Country artist Wyatt Flores sings song “Milwaukee” at Summerfest
Wyatt Flores talks about “Milwaukee” after playing it at Summerfest
There is an interesting story behind the writing of the song.
When Wyatt Flores performed his song “Milwaukee” in Milwaukee on the opening day of Summerfest, it was a story of redemption.
In June of last year, Flores performed at The Rave as the opening act for Charley Crockett, about seven months before the single’s official release.
Flores wasn’t ready to perform the song live, he said, but his manager at the time encouraged him to try. Only Flores and his keyboard player dared to try.
“I didn’t even know the words,” Flores said. “I completely messed it up… I remember trying to play it and just thinking, ‘This is going downhill. This isn’t working the way it’s supposed to.'”
The way the song arrived on the city’s lakefront on Thursday night couldn’t have been more opposite.
“Milwaukee” has been on the market for about five months now. Flores was accompanied by his entire band. And the lyrics? They were perfect – and so was the audience.
“I hope it becomes Milwaukee’s anthem,” he told the Journal Sentinel after the show. The way the crowd sang it? It’s well on its way there.
Besides, Flores had a lot of fun with it this time.
Before the show, he tweeted: “Part of me thinks it would be the weirdest thing ever not to play in Milwaukee against Milwaukee tomorrow 😂😂.”
Before he played it, he acted like his set was over.
“I knew it was going to be a lot of fun, but it was even more fun to tell the crowd we were done and then see them all start screaming,” he said, laughing. “And then launching right into the song. That was definitely the highlight of the whole setlist. And man, to see their faces just light up, that meant the world to me.”
After the show, he shared a clip of the performance on X, saying, “I didn’t choose violence @Summerfest that was so much fun thanks for coming Milwaukee ❤️.”
Here’s an insight into how the song “Milwaukee” came about and what it’s about:
How Wyatt Flores’ song “Milwaukee” came about
“I wasn’t supposed to be part of this writing,” Flores said. “But my buddy invited me and I ended up writing it with two other guys.”
One of those guys was singer/songwriter Graham Barham.
“When we sat down, Graham Barham immediately said, ‘Somewhere in Milwaukee the concrete is covered in snow.’ And that’s how the whole song started. So kudos to Graham for just saying that off the top of his head.”
Fun fact: Barham will be playing at the Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander on July 14.
What Wyatt Flores’ song “Milwaukee” is about
“Really, the whole song is just about being in love with someone but not being able to fully commit to it – and being afraid to do so,” Flores said. “And just regretting the decision to not fully take the next step. And watching it all fall apart right in front of your eyes.”
What Wyatt Flores likes about Milwaukee
The people.
“They are super nice to us every time we come here – and they are loud as hell,” Flores said.
The “beer here” that “has something to do with a cow”.
We got you! Spotted cow.
“The spotted cow is really good stuff,” he said.
And third, a diner a few blocks from The Rave, which he went to with the whole band on his last visit to town. He said he “absolutely” loved it and wanted to go back. Maybe Miss Katie’s Diner?
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Other song reviews (June 26, 2024): Remble, Teezo Touchdown & THEY.
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