EXCLUSIVE Song Introduction: Robert Taira Wilson - Ana

The effortlessly cool Robert Taira Wilson is back once again to continue his string of unfathomably slick single releases. Last time, Robert gifted us with the ephemeral ‘Blackbird’. Mere months later, Robert now comes bearing an ode to ill-considered life events and unrequited loves with the beautiful ‘Ana’. 

There is absolutely no doubting that among the many arts he has taken to, his wordsmithery has emerged seemingly boundless. There are certainly a few of my favourite lines that Robert has ever written present on ’Ana’ as it rings full of nuance, innuendo, charm, and passion. With lines such as “My animal core/ wants more my dear/ the wreckage of the night/ my souvenir”, we see Robert’s talent for making the carnal and base sound graceful and subtle. “I touch your shoulder/ I couldn’t be bolder/ those familiar regrets/ when the night is over” rings out in tandem of dark and murky chords, summoning moments of brilliant confidence and hope, and uneasy, throat-blocking tension and melancholy. By the time ‘Ana’ reaches its apex, Wilson proves not only that the treasure trove of the English language is still deep and rich, but that it is safe in the hands of artists of his calibre.

Musically, ’Ana’ comes fully charged with all the tricks-of-the-trade that a finger-style master such as Robert has to hand. Lavish chomping chords lead the listener by the ear as Robert’s glossy vocals sweep through the air. As we reach further down this rabbit hole, glittering harmonics loom in the background like stars on a bedroom wall. Robert is every bit a folk guitarist, but if you don’t know by now, he has never been satisfied with simply strumming a few cowboy chords. Intricately detailed notes and lusciously voiced chords guild ‘Ana’, allowing Robert to elevate this pretty little ditty to the Nth degree. As the song reaches its finale, Roberts strings burst ablaze for one last charge as if the man himself is setting fire to this love letter to never be read again.

If there’s any justice in the world, over time, the chorus itself may even prove to be a lighter-and-chant-worthy moment at shows and festivals. Hell, we might even see a genuinely talented artist and musician reach the charts and make a name for themselves. Come what may, we will see him get there on the strength of painfully beautiful songs such as ‘Ana’.