Featured from their upcoming debut album, Wide Orbit’s uplifting and energetic track “Buddy” serves as a jangly, heartfelt indie rock tribute to friendship, affection for pets, and the beautiful chaos of supporting one another—offering a vibrant and genuine introduction to one of the most exciting newcomers in Chicago’s DIY music scene!
There exists a unique magic in relationships that demand nothing from us—those that thrive in shared silences, silly jokes, and the comforting presence of being understood. Wide Orbit’s new single encapsulates the essence of such a bond in musical form: Warm and unpretentious, spirited and genuine, “Buddy” is a luminous celebration of friendship, companionship, and loyalty—to those (human and animal alike) who influence our lives merely by being present. It’s a melodic tribute to togetherness, wrapped in bright, Byrds-like guitars and the charm of slacker rock, delivered with the youthful exuberance of a band truly coming into their own.
Buddy – Wide Orbit
My buddy, sweet friend
My buddy, sweet friend
He’ll be with me until the end…
A connection built on
McDoubles and video games
We’d spend weeks racing
and working out
just to kill some time
Thick as thieves until a carton of milk tips over,
he remarks, “good luck getting that
smell out all by yourself,
you really don’t have the skills
to reach the other side.”
He adds, “you’ll need to call a cab
'cause I’m not giving you a ride.”
Atwood Magazine is excited to premiere “Buddy,” the third single from Wide Orbit’s forthcoming debut album, Introducing… Wide Orbit, set to release this fall via indie label 22TWENTY (Oracle Sisters, Cornelia Murr).
Based in Chicago, Wide Orbit is a six-member DIY rock band led by frontman and songwriter Ryan Tuohy. The group—which includes Tuohy, Caleb Buie, Ethan Machamer, Matt Boguslawski, and Zach Jackson—recorded their debut album live in a cramped space that barely accommodated them. The outcome is a tight, magnetic sound that fuses lo-fi ‘90s grit with timeless ‘60s songwriting. Following their debut single “Full of Feathers” and its successor “What’s the Point?,” “Buddy” further highlights Wide Orbit’s talent for authentic charm and heartfelt lyrics—with a wink, a shrug, and a fantastic chorus.
Wide Orbit © Ben Isaacs
“‘Buddy’ is the last song written for our album—it’s a sincere tribute to my cat Otis and the subtle moments that define us,” Ryan Tuohy shares with Atwood Magazine.
“With ‘Buddy’ announcing our debut album Introducing… Wide Orbit, the single provides insight into the record: prioritizing songwriting while combining rich twelve-string textures with full-band harmonies.”
Dear god, he’s so annoying
Good thing I know he’s
playing around and not just rude
Self-centered
It’s not the response he seeks
But he’ll persist
like the steadfast airplane he is
Reliable
I’ll make a joke on impulse
Forget I even said it
Shift my position.
Clocking in at four and a half minutes, “Buddy” is an upbeat, feel-good ride: It begins with a chorus so sweet it almost resembles a lullaby—“My buddy, sweet friend / He’ll be with me until the end”—before diving into vivid, nostalgic verses brimming with McDoubles, video games, spilled milk, and witty one-liners. The band's chemistry shines through in their performance—a fluid exchange of harmony and rhythm that captures the essence of long-standing friendship.
Despite their melodies being an instant hook, it’s the bridge that truly distinguishes “Buddy”—and Wide Orbit—through a sudden tonal shift as Tuohy opens up in a candid moment. “I’m sorry, I’m a shithead / I’m worried you’ll leave,” he sings, allowing the song to breathe and expand, creating room for vulnerability, frustration, forgiveness, and love.
This is Wide Orbit's unique magic: They aren't afraid to change tempos, to push the limits of a song, to be silly or serious—often, they manage to be both simultaneously. “Buddy” is about a cat, certainly, but it also reflects the people who keep us grounded through our chaotic moments. It highlights the understanding that allows for conflict yet still keeps us close. It speaks to loyalty, tenderness, and shared experiences—showing that sometimes, just hearing someone affirm, “you were right all along” can feel like the most profound expression of love.
Wide Orbit © Ben Isaacs
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Wide Orbit's upbeat and lively track “Buddy” is a spirited indie rock tribute to friendship, affection for cats, and the delightful chaos of supporting one another through thick and thin – showcasing a vibrant and genuine debut from one of the most exciting new talents in Chicago's DIY scene!