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Wyld Blu: The Road to Memphis

Hello Music Lovers, Friends and Fans: I’m living the American dream!“The love and need for music is infectious. The blues isn’t just about sad songs. That’s a misnomer. It’s about Life and Love. Happy, sad, good and bad .. I want my music to reach out to people, make their feet move and their hearts smile.” - Alana Wyld

I won the NYS Capital Region Blues Network’s Solo Blues Challenge. I now have the honor of representing the Northeastern region and competing in the 34th Annual International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis TN.

The IBC is the largest worldwide search for those Blues Acts ready to perform on the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The 2018 IBC will be held January 16-20th, with competitions held in a variety of Beale Street venues. (read more about IBC below)

The Backstory
I am the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter who fronts the NY-based blues band WYLD BLU. Although I’ve performed extensively with the full band and as an acoustic duo, before the CRBN Blues Challenge I had NEVER gone out solo. After I was accepted into the first round, my duo partner couldn’t make the date.

      Hmmm... What’s a girl to do? :)

After several panicked days, I realized I didn't want to back out. So I decided to go for it – SOLO. OMG. (And a HUGE shout out to my friends and supporters who egged me on – you KNOW who you are and I love you all!)  The day of the Challenge at Caffe Lena was literally my third time on stage solo, just me and my guitar. That day was a "challenge" for me in many aspects!


Dreaming With My Eyes Open

I love what I do. I have faith in my ability to take it all the way. But I need your help to bring all of this to life.

As a single mom, things are always tight. I work 2 jobs, moonlight as a bartender, aside from music, just to make ends meet is a daily struggle. No complaints, because I'm truly passionate and believe in what I do!

As any working musician can attest, this is a tough business. It takes perseverance, belief in yourself, sacrifice, and a whole lotta elbow grease.

And now with IBC not far off, well, it’s exciting for sure, but also overwhelming. Aside from heading to Memphis, I’ve been preparing for a debut album for 2018. Now, there’s an even bigger urgency to complete an EP and press package in time for distribution at the IBC in January.

Any donation in support of my musical journey would truly be a blessing.


The prospects that will be available at the IBC are a once in a lifetime opportunity to foster a successful future in music. As I’m quickly finding out, this amazing opportunity comes with an overwhelming amount of expenses. Your support will help me to cover the costs to promote and attend - airfare, transport of guitars & gear, lodging, promotional materials, general expenses, transportation, gofundme fees, etc.

As you all know, these competitions not only take talent and mental preparedness but a financial commitment as well. Winning Round #1 was my first challenge; Getting to Memphis is Round #2.

psst: for Round #3, at the IBC, I intend to kick some serious blues ass :)

Every dollar helps and will be truly heartfelt and appreciated...I am reaching out to everyone for your continued love and support!

Peace & Love, Alana Wyld

About the IBC
It is only fitting that the Home of the Blues is also home to the annual International Blues Challenge (IBC). For over 33 years, the Memphis-based Blues Foundation has hosted the IBC. (www.blues.org )

The challenge builds in communities around the world, where affiliate blues societies host regional competitions to crown their strongest talents. It’s these regional winners who are invited to compete in the IBC, making it the world’s largest gathering of blues musicians.

IBC attendees include national and international blues fans, blues society members, festival and music producers, managers, talent scouts, DJs, photographers and industry professionals.


The event began in 1984 to spotlight up-and-coming talent and strives to advance their musical careers by showcasing their talents and bestowing upon them awards that are recognized industry-wide.

The event also features youth showcases, women in blues showcase, workshops and fundraising efforts that supports music education for youth and schools.

The IBC is judged by industry professionals from across the world. The Blues Foundation has established a set of criteria by which all acts are evaluated throughout the five days of the IBC. Now, each year more than 250 acts from around the world gather on Beale Street in Memphis to compete for the International Blues Challenge Title.

The "Official" Wyld Bio
Alana Wyld serves up her blues with a generous side order of rhythm, heart and soul. Her menu is rich, reflecting a variety of influences from classic and Texas blues, boogie, R&B – even a splash of bluegrass and country flavors.

Whether performing solo or with her band Wyld Blu, Alana delivers a magnetic, high energy show. Funk-laced driving guitar combines with powerful vocals that transition from sweet, melodic and moving to outright grit and grind – forming a uniquely dynamic edge that defines Wyld’s compelling sound and soul.

Wyld Blu has been making a mark on the Northeastern music scene, capturing audiences attention with an ardent following. From conventional blues to a bigger and bolder rock sound with funk and R&B influences, Wyld’s uncompromising passion as a songwriter, musician, and performer is the heart and soul of the music.

“The beauty of the blues is that it extends itself into so many genres, and evokes powerful emotions in your listeners. My mission is to create music and melodies in a way that stirs and inspires audiences.”


Last year, her undeniable songwriting skills landed her two spots on the American Blues compilation album for Live Aid International based in Rome, Italy. A non-profit project, the proceeds support cultural music education for children in developing nations.

Wyld Blu’s debut album is set for release in Spring 2018. What can fans expect? “Flavors of Rock, Funk, R&B, Country, and a whole lotta Blues!”  What she calls blues tapestry - a Wyld musical tapestry.

Read more about Wyld Blu at www.WyldBlu.com

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Donations 

  • Joe Loverro
    • $50 
    • 6 yrs
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Wyld Blu
Organizer
Windham, NY

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