All Of It with Sir Woman: A Deep Dive into Kelsey Wilson’s Musical Journey
Podcast: All Of It
Host: Tiffany Hansen
Guest: Kelsey Wilson (Sir Woman)
Episode: Sir Woman Performs Live from CR5
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Air Time: Weekdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Host Station: WNYC
Introduction to Sir Woman and Kelsey Wilson
In this vibrant episode of All Of It, host Tiffany Hansen welcomes Kelsey Wilson, the creative force behind the solo project Sir Woman, alongside her talented band members. Kelsey, formerly of the Austin band Wild Child, has been making significant waves in the music scene with her introspective and uplifting sound.
Tiffany Hansen:
"There is a lot of music in 2025 coming from Sir Woman... She's here with us now with her band in the studio for a special live performance. Welcome to WNYC."
[00:09]
Live Performance: "Blame It on the Water"
The episode kicks off with a live rendition of Sir Woman’s track "Blame It on the Water," setting an engaging and soulful tone for the conversation ahead.
Kelsey Wilson:
"We're gonna start with a song called 'Blame It on the water.'"
[00:54]
Listeners are treated to a captivating performance, showcasing Kelsey’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with compelling melodies. The song delves into themes of movement and change, reflecting the fluid nature of life and relationships.
Meet the Collective: The Band Behind Sir Woman
Post-performance, Kelsey introduces her band, emphasizing the collective effort that brings her music to life.
Kelsey Wilson:
"Sir Woman is a massive collective, actually. We got Spice who sings Uncle Roy. Matt Muhling on guitar. John Dee's on keys. Montez on base, Cleon on drums."
[04:40]
Tiffany Hansen:
"Does that mean there are more people that are in this than there are in this room?"
[04:56]
Kelsey Wilson:
"Oh, yeah. We got a big, big old family."
[05:07]
This collaborative environment allows for a rich and dynamic sound, enhancing both the live performances and studio recordings.
The Birth of a Song: Inspiration and Creativity
Tiffany delves into the origins of "Blame It on the Water," uncovering the heartfelt story behind its creation.
Kelsey Wilson:
"That's one of those songs that like came... it was just like a gift from the universe all at once. It actually started with a sentence my niece said when she was like four..."
[05:27]
Kelsey recounts how her niece’s innocent question, "Are you speaking to the dark in me?" sparked the creative process, leading to a song that has become a staple in her performances.
Evolving Songwriting: From Darkness to Positivity
The conversation shifts to Kelsey’s evolution as a songwriter, transitioning from the darker themes of Wild Child to the more uplifting and positive vibes of Sir Woman.
Tiffany Hansen:
"When you go back and perform that song, do you have any recollection of when you wrote it?"
[05:10]
Kelsey Wilson:
"With Sir Woman, I definitely try to keep it as positive as possible... I didn't like having to bring that energy up on stage every day. It just felt negative."
[06:32]
She explains how maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial not only for her well-being but also for creating an enjoyable experience for her audience.
Double Album Revelation: "if it All Works Out" and "if it Doesn't"
Kelsey introduces her ambitious double album project, revealing the depth and breadth of her musical exploration.
Tiffany Hansen:
"So you have one album that is called if It All Works Out, and the other called if It Doesn't. Is that the case?"
[07:58]
Kelsey Wilson:
"No, yeah, it's kind of... it's like a chronological diary of the band and where I was as a human being."
[08:40]
The first half, "if it All Works Out," encapsulates moments of triumph and positive experiences, while the second half, "if it Doesn't," delves into more profound and reflective themes, shaped by personal loss and growth.
Channeling Grief into Art: A Universal Connection
Kelsey shares how personal tragedies, including the loss of her sister and father, have profoundly influenced her songwriting, transforming grief into a universal language that resonates with listeners.
Kelsey Wilson:
"Writing songs for those people kind of just keeps them alive in your mind... it's a gift for other people who've lost loved ones as well."
