Wastelander Shares His Groundbreaking Album, “What is Left of Me”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
When it comes to music discovery, I’m always searching for artists or bands that create songs that people can connect with. As a writer, I have been in the industry for a long time, and there isn’t a better rush then listening to an artist or collective that gives you goosebumps. The feeling of being heard and hearing your thoughts from someone else can’t be explained. It’s a high that I always set out to find. However, with the oversaturation of the music industry, it gets harder and harder to find these genuine acts that are pushing music in a progressive direction. Everyone cares more about image and virality. Although this stands to be true, there is a new artist that I believe has the “IT” factor. His name is Wastelander.
Born Cooper Formant, Wastelander is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, & instrumentalist from Portland, Maine. From a young age you could tell he was a burgeoning star. With roots that trace back to his start in community theatre, Formant immersed himself in the arts, and he also explored jazz & composition through his formal education. Known as somewhat of a traveler, Formant then went on to play in bands. He was a member of a band named The Fluids. Although he is still quite young, he has the musical background to be great. That is why his solo project Wastelander is so captivating. He is stepping out on his own and reveling in his own identity and artistry. Now, he debuts on our pages with his debut album “What is Left of Me”.
“What is Left of Me” is a daring album carried by 12 exceptional songs. Over the course of the project, Wastelander takes us on a sonic journey where he reflects on romance, self-doubt, & compassion. Ultimately, the project is a therapeutic journey of self-acceptance. When it comes to albums, I am always looking for cohesive bodies of work that create an innovative soundscape that can be considered timeless. His album is just that. In a time where everyone and everything sounds the same, Wastelander delivers a refreshing project that is beautiful & unconventional. What stands out to me about the album is the supporting cast. Cooper really allowed this project to be a collaborative effort by teaming up with bassist & co-producer Paul Defiglia. For those that are new to Defiglia, he is known for his work with The Avett Brothers & Langhorne Slim. Drawing upon a deep bench of Nashville talent, including musicians Erin Rae, Jo Schornikow (Phosphorescent), Spencer Cullum Jr. (Coin Collection, Miranda Lambert), Larissa Maestro (Hozier, Allison Russell), and Dom Billet (Courtney Marie Andrews, Andrew Combs), Wastelander's “What is Left of Me “stands as a testament to Cooper's creative ingenuity in pursuing his vision.
My favorite songs from the album were “Get it Right”, “Get Older”, & “Natural Light”. “Get It Right” is a dreamy record laced with lush melodies, engaging percussion, and his main vocal is captivating. The song gently opens you up for what is to come, and I think it was the perfect introduction. The single feels like a sunny summer day on the lake. It’s warm, and it captures so many emotions. “Get Older” is an introspective song with a darker feel. I loved the pacing, instrumentation, and overall arrangement on this one. The song is relatable, and the tones are so engaging. “Natural Light” is my personal favorite. There is a calmness to the song, and I loved the guitars. “Natural Light” is airy & intimate. It is a timeless track that I can’t stop playing. Overall, this is one of the best albums I have heard this year. Wastelander is a star, and he has my attention. So, stream the album below and vibe out!
