Handsome and Gretyl Craft Whidbey Island Anthem, “What Makes You Happy”
A new song is capturing the spirit of Whidbey Island, Washington, with a feel-good anthem created by local musicians Brett and Gretyl Baird, known professionally as Handsome and Gretyl. The duo’s latest release, “What Makes You Happy,” is a melodic ode to the island’s natural beauty and simple pleasures.
A Love Letter to Whidbey Island
Through their signature blend of earthy-folk and pop music, Handsome and Gretyl have created a song that aims to transport listeners to the idyllic landscapes of Whidbey Island. The track’s whimsical tune and catchy beat reflect the island’s changing seasons and the joys found in everyday life.
The song, penned by Gretyl, draws inspiration from the classic “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, but is deeply rooted in the couple’s personal experiences on the island. According to Brett, the finished product is a “poetic list” of their favorite local experiences. The album artwork, featuring the iconic Ebey’s Landing in Coupeville, was created by Whidbey artist Timothy Haslet.
Island Life Inspires Creativity
Since relocating to Whidbey Island in 2017, Brett and Gretyl have fully embraced the outdoor lifestyle. They enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the diverse landscapes, from West Beach’s scenic views to the trails of Ebey’s Landing. However, Gretyl shared that their most cherished island tradition is celebrating Christmas. These experiences, along with sea-glass hunting, fishing, and visits to the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater, all find their way into the lyrics of “What Makes You Happy.”
A Musical Partnership
Handsome and Gretyl are a dynamic musical force. Brett handles a wide range of instrumental duties, playing piano, drums, bass, and guitar, in addition to managing the recording and mixing processes, and contributing background vocals and whistles. Gretyl focuses on songwriting and lead vocals, while also playing guitar, whistles, and producing background vocals.
“A singer, songwriter married to an audio engineer with a recording studio, to boot, equals a creative life,” Gretyl remarked, playfully acknowledging the contrasting roles within their partnership. “One of us is a dreamer and one of us is a realist. I’m not going to name names.”
Uplifting Music with a Purpose
The duo’s music consistently aims to inspire and uplift. Brett described their sound as “good-vibe, upbeat road-trip music.” Gretyl added, “We tend to write songs with some hoping and dreaming attached. If we can inspire someone to dream, create and put work into something they love that would be a good day for us.”
They intentionally infuse their music with a sense of joy, hoping to provide listeners with a grounding and hopeful experience, particularly during challenging times within the community.
Evolution of a Sound
The creative process for Handsome and Gretyl has evolved since the release of their debut extended play, “Hold On Tight Love,” in 2011. Now, raising three young boys – affectionately referred to as “three wild horses” in the new track – adds a new dimension of complexity to their work. Despite the added challenges, Gretyl’s songwriting creativity remains boundless.
“I think her voice memos outweigh the amount that we could probably actually handle,” Brett teased, highlighting his wife’s prolific output.
Upcoming Performances and Projects
Handsome and Gretyl continue to gain momentum, with several projects on the horizon. They are scheduled to perform “What Makes You Happy” for the first time in its entirety at their Christmas Concert in Anacortes on December 19. Furthermore, the media company “Working on Whidbey,” hosted by Nick Ricci, is producing a video feature around the new song for an upcoming episode. The couple expressed gratitude to the fellow artists who have supported them throughout their journey.
Handsome and Gretyl’s music is available on most streaming platforms. To learn more about the duo and their work, visit handsomeandgretyl.com.
