- Desert Island Cloud The Walters: From Indie-Pop Sensations to TikTok Phenomenon

In the whimsical realm of indie-pop, a true phenomenon emerged in 2014 – none other than The Walters. Their self-released smash hit “I Love You So” propelled the Chicago-bred five-piece into the spotlight, gaining them a massive following through their heartfelt songwriting and harmony-driven sound. As their fame spread globally, and after thrilling crowds with their electrifying performances across the country, The Walters embarked on an indefinite hiatus in 2017, leaving fans longing for their return. They bid farewell with a spectacular set at Lollapalooza 2017, a bittersweet memory etched in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to witness it.

Just as they were plotting their triumphant comeback, fate intervened, thrusting The Walters back into the pop zeitgeist in 2021. “I Love You So” found new life and exploded on TikTok, becoming a viral sensation that has since amassed a staggering 10 billion global views on the platform. The unexpected resurgence led to the track achieving platinum status and climbing the charts at Top 40 radio. To add to their remarkable success, the song surpassed an impressive 850 million streams on Spotify (and the numbers continue to soar week after week) and reached the coveted #1 spot in over seven countries on the Viral 50 chart.

The sheer impact of “I Love You So” caught the attention of Warner Records, leading to The Walters signing with the major label. Their debut offering under Warner Records is the exquisite six-track EP titled “Try Again.” This release serves as a testament to the immense talent of lead vocalist Luke Olson, lead guitarist Walter Kosner, bassist Danny Wells, and drummer Charles Ekhaus. The EP showcases the band’s newly honed songcraft while retaining their endearing homespun charm.

Produced by Ekhaus and infused with elements of surf-pop, classic 70’s sounds, and ingeniously inventive alt-rock, “Try Again” draws inspiration from timeless artists like The Beach Boys, Elliot Smith, and Neil Young. Through this EP, The Walters expertly preserve the carefree intimacy that has made them utterly magnetic to their devoted fans.

With their home now in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, The Walters are eagerly gearing up for their debut full-length album, poised to deliver on the undeniable promise they exude as a formidable musical and creative force. As they continue to enchant audiences with their soul-stirring melodies and captivating performances, it’s evident that The Walters are destined for an even greater journey that will leave an indelible mark on the world of music. The anticipation for their forthcoming album reaches a fever pitch, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in this whimsical and enchanting tale.