This delicate live performance of ‘I Wish You Well’ by VanWyck is striking and disarmingly beautiful. The recording is taken from a recent virtual live show, streamed from Amsterdam to the British Library in London at the launch of a Dutch magazine. There’s a stark melancholy in the subtle, acoustic performance and in the direct language: “You’ve made your choices // You’re gonna see them through // So there’s nothing left for me to do // But to wish you well.” The depth of sad resignation and longing becomes really apparent towards the song’s close, when we hear: “That I will be waiting // I’ll always keep the light on // so you can find your way back home.”
Alongside the absorbing live performance, we’re also delighted to be able to share the brand new official video to accompany the song. This tender visual was recorded at Café Eik en Linde, Amsterdam.
Performing under her grandmother’s maiden name, VanWyck, Christine Oele will be familiar to AUK readers. Known for her well-crafted songs, intimate vocal delivery and engagingly personal lyrics, VanWyck draws the listener into her reflective world. ‘I Wish You Well’ is taken from recent album ‘God is in the Detour’, a collection of sparse, thought-provoking songs that was a product of the lockdown, while other planned recordings and performances were put on hold. This beautiful album is now available on vinyl here.
Now, as restrictions begin to ease, we can look out for some real, face-to-face shows from VanWyck in London this coming autumn. In the meantime, check these out – it’s spellbinding stuff.
