Wardel Perspective on Don't Look Back
I am WARDEL, a country music artist and songwriter. My journey into music began during my time in the military, where I discovered my passion for storytelling through song. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from R&B to country music because it allows me to express my experiences and emotions in a more authentic way. My music is deeply personal, often inspired by real-life moments, whether it's heartbreak, self-reflection, or love. Through my songs, I aim to connect with listeners on a deeper level, sharing stories that resonate with their own lives.
My background plays a significant role in shaping *Don't Look Back*. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges—constantly moving around, dealing with abandonment issues, and learning to adapt to different environments. These experiences taught me about the pain of letting go and moving forward, which directly influences the message of the song.
*Don't Look Back* was inspired by a close friend's tough breakup, but my personal history with loss and resilience allowed me to capture the raw emotions behind the story. The song reflects that feeling of finality when love is gone, a theme that resonates with my own experiences of needing to move on, despite the heartache. Just like in my own life, it’s about accepting that some things are beyond repair and finding the strength to keep going forward.
Over the past three years, my sound and style have evolved significantly, especially as I transitioned into country music. Initially, I came from an R&B background, but I started writing country songs for sync opportunities, and it felt natural. I realized that country music allowed me to tell stories more authentically and connect with my own experiences on a deeper level.
In the last few years, I’ve embraced the simplicity and emotional depth of country music while blending it with my unique influences from R&B. My writing has become more raw and personal, focusing on themes like love, heartbreak, and self-reflection. Songs like Don't Look Back and Harley reflect this shift, capturing both the vulnerability and strength in moments of emotional clarity. The evolution has been about stripping back the excess and focusing on storytelling that feels true to me.
Overall, my sound has become more authentic and grounded, allowing me to be more vulnerable in my music while staying connected to my roots.
I’d describe my own music as **authentic, emotional, and story-driven**. It blends the heart and soul of country with a touch of my R&B roots, creating a sound that’s both familiar and unique. My songs dive deep into personal experiences—whether it’s love, heartbreak, or moments of self-reflection. Each lyric is crafted to tell a story that feels real, drawing listeners into the emotions behind it.
My voice carries a rawness that complements the themes I explore, from vulnerability to resilience. I aim to make my music something people can connect with on a deeper level, whether they’ve been through similar experiences or just feel the emotion in the song. It’s about capturing those moments of clarity, regret, hope, and redemption, and delivering them in a way that resonates with anyone who listens.
If I had to pick three words for my fanbase to describe me, they would be **authentic, resilient, and relatable**. I strive to be real with my music and my story, showing both the highs and lows. I want people to see the strength in getting through tough times and connect with the emotions and experiences that shape my songs.
When people listen to my music, I want them to feel **connected and understood**. Whether it’s a song about heartbreak, self-reflection, or love, I want listeners to feel like they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through. I hope my music brings out real emotions and makes people feel something deep—whether it’s comfort in knowing someone else has been through it, or just the catharsis of letting those feelings out.
I also want my songs to inspire **hope and resilience**. Life can be tough, but through my music, I want to remind people that even in the hardest moments, there’s always a way to push through and find clarity. At the end of the day, I want my music to leave people feeling like they’ve been on a journey, and that there’s light at the end of it.
The strangest place I ever discovered a new song was at the gym. I had just finished my workout and was waiting for my girlfriend to finish hers. We had a disagreement before heading to the gym, so we were taking some space from each other. In that quiet moment, with emotions still fresh, the idea for *The Hard Part* came to me. It’s funny how inspiration can hit in the most unexpected places, but being in that moment of tension and reflection sparked the lyrics and melody. Sometimes, creativity shows up when you least expect it.
The main reason driving me to make music is to **connect with people through shared experiences and emotions**, and I believe God gave me the gift to do that. It’s His purpose for me to use my music to tell stories that resonate deeply, whether it’s about love, heartbreak, or personal growth. Music is a powerful way to reach people, to help them feel understood, and to let them know they’re not alone in what they’re going through. I’m driven by the belief that I’m meant to use this gift to create something real, meaningful, and lasting, offering comfort, hope, and connection to those who listen.
I don’t practice in the traditional sense. Most of my practice happens while I’m recording. I’ve always been more of a non-practice kind of person, and I’ve accepted that non-perfection is okay. What matters most to me is authenticity, not perfection. Over time, I’ve realized that capturing the real, raw emotion in the moment is far more important than getting every note flawless. It’s about making sure the feeling comes through in the music, and that’s what resonates with people.
I plan on being a game-changer within country music by bringing a fresh perspective that blends authenticity with the diverse influences from my background. Coming from R&B and my military experience, I’ve learned to tell stories that are both deeply personal and relatable, but I deliver them in a way that’s unique to me. I’m not afraid to explore vulnerability, real-life struggles, and emotions that sometimes go unspoken in country music.
One way I aim to change the game is by embracing new technologies like NFTs and creating more interactive experiences with fans. I want to involve my audience in the creative process, allowing them to feel like a part of the journey, from songwriting to sharing in the success of the music. By doing that, I’m pushing the boundaries of how fans and artists connect, making my music and career a shared experience. It’s all about creating something real and lasting while staying innovative.
The most significant lesson I’ve learned as an artist is the importance of **authenticity**. In the beginning, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit into a certain mold or meet other people’s expectations, whether it’s in the industry or from fans. But I realized that the moments where I was most true to myself and my experiences were the ones that connected most with others.
Being authentic means embracing vulnerability, telling real stories, and trusting that my voice and perspective are enough. It’s not about chasing perfection or following trends—it’s about creating music that resonates because it’s genuine. That lesson has shaped everything I do, from songwriting to performing, and it’s made all the difference in my career.
