Wild Rivers is a Canadian indie folk band hailing from Toronto, Ontario, known for their rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating melodies. The band, originally formed at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, consists of Devan Glover on vocals, Khalid Yassein on vocals and guitar, and Andrew Oliver on guitar and synths. What began as a musical partnership between Glover and Yassein has evolved into a dynamic band that has made a significant impact on the indie folk scene.
Devan Glover and Khalid Yassein first crossed paths in 2012 at Queen’s University, where they quickly discovered a shared passion for music. Their collaboration led to the formation of a duo that would eventually lay the foundation for Wild Rivers. In January 2013, they entered Oak Recording Studio in downtown Toronto to record their first EP, which included the tracks “No Ribbons,” “Sea To Sky,” and “Paul Simon.” The latter song would later be reimagined for their debut album, highlighting the band’s ability to revisit and refine their work.
The duo’s early work, characterized by its introspective lyrics and acoustic sound, gained attention within the local music scene. Their debut EP, This Town, featured the lead single “No Ribbons,” which enjoyed national radio airplay and led to the pair being voted Toronto’s Best New Artist in the 2015 CBC Searchlight contest. This success marked a turning point for Glover and Yassein, motivating them to expand their musical ambitions.
As their following grew, Glover and Yassein added drummer Ben Labenski and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Oliver to the lineup, transforming the duo into a full-fledged band. Now based in Toronto, Wild Rivers released their self-titled debut album on April 16, 2016. The album was well-received, showcasing the band’s ability to blend folk, pop, and indie elements into a cohesive and engaging sound. Songs like “Paul Simon” and “Wandering Child” highlighted their lyrical depth and knack for crafting emotionally resonant music.
In 2018, Wild Rivers opened for Australian band The Paper Kites during their North American tour, further establishing their presence in the indie music scene. That same year, they released the EP Eighty-Eight, which continued to build their reputation for creating evocative, melodic music.
The band’s success continued to grow with the release of their second EP, Songs To Break Up To, in 2020 through Nettwerk Music Group. The EP featured the hit single “I Do,” which garnered significant streaming numbers and bolstered the band’s profile. Subsequent singles like “Pink Shades” and “Love Gone Wrong” demonstrated the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Wild Rivers reached new heights with their second studio album, Sidelines, released on February 4, 2022. The album solidified their status as a rising force in the indie folk genre, with singles like “Thinking ‘Bout Love” achieving Gold certification in Canada and Platinum in Australia. Their music’s growing popularity was further recognized with a Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2023.
In addition to their studio success, Wild Rivers has also made notable live performances, including opening for The Chicks on select dates of their 2023 World Tour. Their involvement in an all-star recording of Serena Ryder’s single “What I Wouldn’t Do” for a youth mental health campaign further showcased their commitment to using their platform for positive causes.
As of 2024, Wild Rivers continues to release new music, with singles like “Cave,” “Everywhere I Go,” and “Anyways, I Love You” adding to their growing discography. The band’s journey from university beginnings to international recognition is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the enduring appeal of their music.