Harmony Born of Faith: Unpacking ‘The Creator’ by Hillbilly Wayne and Theresa Trisler
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In a music landscape often dominated by the commercial, a profound and deeply personal collaboration has emerged, offering listeners a heartfelt testament to faith and enduring passion. “The Creator,” a song recorded by the distinct voices of Hillbilly Wayne and Theresa Trisler, transcends typical genre boundaries to deliver a message rooted in spiritual conviction. This isn’t just a track; it’s a journey into the authentic stories of two artists whose paths converged through serendipity and shared devotion.
At the heart of this duo is Hillbilly “Happy” Wayne Stalnaker, an American singer-songwriter and musician whose roots run deep in the Appalachian traditions. Born in Philippi, West Virginia, and later moving to Leland, North Carolina, Happy was steeped in music from an early age, the youngest of eight children who instinctively followed the family tradition of singing traditional country songs. His teenage years saw him naturally gravitate towards performing, having honed his craft entertaining friends and family for years. What began as a local favorite in bars and backyard gatherings quickly blossomed into a realization: music was not just a pastime but his life’s undeniable passion. This raw talent caught the ear of Tim Calhoun, a record label executive from Mallory Records II INC. Calhoun’s immediate recognition of Happy’s potential led to a bond that transcended professional boundaries, becoming both creatively and personally significant. The moment Happy stepped up to the microphone in Nashville for a demo recording, Calhoun knew there was something magical unfolding. The result was a collaborative effort with producers T.W. Hale and Tom Harding, shaping songs that vividly narrate the story of a man’s upbringing in the hills of North Carolina.
Equally compelling is the story of Theresa Trisler, whose musical journey began in 2010 when her husband Jeff gifted her first guitar for Mother’s Day. With the intrinsic drive of a Kirkland, she taught herself to play and hasn’t set it down since. Her path to music was also deeply intertwined with her faith, particularly after a profound spiritual calling in 2024 to record the songs she felt had been divinely inspired. Her connection with Tim Calhoun also blossomed within the walls of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he first encountered her unique voice. This meeting sparked a new creative endeavor, with Jesus, Tim Calhoun, Camron Harding, and Theresa herself collaborating on new material. The culmination is her album, ROLL THAT ROCK AWAY, released on Mallory Records II INC and produced by H2 Production (Tom Harding and T.W. Hale).
It is from this album that the standout track “The Creator” emerges, a pivotal collaboration between Theresa Trisler and Hillbilly Wayne. Written by James Williams of Our Child Publishing BMI, the song’s core message is clear and unwavering: “The CREATOR is Jesus Christ.” This powerful declaration forms the bedrock of a track that brings together Hillbilly Wayne’s seasoned, authentic country sensibility with Theresa Trisler’s unique, faith-driven vocal delivery. The song serves as a testament to their individual spiritual journeys and their collective belief, woven into a musical tapestry that invites listeners to reflect on their own understanding of creation and purpose.
“The Creator” stands out not for its commercial sheen, but for its unvarnished sincerity. It’s a piece of music born not from industry trends, but from personal conviction and a desire to share a message of hope and devotion. The combination of Hillbilly Wayne’s grounded, storytelling approach and Theresa Trisler’s inspired voice creates a harmonious blend that feels both earnest and deeply moving. This track, and indeed the broader projects from which it springs, offers a refreshing counterpoint to much of contemporary music, prioritizing heartfelt expression and spiritual resonance over fleeting popularity. It’s a song that speaks directly to the soul, an honest and unfiltered expression of faith brought to life by two artists who have clearly found their true calling.