The North Carolina-based band Wednesday has been making waves in the indie rock scene, often categorized as “Band Gothic Rock” due to their unique blend of heavy metal, country, and indie rock influences. Frontwoman Karly Hartzman’s deeply personal and immersive lyrics, coupled with the band’s dynamic sound, create a captivating experience for listeners. This article explores Hartzman’s archival impulse, a driving force behind her songwriting and her dedication to documenting Wednesday’s journey. This impulse to preserve memories shapes not only her lyrics but also her visual documentation of the band’s experiences.
Karly Hartzman’s artistic endeavors are fueled by a profound need to preserve memories. Triggered by the loss of a close friend in high school, this desire to document life’s fleeting moments permeates her creative process. From meticulously crafted home-video-style diaries to intricate fiber art, Hartzman is constantly “stitching together pieces of the past.” This archival impulse extends to her songwriting for Wednesday, where she weaves narratives that capture the essence of specific moments and experiences.
Since 2017, Hartzman has consistently uploaded monthly video diaries to YouTube, offering glimpses into Wednesday’s evolution. Initially personal vlogs, these videos have transformed into tour diaries and mini-documentaries, brimming with live performances, travel montages, and candid behind-the-scenes moments. For Hartzman, these videos serve as a tangible reminder of the band’s growth and the ephemeral nature of live performances. They allow her to revisit past tours, analyze the evolution of their songs, and appreciate the unique energy of each show.
Following Wednesday’s whirlwind 2023 summer tour, Hartzman found solace in reviewing these video diaries. Watching the footage allowed her to appreciate the band’s musical progression and to relive the intensity of each performance. “We improved so much as musicians by the end,” she reflects. “I’ve watched those videos recently just to remember that we fucking did that.” These recordings encapsulate the fleeting magic of live music, preserving moments that would otherwise be lost to time.
Hartzman’s dedication to archiving is further underscored by her mother’s ongoing project: a series of scrapbooks chronicling Wednesday’s journey since its inception. While Hartzman admits she’s not quite ready to delve into these visual records of the band’s history, she recognizes their future value. The scrapbooks, along with press coverage and fan-created content, contribute to a comprehensive archive of Wednesday’s trajectory.
Hartzman’s lyrical style transports listeners into vivid, immersive scenes. From the chaotic energy of a bullfight in “Bull Believer” to the mundane yet poignant setting of a Planet Fitness parking lot in “Bath County,” her storytelling draws the audience into her world. Her lyrics are rich with detail, evoking specific smells, sounds, and emotions that make the listener feel like an active participant in the narrative.
This deep immersion in the present moment fuels Hartzman’s desire to capture and preserve these experiences. “I get so attached to how things feel in the moment,” she explains. “I want to have a way to be immediately transported back anytime I want.” This longing for tangible connections to the past underscores the essence of “band gothic rock” – a genre that often explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Wednesday embodies this spirit through their music and Hartzman’s commitment to documenting their journey.
In conclusion, Karly Hartzman’s archival impulse is integral to Wednesday’s identity as a band gothic rock group. Her dedication to preserving memories shapes her songwriting, her visual documentation, and her overall artistic vision. Through her lyrics, videos, and archived materials, she creates a lasting legacy for Wednesday, ensuring that their unique sound and story will endure for years to come.
