The Wranglers
Leeds-based country originals band The Wranglers have been hot on the scene recently, and nothing can stop them from reaching new heights! This powerhouse is made up of Milly Ballington on vocals, Leo Hicks on vocals and acoustic guitar, Tom Houghton on lap steel and electric guitar, Tom Saysell on electric guitar, Dylan Wilson on bass and Sian Keates on drums – and what a band these extremely talented musicians have come together to create.
What’s Your Background In Music?
Milly and Leo, who front the band, have had a close and wholesome relationship with music since they were young.
Milly started off reluctant when it came to playing music, since she came from a family of musicians. Her love for music started to take shape when she picked up a ukulele and grew invested in the sounds of Dodie and Bruno Mars, she then graduated onto guitar and eventually taught herself how to play piano. Despite her interest in popular music of that time, her first love – musical theatre – always held a special place in her heart.
“My original true love was musical theatre, I think I always had a flair for the dramatic” Milly stated whilst reminiscing on some happy moments from her time performing alongside her sister and parents at the age of 8. Her musical journey didn’t stop there, as she later found herself at Leeds Conservatoire beginning her career as a country artist… and The Wranglers was born!
“In a desperate attempt to get a band together for a tight deadline in my second year, I ended up taking Leo on board. He used to play songs like ‘Need You Now’ by Lady A and ‘Bad Moon Rising’ by Creedence, but I don’t think he ever thought he’d end up joining and leading a full blown country band!”
Milly Ballington – The Wranglers vocalist.
Leo used to watch his Dad, Grandad and Uncle perform in a family band, so his love for music also began at an early age. “His grandad bought him his first guitar, and the rest was history.” After teaching himself how to play, a teenage Leo took to the stages in his hometown of Knaresborough and performed in between causing mischief with his friends. One of the biggest highlights of his early career is being in the pit for his school performance of ‘School Of Rock’ where he could let his passion soar in the spotlight it deserved. A few years later, he also found himself at Leeds Conservatoire.
What started off as a last-minute project, turned into a band full of friendship and relentlessly good music! This level of brilliant collaboration isn’t taken for granted within The Wranglers either, as Milly stated that “I may have started The Wranglers, but it’s the friendship and the dedication of both me and Leo that made this band what it really is – I absolutely can’t do it without him”.
Leo Hicks – The Wranglers acoustic guitarist and vocalist.
What Is Your Biggest Achievement So Far?
The Wranglers have taken many steps towards success since the start of their journey as a band, this includes the release of their debut single ‘Rewind’ with its official music video being released on Monday 4th August and their previous performances at The Wardrobe in Leeds and Lil’ Nashville in London. Their live performances are full of energy and encapsulate everything it means to be a country band, taking every audience member on an enchanting journey.
Who Are Your Biggest Inspirations In Music?
The Wranglers enjoy the classics as well as more modern artists, and it’s a mixture such as this that makes the band’s dynamic work so well!
Milly’s biggest influence is Bruce Springsteen, claiming what she loves most about him is his ability to make his songwriting so personal and yet so relatable at the same time; “one of the greatest moments of my life was seeing Bruce at his concert in the Co-op arena, I may have cried through 2 songs that day”. She admires how he puts 100% into everything, his attention to detail and how he can perform for four hours straight whilst still making sure everything is to the best standard.
“His life story is inspiring and a lot of it reflects my own personal experiences, so he holds a really special place in my heart.”
Although Leo also loves Bruce Springsteen, his biggest inspiration is Sam Fender. Originally recommended to him by his father, Leo has loved Sam Fender since seeing him at the 02 in Leeds. “Leo thought “hell yeah this guy is cool!” and loved all the instrumentation and lyrical content” which then grew into him becoming a mega-fan, and has since been to “an insane amount” of his concerts!
“For the reasons given above – a Sam Fender and Bruce Springsteen collaboration would probably send me and Leo directly to heaven.”
Recommend Me An Album/Single/Soundtrack
Of course, The Wranglers recommended specific projects from their biggest influences Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender:
Milly recommends ‘Springsteen On Broadway’, mentioning how it changed her life and got her into Springsteen in the beginning! This is an enlightening and project featuring acoustic versions of his songs, with stories in between about his life, the people he loves, and his difficult relationship with his father. It speaks to Milly on a personal level; “it’s really inspiring to anyone who has a tough life and a burning dream.”
Leo recommends ‘Seventeen Going Under (Deluxe)’ as it was there for him throughout good times and turbulent times of his life. Sam Fender has a brilliant way of turning unspoken emotions into music, touching the hearts of anyone who listens. “It was a good moment when he got to play Fender through his record player in his own uni flat, looking out over Leeds and feeling older, wiser and happier.”
What’s Next?
After the success of their debut single ‘Rewind’, The Wranglers are desperate to get started on their second single – they claim it’s already written, and now they are eager to find a studio that can bring their sonic image to life! In the meantime, the ‘Rewind’ official music video is being released on Monday 4th August, and I can’t wait!
For anybody who hasn’t been blessed by a live performance from The Wranglers yet, they are excited to announce their next gig is at Crank Studios in Leeds on the 16th August! And that’s not all, as this followed many performances further into the year including The Den in Harrogate on the 23rd August and Santiago’s in Leeds on the 13th September.
On top of this, die-hard fans of The Wranglers are anticipating their upcoming festival announcement, and there will be more information about this on their social media in weeks to come. For more information about their upcoming gigs, visit The Wranglers website below.
How Can We Find You?
The Wranglers can be found on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, streaming platforms such as Spotify and Youtube, can be contacted via email and more information can be found on their website.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewranglersband/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewranglersmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FIEfdrG51A9uOP1z9SaFp
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWranglersBand
Website: https://www.thewranglersband.com/
Email: contact@thewranglersband.com
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