. Wilby is a wonderful performer, commanding both the stage and the audience, who she interacted with frequently throughout her set. She is unafraid to let her personality shine through in her performance as she sings about love, life, and personal convictions. Wilby is a powerhouse artist, delivering introspection and delicate songwriting with a gritty, upbeat sound. Fans are looking forward to new releases coming later this year.
- Lindsey Simpson
Photos Courtesy of Emily Duncko (For Bell Music Magazine)
