While Amanda Walther’s latest album was just released this weekits songs had a fan long before then – her infant son, Ender.
“He loved it. It’s pretty awesome. Anyone who has had their first child, especially, will know you do anything you can to stop them from crying,” she said. “And writing songs has been my secret weapon. He definitely loves the music.”
A few songs from the children’s album, recorded by the WW Club – comprised of Walther, her brothers Adrian and Tim, and their cousin, Melanie Walther – will be performed when Amanda Walther’s other group, Dala, performs Saturday at Elgin Community College.
Walther and her best friend, Shelia Carabine, who make up the award-winning Canadian folk and acoustic pop duo, Dala, return to ECC for the first time since 2013 when they performed in the studio theater. This time, they’ll be in the larger Blizzard Theatre.
“We’re really, really excited to come back to Elgin. We’ve played there twice now, and we just absolutely love it,” Walther said. “Elgin is our home in Chicago.”
Fans can expect to hear a mix of new material, along with the old favorites, she said. Although they are working on a follow-up to their most recent album – 2012’s “Best Day” – there is no release date set.
” A lot of songs are written, but with the time we’ve taken off and with me working on the children’s record, we haven’t had time to figure out a recording schedule,” Walther said. “So we just don’t know yet, but we have a number of new songs we’ll be playing at the show.”
Those new songs, she said, are very personal.
“We’ve both been through a lot of changes in our lives in the last few years, and these songs definitely reflect that. And definitely I feel we’ve returned, in some ways, we’ve returned to our original instincts as songwriters. Very pared down, acoustic and very folky,” Walther said. “Those new songs feature that folky feel.”
The duo took about an eight-month break from Dala, during which time Walther gave birth to her son. And the WW Club, started when the Walther siblings and cousin were children, continued to work on a CD of music they wrote.
“We’ve been working on it very slowly over the last few years and then having a chance to be at home for a period of time allowed me to complete the album with my brothers and cousin,” Walther said.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Pressure Washer Deals 2026
During the break, Carabine worked on finishing her degree. She is majoring in English, with a minor in music. Both women took a 10-year hiatus prompted by Dala’s success.
“She’s a fantastic writer, and she writes a lot of poetry as well. It’s definitely clear in her songwriting that she loves the written the word,” Walther said.
Dala was formed in 2002 after the two met in their high school music class, with the name coming from the last two letters of their first names.
“I’m the da, and Shelia is the la,” she said.
With Walther’s soprano and Carabine’s alto, the pair quickly advanced through the Canadian music scene. The song “Horses,” from their 2009 release “Everyone is Someone,” was nominated by National Public Radio as one of the Top Ten folk songs for that year. They were also the only Canadian act invited to perform at the 50th anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island. In 2010, they won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year for their “Girls from the North Country” live performance and CD. The concert was broadcast on PBS throughout North America, and the CD was later nominated for a Juno Award.
Their most recent album, “Best Day,” was nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards: English Songwriter of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Producer of the Year.
Walther said it is nice to be back on the road, with son Ender occasionally accompanying them.
“It comes with its fair share of challenges. But, to be honest, it’s such an awesome experience for us as adults and it’s definitely cool for a kid,” she said. “Babies get to see a whole new country. That’s pretty fun when they’re on the road. It adds a whole other element of fun.”
While some might find it stressful to spend a large amount of time working with a friend, Walther said it has made her and Carabine’s friendship stronger.
“It’s seamless for me and Shelia. And it’s amazing. It’s an amazing experience to be so close to the person you work so closely with,” she said.”We really know each other well, which means we’re able to give each other space when we need it or make each other laugh when we need it. It’s nice having a companion on the road. I don’t know how solo artists do it. It’s way more fun when you have your best friend with you.”
Kathy Cichon is a freelance writer.
.
Dala
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College’s Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Tickets: $30
Information: 847-622-0300