Wilders FAQ

Q. Why are you called The Wilders?
A. When Phil, Betse, and Ike started the band, the name Wilders came up when reminiscing about an early reference to old time fiddle tunes, namely, the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Betse remembered reading about those tunes, but she didn't know what they sounded like until the 1990's! So while originally a tribute, the band grew into that "wilder" sound, especially when Nate joined the band in 1999.

Q. So, were you a trio early on?
A. Yes, but only for a short time. Then, we had two previous bass players (not at the same time): Matt Kesler, who was Phil's old bandmate from the rock years; Matt was more of a jazz player when he played with us, and he decided to pursue that after playing with us for over a year. Then he got rockin' again! Check out his cool band, The Doo-Dads!

Q. That's only one bass player.
A. That's not a question!

Q. Come on, you know what I mean.
A. Okay, okay. Our second bass player was Jeff Brown... he had been in Ike's band The Young Johnny Carson Story, back in the coffeehouse era. Then Jeff led a band called Daysleeper, which included Ike & Phil. Jeff played bass with us for a year; we knew it was a limited time because he had planned to attend film school starting in 1999. That's what he did, all right. Luckily we met Nate! (Read our individual bios if you want to see how that all came together.)

Q. Who is the wildest Wilder?
A. You never know; any of us have been, and any of us could be, at any time!

Q. Isn't that a little vague?
A. What do you mean?

Q. imaginary interviewer sighs, shakes head, and fades away...
A. Where'd everybody go?

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Note to actual, existing, interested interviewers: We promise to answer your questions honestly and with as little sarcasm as possible! So call us: contact info for interviews, etc. on our Media Page. Thanks!

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