Doug and Telisha Williams, partners in love and music, have spent the last 20 years building their careers as the Nashville-based, country-folk band Wild Ponies. They’ve released five albums, hosted the long-running Wild Ponies Happy Hour radio show on WSM, led 10 annual distillery tour Trail Rides for fans and friends, and garnered devoted musical audiences all over the world. Their live shows, which have often totaled into the hundreds per year, are notoriously personal. Whether it’s Doug and Telisha with their acoustic guitar and upright bass, respectively, or a full rock ‘n’ roll outfit with drums and electric guitar, everyone is welcome at a Wild Ponies show and in their community.
Over the last decade though, Doug and Telisha have also built the life they’ve always wanted — one they’re wildly proud of and ready to share with the world. Their new album, Dreamers, is the result of all of living, loving, and dreaming. These 11 songs explore what exists beyond the traditional nuclear family and detail the joys and heartbreaks they’ve experienced as part of a queer, polyamorous family undergoing fertility treatments and becoming foster parents in the state of Tennessee. Telisha responded to our questions about songwriting, touring, and advocating for a better music industry.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Our influences are varied. From Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson to The Beatles and Jane’s Addiction.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
Patty Griffin’s “Trapeze.” Ugh, I can’t begin to make it through that song without welling up with emotion. Songs should make you feel something. Connect to something deep within and shake it loose. “Trapeze” definitely does that.
Explain the title of your album Dreamers.
Dreamers is named for the food truck business that we started in 2020, when our music career was placed on an indefinite pause. We threw out the prompt “Dreamers” to a bunch of artist friends and did a big reveal of various creative responses to that prompt at a monthly Patreon Zoom meeting. The title track was the song that came out of that process, and it’s come to be somewhat of an anthem for all those who dare to dream. No matter how big or small.
Does your album have an overarching theme?
This album is extraordinarily personal. It’s about our family. Our queer polyamorous triad, living in the state of TN doing their best to raise a family and continue to make art. Through foster care and fertility issues, we fought to create this beautiful family that we have, and this is a “record” of that.Tell us about the first song you wrote.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
We never limit the process. However the song wants to come, we’ll take it. We often write songs together, and it works a little like a tennis (or pickleball) match. I’ll come up with a theme/title/idea and spew some emotions. Doug will craft those into lines that rhyme. I’ll wrap a melody around those lines. Doug will work chords around that melody. We’ll lob it back and forth until it feels like a song. Adding harmonies, cutting lyrics, etc.
How do you kill the long hours in the van?
That depends on whether we’re traveling with the kiddos or not. We’re not above a full van sing-a-long to pass the miles. If it’s the full band that we’re traveling with, we’ll play a game called Make It Sadder. We pass the phone around and try to cue up the saddest songs. We’re usually only good for a few rounds, before you need a cleansing pop round.
What do you think you could do to make your music or shows more accessible to a more diverse audience?
It is a thing that we’ve struggled with. As two white artists playing mainly acoustic instruments in folk venues, we aren’t often exposed to diverse artists. We seek out opportunities to collaborate with diverse artists and play festivals that host more diverse audiences.
What is your vision for a more just music industry?
We need to set goals for representation and follow through. I remember that the Americana Music Association UK worked to increase their female representation in festival bookings several years ago and met their goal years ahead of expectations. Setting goals and having a plan is a big step in the right direction.
How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?
Our current record is our first “out” record. Let’s just say that we’re embracing the rainbow and the freedom to live out loud. It feels amazing.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
COME TO THE SHOWS!!! Also, our Patreon community is amazing. We enjoy sharing creative moments with our Patreon supporters. Each month, we host a Zoom Happy Hour, a Creativity Workshop, and a Fly on the Wall rehearsal. It’s a beautiful community.
Dreamers is available now on all streaming platforms.
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