Photo: Wagner the Band
We were lucky enough to catch up with Wagner the Band following the stunning release, ‘Golden’. Enjoy our full interview below!
Hi Wagner the Band, we have been fans for a while and have been blown away by the high standard of your memorable soul-rock releases in the last 2 years, what is your songwriting process?
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to me that my music is heard and appreciated.
My songwriting process isn’t set in stone—it varies from song to song. Sometimes, I start with lyrics because a particular line gets stuck in my head or I have a topic I want to explore. Other times, I begin with a chord progression and a melody, building the song from there.
Once I can perform the song with just my voice and an acoustic guitar or piano, I record a demo. I then sent this demo to my producer, Gregor Huber, and together, we refined the song and decided on its direction.
Occasionally, I collaborate with other songwriters to fine-tune the lyrics. After that, we create a rough layout of the track to see if it works. If the layout holds up, we bring in the rest of the band to complete the recording and finalize the song.
Tell us about your excellent latest release, ‘Golden’.
On the surface, Golden is a soulful love song. But behind it lies a deeply personal story. A few years ago, my girlfriend and I experienced the heartbreaking loss of our baby early in pregnancy—the baby had no heartbeat. We were devastated. In an effort to comfort her and put my feelings into words, I wrote Golden.
Later, through research, I learned that this is something many women go through, yet it’s rarely spoken about in society, which I find unfortunate. Thankfully, two years later, my girlfriend became pregnant again, and we welcomed a healthy baby boy into our lives.
What draws you to the soul-rock genre?
For me, Soul-Rock is the perfect blend of the music that shaped me. I’ve always loved the rock and hard rock bands of the ’60s and’ 70s—Led Zeppelin, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Queen—just as much as the funk and soul legends of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, like Prince, Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Everything I write is naturally influenced by this mix of genres. Some songs lean more towards funk and soul, while others have a stronger rock edge. I don’t try to force it— I let the inspiration flow, and the song itself guides me in the direction it wants to go.
Who are your musical influences?
All of the above, but honestly, I listen to all kinds of music. I’m a big fan of Paolo Nutini and Gregory Porter, and I also enjoy musicals like Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera. On top of that, I have a deep appreciation for classical music.
For me, it’s not about the genre—it’s about craftsmanship, emotion, and meaning. If a piece of music is well-crafted and resonates on an emotional level, I’ll love it, no matter the style.
Who are your non-musical influences?
I could get philosophical and say that everything in life has a musical quality, but in truth, my biggest inspiration comes from great stories. Whether it’s a book, a movie, a deep conversation with a friend, or even a walk through nature, stories shape the way I write.
I’m a huge fan of fantasy books and games. The Lord of the Rings and other fantasy literature have always captivated me, and I’m completely addicted to games like The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy. These worlds of adventure, mythology, and emotion undoubtedly influence my songwriting on a deeper, more subconscious level.
You are based in Vienna; what will the live music scene be like there in 2025?
Despite the thriving scene, independent artists still face hurdles. Competition for live slots is fierce, and while Vienna has a strong music culture, getting a consistent gig schedule without the backing of an agency or a label requires relentless networking. Many venues still operate on a “pay-to-play” or low-guarantee model, meaning artists must bring in their own audience to make a show financially viable.
Streaming and social media have become necessary tools for promotion, but they don’t always translate into ticket sales. Many Viennese music fans still love international acts, which can make it difficult for local indie musicians to draw crowds unless they have a strong grassroots following.
The key is to stay active—playing smaller gigs, engaging with fans directly, collaborating with other musicians, and taking advantage of every opportunity to perform live.
What scares you most when releasing music?
I wouldn’t say that anything about releasing music scares me. For me, the real success lies in creating and recording a great song—once the art is finished, my job as an artist is already accomplished. The release is simply a way to make the song available for others to discover.
Of course, I love it when people connect with my music, but I’m not afraid of rejection or negative feedback. Music is deeply personal, and taste is always subjective. Not everyone will resonate with what I create, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most to me is staying true to my artistic vision and putting my work out into the world.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
One of the biggest challenges today is the sheer mass production of content, and with AI now in the mix, it’s only getting worse. Thousands of songs are released every day, and for the average listener, it’s often unclear how the music was created—or, frankly, it doesn’t really matter to them.
As someone who deeply values handmade music—music played by real musicians who have spent years mastering their craft—it’s frustrating to see AI-generated songs, created with just a few clicks, racking up millions of streams, landing on radio stations and ultimately taking revenue away from real artists. This isn’t just a financial issue; it undermines the artistry and musicianship that make music truly meaningful.
Another major problem is the way streaming services operate. These platforms profit enormously from music and art, yet they leave artists with mere pennies in return. Meanwhile, musicians are forced to play the social media game—creating viral content that often has little to do with their actual music—just to get noticed. The system is broken and exploitative, yet we all participate in it because we believe we might be among the lucky 1% who actually make it.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Master your craft—whether it’s songwriting, singing, or playing an instrument. Get out there and perform, with or without a band. Connect with people, have real conversations, and experience life beyond your comfort zone. Travel, read books, and absorb new perspectives. Use technology as a tool to enhance your creativity, but don’t let it consume you.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
Musically, I strive to keep growing—becoming a better songwriter, singer, and performer while reaching more people with my music. This year, I’m especially excited to release my new album in September, and I would love for as many people as possible to hear it and find joy in my music.
In my personal life, my biggest wish is to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends, seeing them happy and healthy.
https://www.wagnertheband.com/
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https://wagnertheband.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/wagner.the.band/
FVMusicBlog February 2025
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