Bennett Woolsey Dives Into Nostalgic Reality In “Chevy Chase”
Photo by Rachel Weber
Everyone has that one storage room filled with childhood memorabilia that they avoid like the plague, not wanting to be reminded of how things have changed. Bennett Woolsey doesn’t just walk into that room with his latest single “Chevy Chase;” he faces every cobwebbed memory and dusts it off. “Chevy Chase” finds its home in the bittersweet weight of looking back, where the comfort of cherished memories is constantly interrupted by the reality of the present and the anxiety of the future.
Hailing from Texas, singer-songwriter Bennett Woolsey draws deep inspiration from his upbringing to develop a distinctive sound that blends heartfelt songwriting with rich, melodic influences. After first exploring his talents with the band Brookside, Woolsey has now been honing his introspective storytelling, lifting those hard-to-feel emotions to the surface instead of shoving them down further. Now, living between Nashville and Los Angeles and currently on tour with fellow rising artist Maryjo, a clear welcome sign shines brightly for him for discoveries, both internal and external. With “Chevy Chase” as the second single from Woolsey’s upcoming EP, this acceptance of life’s new experiences, while also inviting understanding for the past, threads itself through this new track.
Grounded, husky vocals immediately sink you into a song that wears its heart on its sleeve. There’s a gentle musicality in the verses, with feather-light acoustic strums, wispy cymbal taps and a heavy bass drum laying a steady foundation before the cathartic, yet smooth chorus arrives. The subtle power of the electric guitar surges forward to coat over the acoustic, while Woolsey’s vocals lean into the gravel before effortlessly dipping up into falsettos.
There’s a wistful, conflicting reminiscence that weaves its way through the song, perfectly encapsulated in the lyrics, “Holding on to better days / Jingle bells and Chevy Chase / Don’t wake me up until we make it home.” It leaves that sour taste of nostalgia on your tongue after singing along — the longing that settles in your stomach for the innocence of your childhood. It’s about reaching for the pure memories of your youth while adulthood keeps pulling you the other way.
“Chevy Chase” paints vivid images of a cracked picture frame holding a family photo, serving as a stinging reflection on growing up. The organic strength of the instrumentals and raw openness of Woolsey’s voice create an enveloping atmosphere of wading through the hazy linkage between the past and present, childhood and adulthood. The track holds this familiar feeling that’s been coating this generation lately, whether it’s rooted in our personal lives or shaped by the state of the world, creating a widespread empathy that’s both healing for the artist and listener.
With his down-to-earth, folk-like storytelling and infectiously intimate musicality, Bennett Woolsey allows you to melt into your memories while still stabilizing you in reality, no matter how emotionally provoking it may be. It’s a complicated process, reflecting on your growing up while learning to accept it, but Woolsey does so with a grace that encourages you to do the same. With “Chevy Chase” and through writing about memory, family and the harshness of nostalgia, Bennett Woolsey is creating his own musical collage of life, with his forthcoming EP sure to add to his work of art.
Listen to "Chevy Chase" below:
