Today we’d like to introduce you to The Wanderings.
Hi The , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What started as just another co-write quickly became something more. A duet that felt bigger than either of us. The next night, we played our song live at The Bluebird Café. The moment our voices met, something clicked. It was electric, effortless. That night, The Wanderings were born.
The name felt right because it wasn’t just about where we are now, but all the roads that led us here. We both tried to take the “right” path. Caitlin, a Pepperdine grad on her way to law school, and Ryan, an engineering major who was valedictorian in high school. We did everything we were supposed to… until we didn’t.
Somewhere along the way, we realized music wasn’t just a passion. It was a calling. We’ve wandered through different places, different lives, and different versions of ourselves until we finally found the one that felt like home. Through our songs, we invite others to do the same. To carve their own path, embrace the uncertainty, and find beauty in the journey.
Now, we’re taking the road less traveled. Our sound is cinematic folk that lives somewhere between The Civil Wars and The Lumineers, blending Ryan’s rugged, rock-leaning grit with Caitlin’s clear, ethereal vocals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a fun kind of bumpy! We were both solo artists before forming The Wanderings, so one of the biggest adjustments was learning how to sing harmonies with each other and basically retrain our ears. Then came learning how to make decisions as a team. When you’re used to calling all the shots yourself, suddenly having to collaborate on everything from songwriting to show outfits is a whole new dynamic. A mentor told us early on to treat it like any other relationship. It takes work, patience, and a lot of communication.
That said, there’s been just as much serendipity as there has been learning curves. We came up with our duo name in under five minutes, and every song we’ve written has just flowed and has been so much fun to create. And what’s also nice about having a partner now is where one of us falls short, the other steps up, and together it feels like we make a complete person. After years of doing it alone and wearing every hat that artists now have to, it’s pretty amazing to have a true teammate.
We’ve also been really fortunate to cross paths with mentors and people who’ve believed in what we’re building. Looking back on the last nine months (the late-night rehearsals, the writing sessions, the shows, the record) It’s been a lot of work, but the kind that fills you up instead of burns you out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We’re The Wanderings, a cinematic folk duo based in Nashville. Our music blends our two perspectives and opposite-sounding voices into one story. We love drawing inspiration from artists like The Civil Wars and The Lumineers.
Caitlin’s journey began early when she earned a Golden Ticket on American Idol at just 15 years old, and more recently joined The Voice Season 24, taking the very last spot on Team Reba. As a child, Ryan learned to play guitar from a Beatles songbook and has since become an incredibly skilled songwriter and producer. His rugged, soulful tone complements Caitlin’s angelic and ethereal voice, creating something both powerful and intimate.
What sets us apart is that there really isn’t another male-female duo like us in today’s industry. Since The Civil Wars’ breakup, there’s been a gap, and we’re stepping into that space with a fresh sound. Our record was recorded the old-school way, live in the same room with all the musicians, and our vocals sung together at the same time. In today’s world of digital perfection and AI, capturing that real, human feeling was so important to us. Our producer made it a point to keep things organic, barely tuning our vocals, so every moment feels alive and true.
Our songs invite listeners to come wander with us (pun intended), to get lost in the story, and maybe even find themselves along the way.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Oh- this question was made for me.
Favorite book for creatives- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
I love James Clear’s 3, 2, 1 emails that come out every Thursday.
I also love the app Substack. I have my own page and use it as a blog, but I love reading what other writers have to say as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caitlinquisenberry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingsmusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Wanderings/61579845680749/#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWanderingsMusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewanderingsmusic
