Release – In 2014, The Walters wrote and self-released their very first song – a harmony-driven tale of heartbreak called “I Love You So.”
Fueled by the song’s initial streaming success, the Chicago-based band soon progressed from playing house parties around the Windy City to touring across the country. After a particularly exhausting tour in 2017, The Walters more or less disbanded, and decided to take an indefinite hiatus.
In 2021, the band reunited, and began planning their return to the world of music.
Simultaneously, “I Love You So,” was exploding on TikTok, eventually reaching platinum status, and climbing the Top 40 Radio charts. The Walters soon landed a deal with Warner Records and completed their EP, Try Again. “I Love You So” now has billions of views on TikTok and one billion streams on Spotify alone.
Now, The Walters – comprised of lead vocalist Luke Olson, lead guitarist Walter Kosner, bassist Danny Wells, and drummer Charlie Ekhaus – have released their newest single, “By The Water,” and its accompanying official music video.
“The song is about me buying a house by the water and feeling like I’m on the right path,” said Olson, who wrote the lyrics.
“It’s also saying that no matter how much we try to control things, we never really can so it’s better to let go. The water is a symbol for letting go and being fluid. And the video shows how important water is to our lives. Water is freedom”
To date, The Walters have released three EPs: Songs for Dads (2014) featuring “I Love You So,” Young Men (2015) and Try Again (2022).
The band has performed at Lollapalooza and on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and has crisscrossed the country on tour. They have become known for their exhilarating live shows, often taking audiences by surprise. Catch them live on their Fall U.S. Tour – full dates below.
“When people come to see us for the first time, it’s usually not what they were expecting,” says Olson. “There’s way more of a rock-and-roll energy. I always try to make my performance very theatrical and leave everyone wondering what they just saw.”
Olson also says that “the best work is still to be done.”
Rarely does another chance materialize in the way it did for The Walters, and they aren’t taking it for granted. As the band continues to embark on their second act, their fans – for whom the Walters are endlessly grateful – will be watching (and listening) every step of the way.
Connect with The Walters here.
The Walters on Tour:
10/26 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
11/3 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
11/5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
11/7 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
11/8 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulips
11/9 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
11/10 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
11/12 – El Paso, TX – The Lowbrow Palace
11/13 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole
