Wild Belle: Chicago's Psychedelic Pop & Reggae Fusion

Wild Belle is an American musical duo known for blending psychedelic pop, reggae, and soul with a distinctly vintage aesthetic. The Chicago-born sibling pair, Natalie and Elliot Bergman, gained significant attention with their 2013 debut album "Isles," which charted on the Billboard 200 and established their sun-drenched, melancholic sound.

Early career

Wild Belle formed in 2011, uniting the creative talents of singer-songwriter Natalie Bergman and her multi-instrumentalist brother Elliot. Elliot, a veteran of the eclectic band NOMO, had already built a reputation in the Ann Arbor and Chicago music scenes. The siblings' collaborative project began in earnest, leading to their first single "Keep You," which quickly generated online buzz and label interest.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of their debut album "Isles" on Columbia Records. The lead single Keep You became a staple on alternative radio and was featured in numerous television shows and commercials, propelling the album to number 89 on the Billboard 200 chart. This major-label debut solidified their place as a unique new voice in indie pop.

Key tracks

Keep You — This breakout single introduced their signature sound, combining a hypnotic reggae bassline with Natalie's smoky, yearning vocals.

It's Too Late — A standout track from "Isles" that showcases their knack for crafting catchy, melancholic pop melodies with sophisticated horn arrangements.

Giving Up On You — This single from their sophomore album "Dreamland" marked a shift towards a sharper, more synth-driven 80s pop production style.

Mockingbird — A later track that exemplifies their evolution, blending electronic elements with soulful delivery and introspective lyrics.

Following "Isles," Wild Belle released their second album "Dreamland" in 2016, which embraced a more polished, synth-pop direction. They have performed at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza and have seen their music licensed by major brands, expanding their reach beyond traditional album sales. The duo has also collaborated with artists like Major Lazer, contributing vocals to the track "Be Together."

Fans of Wild Belle's tropical-tinged indie pop might also enjoy the stylings of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros for their communal, vintage-inspired folk rock. The smooth, soulful pop of Fitz and The Tantrums shares a similar retro-modern sensibility. For another sibling-led act with eclectic influences, explore The White Stripes and their raw, blues-infused garage rock. The dreamy, textured soundscapes of Beach House also resonate with Wild Belle's atmospheric side.

Wild Belle's music maintains a steady presence on modern rock and adult alternative radio stations, as well as on various online radio streams dedicated to indie and alternative music. Their catchy, genre-blending singles are perfect for curated playlists on independent music radio stations seeking a sophisticated yet accessible sound.

Listeners can discover the eclectic discography of Wild Belle, from their reggae-infused beginnings to their synth-pop evolution, on the variety of radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their key tracks and deeper cuts featured across our network of stations.