Seizing the Present: Bandana Cheyenna and Adam Wendler Find Magic in the Mundane with “Anyhow”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the high-stakes world of Nashville songwriting, few names have ascended as rapidly as Bandana Cheyenna. After penning global anthems that have defined the charts over the last two years, the prolific creator is stepping firmly into the spotlight as an artist. Their latest single, “Anyhow,” a collaboration with Canadian folk-pop artist Adam Wendler, is a masterclass in folk-inspired storytelling and a poignant reminder to live in the “now.”
The Artist: Bandana Cheyenna
Bandana Cheyenna (they/them) is much more than a “rising star”—they are a foundational architect of the current pop-country explosion. Raised in the cornfields of Ohio on a diet of Christian radio and secret folk icons like Dan Fogelberg, Cheyenna’s journey to Nashville was fueled by a childhood dream ignited by a Taylor Swift documentary at age 11.
Today, Cheyenna is a People’s Choice Country Award winner (2024 Female Song of the Year) and an ASCAP award-winning hitmaker. Their pen is responsible for:
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Dasha’s billion-stream hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”
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Alexandra Kay’s viral success “Cupid’s A Cowgirl”
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Collaborations with heavyweights like Dan Wilson, Nathan Chapman, and Breland.
Describing their sound as the “three-way queer hippie song child of Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves, and Willie Nelson,” Cheyenna is a “gender-free and genre-free” force dedicated to bringing queer representation and female empowerment to the Americana landscape.
Song Review: “Anyhow”
Released via Amsterdam’s Overland Records, “Anyhow” serves as the lead-in to Cheyenna’s highly anticipated EP arriving in early 2026. It marks a stylistic pivot toward a more grounded, folk-centric sound that highlights their nomadic spirit.
The Composition
Produced by Adam Wendler (who also co-wrote “Austin”), the track benefits from a chemistry that only long-term collaborators can achieve. What began as a simple note in Cheyenna’s phone evolved during a writing session into a profound meditation on creative devotion. The production is organic and warm, allowing the acoustic textures to breathe alongside the vocal performances.
The Lyrical Heart
The song is anchored by the infectious and philosophical hook:
“The only time we really have is now, Anyhow.”
While it could have easily been a “sad love song,” the duo steered it toward an anthem of resilience. It speaks to the “unrelenting fight” of the artist—the commitment to a dream that started in childhood and continues “no matter how hard it gets.” It is a song about taking chances and, crucially, remembering to enjoy the scenery while you’re on the road.
The Vocals
Cheyenna’s voice carries a soulful, earthy quality that feels both wise and youthful. When paired with Wendler’s folk-pop sensibilities, the harmonies create a sense of companionship, perfectly mirroring the song’s theme of shared journeys and mutual encouragement.
Verdict
“Anyhow” is a refreshing departure from the high-gloss production of mainstream radio. It feels like a deep breath—a moment of clarity in a fast-moving industry. For an artist who has spent years building the careers of others, this single proves that Bandana Cheyenna’s own story is the one we most need to hear. It is an essential listen for fans of Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, and anyone who needs a reminder to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start living the one they have.