Hailing from Buffalo, NY, and now thriving in Brooklyn, Matt Connolly and Will O’Connor are the dynamic duo behind the band Wilmah. Their friendship runs deep—fun fact: they played on the same Little League team as kids! This connection laid the groundwork for their musical journey, which has blossomed into something truly special. Matt and Will’s passion for music ignited at a young age. Both picked up instruments early on, and their shared love for music naturally led them to collaborate. “We always cared so much about music that we decided it was something we had to do,” says Matt. This commitment was solidified when Will showed up at Matt’s house with an idea on his MacBook, leading to the creation of their first song, “Bar Scene Dance Queen.” From that moment, they knew they had to make their musical partnership official.
Before Wilmah, Matt and Will were part of a band called One Way to Nowhere from 2015 to 2017. While that experience was valuable, Wilmah represents something different. “Wilmah feels like the vehicle for us to truly be ourselves and creatively exercise anything we want to,” Matt shares. The possibilities seem endless, fueling their excitement and creativity. The name “Wilmah” is a clever blend of Matt and Will’s names, with the added “H” to differentiate it from a previous artist named Wilma. “The H just looks better,” they laugh.
Though Wilmah officially launched in 2018, their roots in the music scene run deeper. The band played their first show in Brooklyn in 2019 and has been making waves ever since. “We love being a part of the scene here and feel grateful to have become close friends with so many talented, kind individuals,” Matt reflects. While music is their primary focus, the duo has some unexpected talents. “We can drink an absurd amount of beer in one night,” Matt jokes. Will adds, “And I can juggle!” These lighthearted moments showcase their fun dynamic, but they take their music seriously.
Fans can look forward to Wilmah’s upcoming tour this October, where they’ll be joining Cab Ellis for a series of shows in the South. “We love those boys and are excited to see and play in places we’ve never been to before,” says Matt. This tour will be a significant milestone for the band as they expand their reach.
Having their manager and long-time Wilmah fan Brooke on their team has also been transformative. “Brooke is a superstar, and we wouldn’t be where we are without her,” Matt says. “It’s refreshing to work with someone who understands our vision and is motivated to bring it to life.” As they continue to grow, Wilmah has set ambitious goals for the next year. “We just want as many people as possible to fall in love with Wilmah,” says Matt. They’re eager to produce new music and play bigger, better shows. Wilmah has dropped a new single titled "Boy for the Night" which dropped recently on October 10th, promising and delivering to be another captivating addition to their growing discography. I got the chance to hear it firsthand before release. "Boy for a Night" blends infectious pop melodies with alternative rock vibes, creating an engaging sound that's both catchy and introspective. The song features vibrant instrumentals, driven by punchy guitar riffs and a dynamic rhythm section that gives it an energetic feel. Lyrically, it explores themes of fleeting connections and the bittersweet nature of romance, capturing a sense of longing while maintaining an upbeat tempo. The vocals are expressive, conveying both vulnerability and confidence, making the listener feel the emotional weight behind the lyrics. Overall, "Boy for a Night" stands out for its ability to merge catchy hooks with deeper lyrical content, making it a compelling addition to the pop alternative rock genre. It’s perfect for both casual listening and deeper reflection, striking a balance that resonates with a wide audience. No doubt more amazing music is to come and as their music grows so does their passion.
For Matt and Will, Wilmah isn’t just a side project; it’s a full-time job they’re fully committed to. “We wouldn’t have it any other way,” they affirm, embodying the passion and dedication that drives their music. With their roots in Buffalo and their sights set on new horizons, Wilmah is a band to watch. As they continue to carve out their unique space in the Brooklyn music scene, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.
Written by Mckenzie Blasi
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