Wren + Wilde is a Minnesota folk band led by singer-songwriter Hilary Yoder. Anchored by Yoder’s honest storytelling and heartland soul, the band’s signature “smoke folk” sound blends lush harmonies with a gritty flavor of Americana. Their raw and resonant songs draw from the rich traditions of American folk music and smolder with equal parts fire and feeling.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Hilary and Corey Yoder, Wren + Wilde grew out of nearly twenty years of musical partnership. After years of performing and releasing music as The Passerine, the duo stepped away from the industry to raise a family. In 2023, established in the rhythms of family life, they returned to music with renewed creative energy. Drawn to a fuller sound, they expanded their project into a full band, inviting vocalist Bethany Olivares, guitarist André DeSautel and bassist Mitch Jones to help bring new depth and energy to Hilary’s reflective songwriting. Whether appearing as the full band, an acoustic duo or in Hilary’s solo format, Wren + Wilde brings a singular warmth, connection, and honest storytelling to every performance.
Influenced by artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Civil Wars and Emmylou Harris, Wren + Wilde honors the traditions of American roots music while creating something distinctly their own. Their debut album, Serial Dreamers, expands their folk roots into a rich blend of Southern gothic textures, vintage country, and early rock, delivering a collection of songs that explore love, loss, resilience, and the bittersweet hope that keeps us believing despite life’s uncertainties.
Since forming, Wren + Wilde has quickly become a rising voice in the Midwest Americana scene. Their music, praised for “gorgeously delivered harmonies and deeply felt artistic expression” (songwriter Emmy Woods) has been featured by Adventures in Americana’s North Country Sessions and About That Song, while their debut single “Chasing Time” has received regional radio support from the likes of likes of Radio Heartland (MPR/KNOW), Womenfolk Radio (KFAI, PRX and more) and The Homegrown Show (BOB-FM/KLCI).
Beyond the stage, the band believes deeply in the power of music to create connection, foster empathy, and bring people together. Wren + Wilde is proud to support causes close to their hearts, including headlining Hastings Hootenanny — an annual festival raising funds for public school music programs — and performing at the Minnesota State Fair’s NAMI Mental Health Awareness Stage in support of mental health advocacy.
At its core, Wren + Wilde makes music for the chronic believers — Honest Americana that finds beauty and hope in an imperfect world.