The Last Wildflowers - Isaac McClung

Isaac McClung has released a new album this month, The Last Wildflowers. McClung has been working on this album for the last 3 years. Recorded at Castle Row Studios in Del City, it was engineered, produced and mixed by Luke Tallon and mastered by Adam Chamberlain.

The players on the album include:
Lead guitar, Pedal Steel, Synth, and piano done by Kyle Reid.
Bass guitar by Nick Gedra
Drums by Walton McMurry
Harmonies on “The Last Wildflowers” by Ken Pomeroy
Harmonies on “Maybe the Road” and “My Last Pack” done by Chloe-Beth Campbell
Acoustic and lead vocals and all songs written Isaac McClung
Cover art done by Austin Gibbs

It’s a distinguished collection of heartfelt music that keeps your toes tapping, fully engaged and wanting more. McClung’s honey smooth voice shines through the layered and diverse instrumentals, making the whole album remarkable. It’s a great singer-songwriter album full of storytelling lyrics laced with metaphors and vulnerability, making it both easily relatable and genuine.

The sounds range from whimsical and light, like the song Shadowboxer, to soft and ethereal like The Wildflowers, to much deeper and darker on I am Shame . There’s a song about corruption with Bloody Money, songs about love like Just Her, and a song about chasing the road on Maybe the Road. It’s a fantastic mix of soul, folk, a touch of country, a bit of funk, some poetry, a hint of the hippie sounds of the 70’s, and so much more rolled all into one. It’s an excellent collection of 9 songs which highlight both McClung’s skillful songwriting abilities as well as his vocal talents.

Mental Media did a great video of McClung performing the song Bloody Money which you can check out here.

”I’ve been playing music most of my life. I grew up in a pretty musical family with my dad being a worship pastor for the first half of my life. I started on drums at 7 years old and didn’t pick up the guitar and start writing songs till I was 17, I’m almost 25 now,” said McClung about his musical journey.

McClung has been making his way through the Oklahoma music scene for a few years now, making his mark and gaining more attention as he goes. But he hasn’t always been roaming around Oklahoma.

“Something surprising about me would probably be that I’m an island boy. I was fortunate enough to spend my childhood growing up in Maui, Hawaii. I did a lot of surfing, hiking, and jumping off of waterfalls. It’s probably important to know I grew up in the country part of the island though, there are definitely tropical versions of redneck,” said McClung with a chuckle.

While this is McClung’s first full length album, it’s not the first music he has released.

“ I released my first EP “Fresh Flowers” two years ago but I already have my next album written. I’m influenced by some of the greats like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, but some of my more modern influences include Gregory Alan Isakov, David Ramirez, Benjamin Tod, and Noah Gundersen.”

The Last Wildflowers definitely falls into those influences, and easily fits on the same shelf with them.

“I think one of the most interesting things I’ve learned about myself is I can always figure out a way to make things work. As many artists do, I struggle with a lot of self doubt and even though I feel like giving up a lot of the time I won’t let myself. I’m a little more resilient then I let myself think. I’ve also learned the importance of gratitude. My pride always wants me to believe that I’ve done everything myself but I couldn’t have done anything I’ve done the last few years with out some wonderful, talented friends who believe in me,” he said.

“What I would like people to know about me, is that I hope for anyone that comes across my music that I can offer just a moment of peace or comfort like so many artists have done for me. As far as my plans for the future, I want to stay grateful and true to myself. I want to keep writing from a place of vulnerability and keep playing my music for as long as I can,” said McClung.

The Last Wildflowers can be found on Spotifiy and other streaming services. Go check it out now, you won’t be disappointed. This young man is just beginning his musical career and will most definitely be someone to pay attention to.

You can find out more information about McClung by following his social media accounts.