The 21-year-old German artist channels literary inspiration and sonic sophistication into a transformative anthem of self-discovery
Leander Machan is a young artist whose commitment to genuine craftsmanship and emotional resonance cuts through the noise of contemporary pop culture. The 21-year-old musician from Haan, near Düsseldorf, has delivered something truly remarkable with his latest single “Make You Wilde”, a track that seamlessly weaves together influences from Toto‘s sophisticated 80s arrangements, the storytelling tradition of modern Country Rock, and the soulful guitar driven work reminiscent of John Mayer‘s most introspective moments.
Leander Machan‘s journey into music began with a simple yet profound realization: the music he craved wasn’t readily available in mainstream circles. Rather than waiting for someone else to fill that void, he took matters into his own hands, developing a distinctive sound that bridges generational gaps while maintaining an unmistakably personal touch. His approach to music-making is refreshingly tactile—emphasizing real instruments and what he calls “handmade artistry” in a digital age that often prioritizes convenience over craft.
The artist’s formative moment came during a street performance, where a young boy chose to empty his wallet of copper coins rather than accept a free balloon from a passing vendor, unwilling to miss even a moment of Machan‘s music. This interaction crystallized something profound for the young musician: the understanding that his art possessed the power to move people in ways that transcended mere entertainment.
“Make You Wilde” represents Machan‘s most ambitious artistic statement to date, serving as both a tribute to the legendary Irish writer and wit Oscar Wilde and a rallying cry for individualism in an increasingly conformist world. The track’s title alone suggests layers of meaning—invoking Wilde‘s reputation for challenging societal norms while simultaneously encouraging listeners to embrace their own untamed potential.
The song’s lyrical architecture reveals Machan‘s sophisticated understanding of human psychology and social dynamics. Opening with the directive to “get out of your head” and “try to face fate instead,” the track immediately establishes its central tension between internal anxiety and external action. The artist skillfully navigates the space between encouragement and challenge, acknowledging that stepping outside societal expectations can feel “alarming” while simultaneously arguing for its necessity.
Musically, “Make You Wilde” demonstrates Machan‘s ability to craft arrangements that serve the song’s emotional arc. The track builds from intimate verses through expansive choruses, creating a sonic journey that mirrors the psychological transformation the lyrics describe. The influence of Toto‘s sophisticated pop sensibilities is evident in the song’s layered harmonies and attention to production detail, while the Country Rock elements provide an organic warmth that grounds the more ambitious arrangements.
The bridge section, with its repetitive mantra of “work it out,” functions as both a musical and psychological pressure valve—a moment where the track’s internal tension finds release through determined action. This section exemplifies Machan‘s understanding of how musical dynamics can reinforce lyrical themes, creating a cohesive artistic statement that operates on multiple levels simultaneously.
The song’s central metaphor of sitting “in the rearview mirror’s line” is particularly striking, suggesting both surveillance and self-reflection. Machan positions himself as both observer and guide, someone who can “see you” while encouraging autonomous choice-making. This dynamic creates an interesting tension between mentorship and independence, reflecting the complexity of modern relationships and personal growth.
The recurring phrase “pick your lines, choice be wise” serves as the song’s philosophical anchor, emphasizing that while the artist can provide encouragement and perspective, ultimately each individual must navigate their own path. This message resonates with Oscar Wilde‘s own philosophy of aesthetic individualism—the idea that each person must create their own approach to life and art.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Machan acknowledges that “a little irony is key” in his approach, revealing a self-awareness that prevents the song from becoming overly earnest or preachy. This ironic distance allows him to encourage listeners to feel like “the king of the world” while maintaining enough detachment to avoid seeming naive about the complexities of self-actualization.
The track’s structure—with its small-chorus variations and reprise elements—creates a musical conversation between different aspects of the same central idea. The interweaving of the “work it out” mantra with the main chorus in the final section suggests that the process of becoming “wilde” is ongoing, requiring constant effort and self-reflection.
“Make You Wilde” positions Leander Machan as an artist capable of addressing contemporary anxieties while drawing from timeless sources of inspiration. His ability to channel influences from Toto, John Mayer, and the Country Rock tradition while maintaining his own distinct voice suggests a musical maturity that belies his young age.
The track succeeds because it doesn’t simply advocate for rebellion or conformity—instead, it argues for the more nuanced position of conscious choice-making. Machan‘s message is that becoming “wilde” isn’t about rejecting all structure or expectation, but rather about thoughtfully selecting which expectations to meet and which to transcend.
With “Make You Wilde”, Leander Machan has created more than just a compelling single—he’s established himself as an artist with something meaningful to say and the musical sophistication to say it effectively. The track’s blend of literary inspiration, psychological insight, and sonic craftsmanship suggests that this young German artist is poised to make significant contributions to the evolving landscape of intelligent pop rock.
As Machan continues to develop his artistic voice, “Make You Wilde” stands as a compelling introduction to an artist who understands that the best music doesn’t just entertain—it transforms. In a world full of expectations and limitations, Leander Machan offers something increasingly rare: an invitation to discover not just new music, but new aspects of ourselves.
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