Texas blues powerhouse Carolyn Wonderland is set to release her highly anticipated new album, Truth Is, on May 16 via Alligator Records. Known for her soulful voice, electrifying guitar skills, and fearless songwriting, Wonderland delivers an album packed with raw emotion, searing musicianship, and unfiltered truth. Available on CD, maroon vinyl LP, and all major streaming services, Truth Is captures Wonderland at her most compelling.
A Bold and Uncompromising Musical Statement
Produced by legendary guitarist and songwriter Dave Alvin, Truth Is features a collection of songs that speak with honesty, heart, and conviction. Alvin, who also co-wrote four of the tracks and plays on three, helped shape the album’s sound by pushing Wonderland to new artistic heights. “I’ve never had my ass handed to me so thoughtfully in the studio,” Wonderland admits. “Dave took the arrangements and put on his ‘Mad Rearranger’ hat to get to the heart of the songs. He’s an incredible storyteller and one of the best guitar bashers I’ve ever met.”
Lead Single Sooner Or Later Out Now
The album’s first single, Sooner Or Later, is now available on all streaming platforms. The song’s haunting lap steel melodies and introspective lyrics explore themes of change, redemption, and the search for connection. Wonderland describes the track’s origins: “Sometimes a melody just creeps out of the instrument. The slight melancholy of the lonesome lap steel led me to the lyrics. Can we change when we find we are wrong? Can we make peace with the ghosts of our pasts? I guess we’ll find out sooner or later.”
A Deeply Personal and Powerful Album
With Truth Is, Wonderland reflects on the world around her with piercing honesty and unwavering conviction. Her signature blend of blues, rock, and roots music is matched by lyrics that confront life’s hard truths while still holding onto hope. “There’s always hope and we’re still here for each other, but at some point, you have to sing about the elephant in the room,” she explains.
The album features Wonderland’s longtime rhythm section—bassist Naj Conklin and drummer Giovanni “Nooch” Carnuccio—as well as an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Alligator labelmate Marcia Ball, Shelley King, Ruthie Foster, Cindy Cashdollar, Red Young, Bukka Allen, Kevin Lance, Henri Herbert, and Stuart Sullivan. Recorded and mixed at Wire Recording in Austin, Texas, Truth Is showcases Wonderland’s dynamic guitar playing, heartfelt storytelling, and undeniable vocal prowess.
A Career Built on Passion and Grit
Wonderland has spent her entire career forging her own path in the blues world. She has performed with legends such as Townes Van Zandt, Levon Helm, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Dylan, and John Mayall, becoming the first female guitarist to join the iconic Blues Breakers. Her 2021 Alligator Records debut, Tempting Fate, brought her international recognition, with Premier Guitar calling her “a Texas legend… a rising global star.” The album earned Wonderland both Best Blues Artist and Best Guitarist at the Austin Music Awards and secured her a place in the Austin Music Hall of Fame.
As Wonderland prepares to release Truth Is, she continues to prove why she is one of the most powerful voices in roots music today. With a fearless approach to storytelling and a musical style that blends blues tradition with fiery innovation, she delivers an album that speaks directly to the soul.
Truth Is arrives on May 16. Fans can stream Sooner Or Later now and pre-order the album on CD, vinyl, or digital formats. For more information, visit www.carolynwonderland.com.
