Song Review: "My Whispers Are Wildfire" - Ida Mae
Wake up, world of rock! We have a new release from the magical, musical duo that knows how to strike chords just right…and heartstrings too: Ida Mae. On June 8th, “My Whispers Are Wildfire” was shown to the world as the first single off of the couple’s newest album “Thunder Above You”, set to be released later this year.
“My Whispers Are Wildfire”. Immediately after reading the title, something strikes curiosities within you. Maybe you’ll think of rumors, how word spreads, the news, etc. Nothing stays hidden for long these days. Not with how easy the collection of information is being made. From social media, to New York bestsellers, to children’s TV shows, the world is being overtaken with views, opinions and stories from all different perspectives and sources. It’s a whirlwind of words. Ida Mae sees that in today’s day and age, as they tour and travel. Throughout their time on the road, they describe the plethora of personalities and stories their ears have listened to.
“...travelling 46 states, hotel to motel, meeting a wild array of characters… found ourselves sharing coffee with prom queens living on the fringes… sharing stories about dead Kings with bartenders” (Ida Mae, from their recent Instagram post). With all those memories being made with all different people, coupled with the rise of social media and new platforms; and the successes of current platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, Ida Mae realizes how much misinformation, fake news, targeted and baited material is thrown at users each and every day. It’s the world we live in, the new age. Technology has a tighter grip on society than we realize. This blatant fact has become fuel for the duo, as the new song is just about that.
The song was recorded live, with the resounding instrumentals and vocals further proving it. It begins with an eclectic, unique beat, ringing high and clear as it leads the soft pound of the bassline into place. Chris Turpin of Ida Mae joins on the electric guitar, picking a quick riff before his partner in love and song’s strongly soft voice steps in. Stephanie Jean Ward’s lyrics describe a lover who is being worn down by the weights of today’s wild life. The explanation above becomes more and more brightly shown as she continues to sing to us. Descriptions that come from the stories she and Chris themselves have witnessed in pair with some that come from a more historical level; such as a reference to Shakespeare’s Macbeth (a story of political ambition and evil rulers) as well as Lady Jane Grey (who ruled as queen for a total of nine days) and Emperor Charlemagne (who ruled and restored three kingdoms and dynasties). The lyrics continue with metaphors pertaining to society, the way it runs, its toll on the minds of people. All while the steady beat and guitar sings along with its righteous tune of realization. It’s a song to make you think, make you pause. One with immense meaning that all who listen should consider how it applies to them… and how it applies to our kin. Don’t let a wave of popularity fool you just because it’s dressed as a fact. So stop worrying about the hottest new trend. Stop worrying about the tabloid headlines. Don’t let a wave of popularity fool you just because it’s dressed as a fact. That recent claim everyone’s talking about? Let that go for a moment. The world is much more than the latest rumor. Step back and see what stories really improve the world, improve instead of tearing it apart like a rabid animal. What stories make sense, and what stories are… well, true.
Ida Mae isn’t afraid to reveal a blatant truth in their music, and we thank them for it.
To turn an ear to Ida Mae’s newest single, click here.