New wave legend Cindy Wilson looks to make a 'change'

Cindy Wilson, of new-wave band The B-52s, is releasing her first full-length studio album and touring the United States while singing her own psychedelic, emotion-packed, electropop tunes.

“I am balls-to-the-wall excited about this album,” Wilson says of her upcoming Change out Nov. 17.

Wilson and her band performed at Syracuse’s Funk 'n Waffles, the sweet and savory waffle café-turned-music club that has become Armory Square's live music hot spot.

“Syracuse was so much fun,” Wilson said. “Everyone was really supportive about this album coming out.”

As the doors opened at 9:30 p.m., The B-52s and live music fans alike piled in as indie pop/rock band opening act New Myths — who has been touring nationwide with Wilson — warmed up for a sound-check. Sipping their wine and munching on their waffles, concertgoers chatted amongst each other, curious to see Wilson hit the stage without her usual bandmates.

Change, a three-and-a-half-year work in progress, will be released in full in November, but fans can hear Wilson’s technologic and upbeat sounds on her two singles out now: "No One Can Tell You" and "Mystic."

“It’s been so much fun watching this all finally come together,” she said of her long-awaited album.

Currently, Wilson and her band are on a cross-country United States tour promoting Change, while riding in style in a big, blue van — courtesy of Wilson’s father.

“Being on tour is like the good old days,” she said, “We’ve just been having a great time, traveling, performing, and getting the word around.”

Wilson is now joined by her new band members: Suny Lyons, Ryan Monahan, Lemuel Hayes, and Marie Davon. Together, their sound is electrifying and catchy; a guaranteed head-bobber.

“I'd even say it’s orgasmic and mysterious sounding,” she said with a laugh.

The B-52s fans can expect the same passion and spunk from lead-singer Wilson, but her new music comes with a different sort of tone this time around.

“Oh, The B-52s will take you on a journey,” she laughs. “There are still some similarities with the new music.”

Her favorite track on the new album? “On The Inside."

Although Wilson established a name for herself with The B-52s, she believes her new album will bring excitement, along with a wider audience.

“Oh, I hope to tickle their [millennials] interests and imaginations,” she said.

As The B-52s celebrate its 40^th anniversary this year, Wilson is now ready for some change.

“I’ve lived a long life,” she laughs. “I’m very excited and ready for something new.”

At Funk ‘n Waffles, Syracuse radio station host and long-time fan Mike Adams waited excitedly for Wilson to take the stage.

“I’ve been a B-52s fan since high school,” Adams said. “This is my first experience seeing Cindy on her own, and I’m not sure what to expect but I am very excited.”

Wilson is thrilled that the loyal fans of The B-52s have shown her support and encouragement throughout her latest project.

“I’m blowing kisses to you all,” she says to The B-52s fans. “Listen to the new album. You’ll be happy and surprised, definitely.”

Along with releasing her music digitally for purchase, Wilson plans to release a hot pink vinyl edition of Change, noting how important her brother’s record collection is to her. 

As she sips coffee in the big, blue van on her way to Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory for another performance, Wilson gushes — so much so, that you can practically see her smiling through the phone — that she can't wait to take the stage in Brooklyn and have the crowd hear her new single “Brother.”