If you know Willi Carlisle, you know he doesn’t just write songs — he builds worlds. And with his brand-new record Winged Victory, out now via Signature Sounds, he’s built his most fearless world yet.
In Willi’s own words, this album nearly broke him — but what came out the other side is a collection of songs that refuses to pander, sugarcoat, or play nice for the music industry machine.
The Album: No Compromises, All Heart
Winged Victory is Willi’s first fully self-produced effort in a long while. Every sound, every choice, every shout-from-the-heart moment? That’s on him. And he’s not shying away from it. As he puts it, “Everything you hear is my fault or my idea. Scary!” But don’t let that worry you — this is Willi at his most unfiltered, and it’s a joy to hear.
The record jumps from a hard-hitting Union anthem straight into the hilariously titled “Big Butt Billy” and beyond, offering what Willi promises is “a lot more fun than Critterland.” With help from his small but mighty team (big shoutout to Curtis Clogston, Whit Stone, Sam Seifert, Ellie Newman, and the folks at Signature Sounds), he’s delivered an album that’s as raw and real as it gets — and somehow, it’s picking up steam.
You can check out reviews of Winged Victory at Americana Highways and Slant Magazine.
On the Road Again
If you want to catch this magic live, you’re in luck. Willi is back in the van, crisscrossing the map. Tomorrow (June 28), he’s at Blue Ox in Wisconsin, and then he heads north for a run of Canadian folk festivals all through July.
See Willi Carlisle’s Full List Of Tour Dates Here.
Bonus: Tune In!
Willi’s story behind Winged Victory is getting national attention. He’ll be on NPR’s Weekend Edition tomorrow chatting with Steve Inskeep — a full-circle moment for a kid who grew up listening to that very voice on the radio. Set your alarms, folks.
Why This Matters to CMNB Readers
Here at CMNB, we’ve long been champions of artists who tell it like it is, and Winged Victory is exactly that kind of record. If you’re tired of the over-polished, industry-polished sheen on too much modern music, Willi’s latest is your remedy. It’s scrappy. It’s honest. It’s country, folk, punk — and 100% Willi.