ATHENS, Ga., Feb. 16, 2023 – Wim Tapley released his much-anticipated song “Sober,” which details the struggles of sobriety, on Friday, Feb. 17. A 20-second clip of the song’s chorus went viral in November of 2022. Tapley’s raw and heartfelt lyrics hit home with upwards of 500,000 viewers, generating over 10,000 new TikTok followers in the span of a couple days. 

This is the second single release of 2023 from the singer-songwriter who is on his way to being the next big performer to come out of Athens. 

In the wake of the viral TikTok, old and new fans have been flooding Tapley’s social media accounts with comments, itching to hear the full version. Tapley went home to Virginia to finish the song, saying he felt pressure to perfect every lyric. He then took “Sober” out on a couple of live test runs in Athens, and its thriving music community became the song’s incubator. 

Although he usually prefers a do-it-yourself method of recording, the studio recording of “Sober” features all members of Tapley’s band, The Cannons. He hopes the release will uplift the overall ecosystem of Athens bands by bringing more attention to local music. 

“This is gonna be life-changing,” Tapley said, “of all the chances we have of blowing up… this is the one, and I want everybody to share in that with me.”

“Sober” is available on all platforms, and its release will be followed by the release of the live and acoustic versions that fans know and love. Tapley’s next show in Athens is on April 11 at 40 Watt Club.

About Wim Tapley:

Tapley started his music career playing shows in Washington, D.C., and it quickly flourished upon his move to Athens as a University of Georgia freshman in 2021. He has played several iconic venues such as Eddie’s Attic and 40 Watt Club, and continues to tour across the southeast.