Wrabel Dishes on His Queer Anthem ‘The Village’ and Its Message of Ongoing Hope

When Wrabel first wrote his stirring song "The Village," he didn't intend to share the track with anyone beyond the two trans fans who'd inspired it by telling him their story. At their insistence, he did release the track, and it's since taken on a life of its own.

Since its debut in 2017, "The Village" has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. It has more than 13 million views on YouTube alone, and with its recent resurgence on TikTok, a growing number of young queer people are finding the track and resonating with its hopeful message, and the knowledge they are not alone in their journeys. Just last month, Wrabel performed "The Village" at the Love Rising benefit concert in Nashville,  which also featured Hozier, Joy Oladokun, Maren Morris,  Sheryl Crow and many more.

He's also gearing up to drop a new EP, chapter of me, on April 21. It'll feature five tracks, including his soaring new single "happier," and be just one part of a bigger project he'll be releasing throughout the year. There's always been a gorgeous intimacy to Wrabel's music, and he promises to dive even deeper into his own head and heart as the year progresses. We had the pleasure to chat with Wrabel about "The Village," the upcoming EP and so much more in the interview below.

The Story Behind 'The Village'

Wrabel: I wrote "The Village" with Drew Pearson and Andrew Jackson. We were in the studio the day that federal protections for trans students were removed from public schools here in the states. I had just been on my first tour and met two trans kids after a show outside the stage door. They were with some friends and family and they were all just so kind and warm. I was struck by how simply and powerfully they were themselves. The simple act of just being who they are kind of changed my life. I was talking to one of them that day and just hearing about what it felt like to be a trans kid in a public school that day, outside of the tweets and headlines—what it actually felt like. It broke my heart. So I brought in the intention to write them a song to help them—to remind them that they're not alone and to try and share the story. I had no intention of releasing it at the time we wrote it, but just to send it to them so they could have it. When I sent it, I got a reply  of something like, "Dude, you have to release this," and I wrote back something like, "Dude, okay, I will."

 

What 'The Village' Means

Wrabel: It was, and still is, the closest thing to my heart. It meant the world to me to offer my fans (friends !) a song to try and help them feel like they're not alone, like a little message of encouragement and a reminder that there's nothing wrong with you.

 

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'The Village' and TikTok

Wrabel: It really blows my mind how the song has continued to live such a beautiful life, and TikTok has been a great tool for spreading its message. Still, to this day, I get messages every day from people who are experiencing the song and/or video for the first time and sharing their stories. I can't even put into words how much that means to me.

When I see parents using it, sharing about their trans kids, it always just absolutely guts me.

To me, its meaning hasn't changed at all. It is quite clear the meaning and purpose of the song. For me, it will always be a message to the trans community that you are beautiful, valid, seen and loved—opening up that umbrella to queer people who have felt or feel " othered " by their communities.

@realandreaparker @dylanmulvaney you are changing the world. A CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT?!? YOU DID THAT. #dylanmulvaney #dylanmulvaneyfanpage #biden #protectdylan #transrightsarehumanrights #protecttranskids #thankyoudylan #thevillage #wrabel #lgbtqia #selflove #mentalhealth ♬ The Village – Wrabel

 

Wrabel's Favorite Lyric

Wrabel: "One page of the bible isn't worth a life" is my favorite line since we wrote it. I think it's actually my favorite line I've ever been a part of writing.

 

The chapter of me EP

Wrabel: I'm so excited for this next chapter. These songs are so near and dear to me. Pulled from conversations with myself, these are songs I wrote for myself, exploring feelings and telling stories and finding who I am now.

Honesty and self-reflection are definitely themes of this chapter—my current self looking back for lessons to learn while also trying to focus on the present.

 

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On His Current Chapter

Wrabel: I feel like I'm in a good place? I hope? Haha. I've been taking a bit of time to live life and have been enjoying being creative by myself for the first time in a long time.

 

A Note to the Fans

Wrabel: I just want to thank you for reading this and listening to my music. Like a real, real thank you. Whoever you are and wherever you are and whatever you're going through, you're not alone.

 

Loved this interview? Click HERE to read about how JORDY made a song for his own inner child with "Story of a Boy."