Anand Wilder, the Yeasayer co-founder, recently released new single “Appointment in Samarra,” the track is now available via via Last Gang Records /MNRK Music Group. “Appointment in Samarra,” is Wilder’s first solo release since a 2023 ambient album and the followup to his 2022 solo debut I Don’t Know My Words. The song uses an inevitable confrontation with death as a metaphor for music industry dynamics – “hanging on for dear life” amidst the trials and tribulations of being an artist in today’s landscape. The track is accompanied by kaleidoscopic music video directed by Jordan Fish (MGMT, Chairlift). Next month, Wilder will play two shows at Brooklyn’s Sultan Room Rooftop with Delicate Steve on June 25 and June 26.

Wilder on the new single: “This song started out as a harmonium and flute call and response jam with Walter Fancourt, and then I added Scotch tape and clinking glass sounds for the beat. Lyrics came from a series of text messages with my other producer, Jachary, who also laid down bass and Juno Synths. Kaleidoscopic delayed out baritone sax and ngoni by Walter on the double breakdown section. Title from ancient Mesopotamian tale recited by Boris Karloff as Byron Orlok in the Peter Bogdanovich film, Targets.”

On his 2022 solo debut I Don’t Know My Words, Wilder took the spiritual exercise of going solo seriously. Stripping his songcraft down to the studs, he recorded every note himself. Since then, he released the 2023 ambient album The Conductor and two tracks with Maia Friedman celebrating Last Gang Records 20th anniversary. He’s also kept busy touring throughout the US and performing DJ sets at the Crown Heights bar King Tai.

With “Samarra”, Wilder returns to the collaboration and the art rock experimentation he made his name with as a member of Yeasayer. He collaborated with Walter Fancourt, a guest saxophonist on Yeasayer’s Amen & Goodbye to help write and record, as well as lauded multi-instrumentalist Jachary to co-produce.

2025 Tour Dates

June 25/26 – Brooklyn, NY – The Sultan Room Rooftop (with Delicate Steve)

Order “Appointment in Samarra” by Anand Wilder HERE