Cassie Wieland, the composer and multi-instrumentalist known as Vines, is charting a course through familiar territory with a twist. Following the release of her acclaimed debut album, I’ll be here, last year, and subsequent singles including a holiday offering, Wieland is set to release Covers I, an EP showcasing her unique interpretations of well-known songs. The project, due out May 15, offers a glimpse into the artist’s evolving sound and her willingness to reimagine established works. This collection of covers isn’t simply tribute; it’s a re-contextualization, filtered through the distinctly atmospheric lens that has become a hallmark of Vines’ music.
Wieland’s approach to songwriting has been described as “faintly glowing choral ambient,” a quality that stems, in part, from her careful study of artists like Sufjan Stevens and Frank Ocean. Her selection of songs for Covers I – including Stevens’ “Fourth of July” and Ocean’s “White Ferrari” – speaks to this influence. These tracks, both emotionally resonant and sonically expansive, provide a foundation for Wieland to build upon, layering her signature textures and arrangements. The EP also includes a playful collaboration with Wheatus, revisiting their 2000 hit “Teenage Dirtbag” with the original band members. This isn’t the first time a contemporary artist has revisited the song; Phoebe Bridgers released her own version in 2020, as Pitchfork reported at the time.
A Fleetwood Mac Reimagining with Helado Negro
Perhaps the most anticipated track from Covers I is Wieland’s take on Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs,” featuring a collaboration with Helado Negro, the project of Roberto Carlos Lange. The song, originally penned by Stevie Nicks and featured on the band’s iconic 1977 album Rumours, is a complex exploration of heartbreak and resentment. Wieland doesn’t attempt to replicate the original’s energy; instead, she transforms it into something entirely her own.
The collaboration with Lange is particularly intriguing, casting Wieland in the role of Nicks and Lange as Lindsey Buckingham. The result, as many listeners have noted, leans heavily into the Vines aesthetic, prioritizing atmosphere and texture over direct imitation. It’s a bold move, and one that highlights Wieland’s confidence in her artistic vision. A clip of the song released today showcases this transformation, inviting listeners to experience “Silver Springs” anew. You can almost imagine Wieland, as one observer playfully suggested, delivering a pointed gaze to Lange during the recording process – a nod to the famously fraught dynamic between Nicks and Buckingham.
Helado Negro, whose real name is Roberto Carlos Lange, is a musician known for his own atmospheric and emotionally resonant work. He has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Here’s My Letdown (2019) and Sunflower Seed (2021). Lange’s contributions to “Silver Springs” add another layer of depth and complexity to the track, complementing Wieland’s vision without overshadowing it. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and belonging, aligning with the emotional core of the Fleetwood Mac classic.
From Debut to Diverse Projects
Wieland’s journey to Covers I began with the release of I’ll be here in 2023. The album, praised for its introspective lyrics and ethereal soundscapes, established her as a rising force in the independent music scene. Following its release, she continued to experiment with her sound, releasing the single “Nothing Bad Can Happen” and a rendition of the Christmas carol “Arrive Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” demonstrating her versatility and willingness to explore different musical avenues. These projects served as stepping stones to Covers I, allowing her to hone her skills and refine her artistic voice.
The tracklist for Covers I reveals a thoughtful curation of songs that resonate with Wieland’s artistic sensibilities:
- “Fourth Of July” (Sufjan Stevens)
- “Teenage Dirtbag” (Wheatus feat. Wheatus)
- “White Ferrari” (Frank Ocean)
- “Silver Springs” (Fleetwood Mac feat. Helado Negro)
Pre-orders for Covers I are now available via Bandcamp. The EP is scheduled for release on May 15th, promising a captivating collection of reimagined classics and a further exploration of the sonic world crafted by Vines.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate further developments from both Vines and Helado Negro. Lange is currently on tour supporting his latest album, while Wieland is expected to continue exploring new musical territories following the release of Covers I. The EP serves as a compelling bridge between her established sound and potential future directions, solidifying her position as a uniquely talented and innovative artist.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming covers? Share your excitement in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word!
