When RCA Records dropped the Wind and The Wave following their debut 2014 album release From the Wreckage, Patty Lynn (Patricia Lynn Drew) developed some apprehensions. Thankfully, an A&R supporter’s sudden transition to another label precipitated fresh opportunities for Lynn and best friend-turned-musical counterpart, Dwight Baker.
“We lost our cheerleader within RCA, but once we got dropped we knew we had a cheerleader at another company,” Lynn says referring to Rani Hancock, now head of A&R at Island Records. “Things kind of fell apart, but then fell right back into place. [Island is] smaller, but with major power behind them being under Universal. We work closer with these people and don't fall through the cracks as much.”
“Once we got dropped, we knew we had a cheerleader at another company.”
Still, Lynn’s mild anxiety isn’t totally relieved. She still hopes fans (and ultimately Island) respond well to the upcoming release of sophomore record, Happiness is Not a Place.
“When you first sign with a label, you’re all best friends. Everyone’s excited. But what it really comes down to is business. And if it doesn't work out, it doesn’t work out,” she explains. “Island doesn’t really have anything musically in our lane––we’re different for them. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing—we’ll have to wait and see.”
So far, Lynn’s creative process continues thriving: “I'm really liking what the label has to offer art-wise. The Island people have a cooler, more indie vibe with their creative team. RCA did a lot of super corporate-looking things.”
And while Lynn enjoys sharpening the band’s onstage image and social media presence, certain sentiments remain starkly unchanged. “You have to make yourself happy first. The first record was easy––it was such a pure experience. After [gaining] fans and a label, you have all these other expectations. But the best you can do for your art is to stay true to yourself. You’re never going to make everyone happy, and if you try, you’re going to make a big pile of sh*t.”
Photo by Alexandra Valenti
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