Wendy Darling are a young San Francisco-based indie outfit fronted by female vocalist and occasional mutli-instrumentalist, Cori Rush, a raw, stunning, 6’ tall talent with pipes to back up the look. Rush’s unique vocal stylings have been compared to the likes of Karen O, Kim Deal, Natalie Merchant, and Jenny Lewis just to name a few.
Formed in San Diego, this energetic band was originally visualized as an acoustic singer-songwriter duo of Rush and Nate Heller (guitar, vocals). They had an instant musical chemistry, and as they developed their sound, they realized the music deserved fuller arrangements. Cue high school buddies Jon Freeman (bass, synth) and Hector Verdugo (drums, piano), who’ve added playful melodies and that soulful indie sound.
2008 was the break out year for Wendy Darling, playing to packed venues throughout California, inking a record deal with Surfrock International in Japan, and reaching the top 50 on the international charts after the release of its debut album, “Half-Told Bedtime Stories…” which has received rave reviews, solid airplay, and loads of media coverage.
Wendy Darling has continued to fine-tune its style, incorporating more complex instrumentation (including banjo, glockenspiel, samplers and accordion), but have focused on keeping Rush's sultry, honey-dripped vocals the essence of the band. The resulting live shows are a blend of indie rock and folk, with touches of electronica and vintage psychedelic that delivers an exclusive style with catchy hooks. There is sincerity, innocence, and just the right amount of zest in the music that comes out of Wendy Darling. The band loves to share its music, and after listening to a track or two, you’ll most assuredly want to do the same.
“There are a few good indications that a band is on the move towards super-stardom. For instance, having a large, loyal fanbase, as well as a random stalker…Beyond that its amazingly talented and have been featured on FM 94.9 and FM 91X and nominated for “Best Pop Rock” group at the San Diego Music Awards in 2008…these Darlings consistently perform sincere, wholesome shows for fans and even the occasional stalker.”
-Lauren Ventura, The Daily Aztec (SDSU)
"The sound of Half-Told Bedtime Stories may sooth you to sleep, while its lyrics might keep you up at night, which makes it a bit of a lovely paradox." - Dan MacIntosh, AudioXposure.com
"Wendy Darling is that one fork in an endless sea of sporks – they’re the type of band that serves up a hearty, bluesy, harmonious, spectacle that will kick your ears.Pretty good for a band that met on Craigslist." - Nathan Solis, SmashedChair.com
".the 10 songs on 'Half-Told Bedtime Stories' grow more fetching with each new airing.there is an undeniable charm to Wendy Darling's music."
-George Varga, San Diego Union Tribune