The moment I decided to become an artist/performer wasn’t a single defining event, but more of a gradual realization that built over time. While I was serving in the military, I found myself turning to music as a way to process my experiences and emotions. It gave me a sense of purpose outside of the intense demands of my job. But the true shift happened when I started getting recognition for my music in Germany and had opportunities to open for major US acts.
The tipping point was when I was invited to participate in *The Voice* in Germany, and later for *The Voice* in the US. While I didn’t actually appear due to military obligations and contract terms, the experience made me realize that music wasn’t just a hobby—it was my calling. From that moment, I knew I had to commit fully to this path, and I’ve been driven to create and perform ever since.
In my music, I explore themes that reflect deep, personal emotions and life experiences. One of the central themes is **love and heartbreak**, often capturing the raw emotions that come with relationships—whether it’s the pain of a breakup, as in *Don’t Look Back*, or the introspection after a heated argument, like in *Harley*.
I also dive into themes of **self-reflection and personal growth**, focusing on moments of clarity when you’re forced to confront your own mistakes or shortcomings. My songs often touch on **resilience** and the journey of moving forward, even when life throws challenges your way, something I’ve experienced both in my personal life and my military background.
There’s also an element of **vulnerability** in my music, where I openly share my struggles with feelings of abandonment and the pressures of proving myself. Finally, I often explore **hope and redemption**, capturing the belief that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a chance for healing, understanding, and finding your way back to what matters most.
My overarching goal as an artist is to **leave a lasting impact through authentic storytelling** that resonates with people on a deep emotional level. I want to create music that not only connects with listeners in the moment but also stands the test of time—songs that people can come back to when they need comfort, clarity, or inspiration. Ultimately, I want to build a legacy where my music helps others navigate their own journeys and reminds them that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. It’s about making a meaningful difference through the power of music, and using the gift I’ve been given to fulfill that purpose.
If I could go on tour with any artist, it would be **Luke Combs**. Not only is he one of my biggest inspirations, but his ability to tell stories through his music is something I deeply connect with. Luke has a way of capturing raw emotions and experiences in his songs, which is exactly what I strive for in my own music. His authenticity, grounded presence, and the way he connects with fans are qualities I admire.
Touring with him would not only be an incredible learning experience but also a great fit musically. I feel that our styles complement each other, and sharing the stage with someone who is so dedicated to keeping things real would be a dream come true.
Intel analysis and linguistic abilities, have played a big role in shaping my music-making process. The military taught me discipline, focus, and the importance of structure, which I apply when it comes to songwriting and recording. It’s helped me stay organized and efficient, especially when managing multiple projects or deadlines. I approach music with a sense of mission, making sure I’m always moving forward and getting the job done, even when the creative process gets challenging.
My linguistic abilities also influence how I write songs. Being able to speak multiple languages has given me a deeper understanding of communication and the nuances of expression. It’s helped me craft lyrics in a way that captures subtle emotions and tells a story with layers of meaning. In both cases, my other passions have allowed me to approach music with a unique perspective, balancing creativity with structure and emotion with clarity.
Being an artist can definitely make life feel lonely at times. I think many of us are often misunderstood, whether it’s because of the emotional depth we explore or the unconventional paths we take. There are moments where it feels like people don’t quite get what you’re going through or what you’re trying to express.
But I’ve learned to be okay with that. I’ve found ways to counter the loneliness by surrounding myself with people who truly support me—like my fiancée, Jannet, and my close team. They remind me that I’m not alone, even when the path feels tough. Plus, music itself is a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level, and that connection with listeners helps ease the feeling of isolation.
My scariest experience while pursuing music was when I made the decision to leave the military and fully commit to my music career. That transition was terrifying because it meant leaving behind the stability and security of a solid career for the uncertainty of chasing a dream. There were moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I was making the right choice, especially after facing setbacks, like dealing with health issues and being unsure of how things would play out.
It was scary to start from scratch—crashing on couches, navigating the music industry, and betting everything on my passion. But even though it was one of the toughest moments, it was also one of the most defining. It taught me resilience and reinforced my belief in myself, even when things weren’t easy.
I’d describe Luke Combs' music as **raw, relatable, and unapologetically real**. His songs have this incredible way of tapping into everyday experiences—whether it’s love, heartbreak, or just living life. His sound is classic country but with a modern twist that appeals to a wide range of listeners. You can feel the emotion in every lyric, and he doesn’t shy away from being vulnerable, which makes his music so impactful.
Luke’s voice has a powerful, gritty quality that pulls you in, and his storytelling makes you feel like you’ve lived through the moments he’s singing about. Whether it's a high-energy anthem or a slow ballad, his music feels like it’s coming straight from the heart.
One of my earliest memories of listening to music is when I was asleep in the backseat of a car, with songs playing in the background. I don't remember how old I was, but I slept through a number of tracks until a Michael Jackson song came on. As soon as I heard it, I woke up and started singing along. Even then, the energy and magic of his music had a way of instantly grabbing my attention. That moment is etched in my mind, and it was probably one of the first times I realized how powerful music could be.
If I could alter the music industry in any way, I would change the way artists are valued, focusing more on **authenticity and long-term support** rather than chasing quick hits or trends. Too often, the industry prioritizes what’s marketable or trending in the short term, which can push artists to compromise their true voice just to fit in. I’d like to see more emphasis on supporting artists who are telling real stories, giving them the time and space to develop their craft without the constant pressure of instant success.
I’d also change the way artists are compensated. With so many new technologies available, there’s an opportunity to give artists more control over their work, whether it’s through ownership of their masters, royalties, or fan engagement via platforms like NFTs. I want artists to feel empowered, valued for their creativity, and supported in a way that helps them build sustainable, long-term careers.
