For those who aren't familiar with you, could you talk a little about the type of music you make, your inspirations and what we can expect from your show?

Wild Black: I’d say my music is pretty genre-fluid, which I attribute to the fact that I was exposed to a wide range of styles from a young age. My mom played a lot of music at home that included traditional Ethiopian music, to Motown and other oldies, to popular artists like Madonna, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley and so on. I listened to (and still love) a lot of pop, R&B and dance music of the 80s and 90s, as well as rock and grunge, the latter of which ended up being the sound of my first band that I started with my best friends as teenagers. You can definitely hear these influences in my music, with songs ranging from disco-inspired electro-pop to alternative pop or indie/pop/rock. Regardless of the direction, my music always carries a dreamy throughline.

What song are you most excited to perform and why?

WB: I’m most excited to play some of the new unreleased songs from my upcoming album! I’ve been tweaking and reworking the arrangements, and they’ve landed in a place I feel really good about. I can’t wait to share them with everyone back home.

You are originally from Saskatoon, but now call Toronto home. Are you looking forward to playing for an audience in your home province? What's your favorite thing about coming back?

WB: I’m thrilled to be coming back home to perform again! While I’ve visited since my last show, it’s been a minute since I’ve played in Saskatchewan. I love returning to some of my favorite venues and stages, getting to share music and energy with the community, and catching up with pals. Seeing friends and family is always the best part of coming home.

Winter in Saskatchewan can be long and lonely. What are your favorite activities to keep the winter blues at bay?

WB: I enjoy being outside (as long as it’s not too cold out), and some of my fave winter activities are going for walks, skating, and cross-country skiing – though I’ve only done that a handful of times, but hope to do more! Saskatchewan is so lucky to have sunshine year-round, something I really miss during Toronto winters, which, surprisingly, are much gloomier this time of year.

What are you working on right now? Any exciting projects in the works?

WB: I’m currently wrapping up my debut album to be released on Next Door Records this year! It’s coming together and I can’t wait to share it with the world very soon. Once that’s out I’ll be returning to Saskatchewan for an album release show and will also be touring and playing festivals. I can’t wait to share the new album and come back for summertime festivities and fun!

Anything else you want to share or think we should know?

WB: That’s about it, I think! Thanks for having me :)

Don’t miss Wild Black at Winterruption 2025 with ka lok on January 24th presented by Long Day’s Night Music Festival at the Lyric Theatre. Tickets to Wild Black and ka lok are $25 and available at Pharmasave, zeffy.com, and at the door.