WANDA

"They’ve only been playing shows for a couple of months, but WANDA has already defined itself as one of Athens’ most fun acts to see live. Anchoring their sound in surf guitar, upbeat drums and lush female harmonies, the group gives off the aura of a beach-side dance party that could only exist in a daydream. The latter detail comes from front woman Avery Draut’s decision to incorporate drum machines, synths and plunderphonic textures – a large factor in WANDA’s refreshing approach to surf-pop.

The only recorded material they’ve got is a demo on their Bandcamp. And while it does the new group’s sound justice, it doesn’t capture the bright energy that Draut and crew bring to the stage. With choreographed dancing and streamers abundant, the musicians performing seem to be having just as much fun as the crowd they inevitably entice to groove. It’s nothing short of a musical ray of sunshine.

Rumor has it there is a recent addition of John Fernandez to the mix, so these gals and guys will undoubtedly be making some serious moves in the near future. Currently, however, things are still being developed and there’s much to come from this new act, but the confident birth of it all is well worth seeing.

WANDA hits the stage at Little Kings Shuffle Club on Saturday, June 27 as a part of AthFest. Be there at 11pm to catch the magic."

-Jonny Williams (WUOG 90.5fm, Team Clermont) - Team Clermont

"...Fifteen minutes or so after their set, Grand Vapids singer and guitarist McKendrick Bearden ran across town and loaded his gear into Little Kings for a set with Ruby the RabbitFoot. He was sweaty and wild-eyed as he burst into the club and bolted for the stage, but as soon as he began playing, his face changed. This is the work ethic of a true musician and a lover of his instrument. It was a pleasure getting to watch him play again with Ruby, whose sarcastic charm and quirky Southern indie pop songs flooded the venue with unabashed excitement. Ruby’s band members are some of the go-to session and live musicians in Athens and Atlanta, and Avery Draut, singer and songwriter for the Athens-based indie surf outfit WANDA, accompanied Ruby on vocals..." - The Blue Indian

"WANDA’s sound is refreshing and whimsical. The Athens’ band has been described as 'a beach-side dance party that could only exist in a daydream.'

Classiccitytoday.com had the opportunity to talk to lead singer Avery Draut and guitarist Evan Tyor about their backgrounds in music, their ideal celebrity bffs, and their dreams for WANDA’s future.

Question: Can you tell me a little bit about your music background? What led you to music and how did you start a band?

Avery Draut: Music was a very central part of my childhood. My parents have very vibrant and different tastes in music, which is a dream! I remember car trips when I was a kid by the albums we listened to on the drive, or different ages or years of my life the same way. I had so many mornings as a kid waking up to the opening notes of Pet Sounds coming from the living room, courtesy of my (very early rising) dad..." - Classic City Today

'“[E]ven though they've only got one song available, it's worth pointing you toward,' writes Gordon Lamb in the upcoming Threats & Promises. 'They've been playing a lot of shows, and it just feels like this next year is gonna be theirs if they want it.”' - Flagpole Magazine

"Local pop group Wanda has been on the lips of many folks lately, and even though they've only got one song available, it's worth pointing you toward. They've been playing a lot of shows, and it just feels like this next year is gonna be theirs if they want it. Composed of Avery Draut, Evan Tyor, Grafton Tanner and Andy Mines, the band’s one track is named “Lipstick Lady.” It's a punchy little tune about, I dunno, a lady doing different sorts of things, and it eventually kind of disintegrates into a hazy slowdown toward the end. Give it a listen at wandawanda.bandcamp.com, and follow along via this chunky monkey of a URL at facebook.com/wwaannddaa." - Flagpole Magazine