After four decades of wild wigs, intergalactic grooves, and Love Shack singalongs, The B-52s’ Cindy Wilson has finally gone solo—sort of. “It’s not really a solo thing,” she says, laughing. “I’ve got a great band, we wrote together, and it’s very art-oriented.” Wilson is hitting the road with her own music, stepping into a sound that veers far from the B-52s’ cosmic party-rock. “I wanted to stretch my singing style, be more modern, and put on a visually immersive show.”
The result? A mix of electronic, shoegaze, psych-pop, and yes, as she keeps hashtagging, Turbo Chills. “That came from a silly morning show we did—they said it, we laughed, and now it’s a thing!” Fans expecting another Rock Lobster might be in for a surprise, but Wilson is making sure there’s still some kick. “We’ve been adding more rockers into the set, but I love the slow stuff too—Sunrise is really special to me.”
Her two EPs, Supernatural and Sunrise, are leading up to a full album in November—one that will include even more songs we haven’t heard yet. “We’ve been writing for three years, and we’re keeping the content rolling. That’s just the modern way.” Wilson describes the album as a fluid, organic experience. “It flows like a river—it never stops, it’s a ride.”
And while her solo run is taking off, she’s still making time for The B-52s, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary in style. “It’s gonna be a three-year thing,” she says. “We’re freshening up the setlist, adding unexpected hits and deep cuts—it’s gonna be amazing.”
For a band that’s always embraced the unexpected, it’s no shock that Wilson’s new material refuses to sit still. She’s calling it arty, she’s calling it immersive, but mostly, she’s calling it fun. “We’re putting a lot of effort into the show—the visuals, the sounds, the sequencing. It’s meant to feel like an experience, not just a concert.”
That mindset has carried into how they’re approaching the album, too. “We actually spent a lot of time on how the songs flow together. I love that, sequencing is so important. It tells a story, even if it’s not a concept album.” For an artist who spent decades bouncing through wild surf-punk anthems, there’s a newfound sense of control and intention in how she’s crafting her own music.
And if this wasn’t enough, the B-52s tour is only getting bigger. “We’re keeping it fresh, keeping it fun. And we’re playing some songs people haven’t heard live in years.” That means deep cuts, B-sides, and maybe a few surprises for longtime fans.
By the time they’re done, it might be time for a 50th-anniversary tour, but Wilson’s not slowing down anytime soon. “I’m just happy to be out here doing it. I love that these songs turned out so well, and I’m gonna get out there and do this thing.”
Listen to the interview above and then check out the album teaser below.