[09:28]
This approach not only honors her loved ones but also creates a shared space for healing and connection among her audience.
The Spiritual Essence of Music
Delving deeper, Kelsey discusses the spiritual dimension of her music, rooted in her gospel background and the collective's shared influences.
Kelsey Wilson:
"Music has just always been spiritual and it's probably because of that."
[19:57]
The collective’s gospel roots infuse her performances with a sense of community and celebration, often described by fans as "church" or "party church."
Tiffany Hansen:
"They definitely. A lot of people tell us it feels like church when it’s been... like a party church."
[20:11]
Live Performance: "High Praise"
The conversation segues back to music with a live performance of "High Praise," a track from "if it All Works Out." The song embodies joy and mutual support, reflecting the positive energy Kelsey strives to bring to her music.
Kelsey Wilson:
"This has been one of the most fun songs to play live every night... It’s about making your friends feel good and your friends making you feel good."
[12:16]
The performance radiates the infectious joy that Kelsey and her band aim to cultivate during their shows.
Crafting Hooks and Musical Spontaneity
Tiffany probes into Kelsey’s songwriting process, particularly her knack for compelling hooks and the spontaneity that drives her creativity.
Tiffany Hansen:
"Are you thinking to yourself, you know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna write a song that... or do you just kind of follow the muse where it takes you?"
[15:32]
Kelsey Wilson:
"I definitely don't normally set out with, like, a theme in mind... It just happened."
[16:18]
She emphasizes a natural and unforced approach to songwriting, allowing ideas to emerge organically rather than through meticulous planning.
Embracing Musical Dreams and Inspirations
Kelsey shares whimsical insights into her creative process, including how dreams influence her music.
Kelsey Wilson:
"A lot of songs will come completed in dreams. In a dream, my friend will be singing me a song that they wrote..."
[18:30]
This ethereal inspiration underscores the almost mystical nature of her creative flow, where ideas materialize from subconscious visions.
Community and Celebration: Turning Pain into Beauty
The episode highlights how Sir Woman transforms personal pain into communal celebration, creating a space where listeners and performers alike can share in the collective experience.
Kelsey Wilson:
"It takes something dark and makes it beautiful."
[20:31]
By turning difficult emotions into moments of shared joy, Sir Woman fosters a sense of unity and healing within her audience.
Closing Thoughts: Upcoming Releases and Performances
As the episode wraps up, Tiffany provides listeners with a glimpse of what's to come for Sir Woman.
Tiffany Hansen:
"The second half is called if It Doesn't. That comes out on May 16th. Sir Woman is playing at Racket tonight starting at 8:00."
[15:32]
Kelsey’s upcoming album promises to continue her journey of introspection and celebration, offering fans a comprehensive look into her evolving artistry.
Conclusion
This episode of All Of It offers an intimate look into Kelsey Wilson’s creative world, from her collaborative collective to her deeply personal songwriting. Through live performances and heartfelt conversations, listeners gain a profound understanding of Sir Woman’s music, which seamlessly blends positivity with poignant reflections on life's complexities. Kelsey’s ability to transform personal grief into universally relatable art underscores the enduring power of music as a tool for connection and healing.
Notable Quotes:
-
Kelsey Wilson on Collaboration:
"I can write a song and it'll be as good as I think it's going to be in my head. But until I get all of these people to come play it with me, I don't even know what it's supposed to be."
[11:47] -
Kelsey Wilson on Grief and Creativity:
"Writing songs for those people kind of just keeps them alive in your mind... it's a gift for other people who've lost loved ones as well."
[09:28] -
Kelsey Wilson on the Spirituality of Music:
"Music has just always been spiritual and it's probably because of that."
[19:57]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Kelsey Wilson’s artistic journey, the collaborative spirit of her band, and the transformative power of her music. Through engaging performances and insightful dialogue, listeners who haven’t tuned in can fully appreciate the depth and vibrancy of Sir Woman’s contribution to contemporary culture.