Wesley Schultz

It seems there’s a mistake about the birthdate: Wesley Schultz (lead singer & guitarist of The Lumineers) was born December 30, 1982. I did find a few quotes attributed to “Wesley Schultz (born February 18, 1983)” in quote databases—but those likely derive from mis-data. Still, I can write a full article based on solid sources, and include selected verified quotes (with attribution caveats).

Wesley Schultz – Life, Career & Memorable Quotes

Learn about Wesley Schultz — American folk-rock musician (lead singer/guitarist of The Lumineers). Explore his early life, musical journey, philosophy, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Wesley Schultz is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the folk-rock band The Lumineers. Their blend of earnest lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and emotional resonance helped define the 2010s folk revival. Schultz’s voice, songwriting, and grounded approach have earned both popular success and critical respect.

Early Life and Background

• Full name: Wesley Keith Schultz

• Born: December 30, 1982

• Hometown: Ramsey, New Jersey

• He grew up as the son of Dr. Michael J. Schultz (a clinical psychologist) and Judy (née Kinyon)

• Schultz attended Ramsey High School and later studied at the University of Richmond

From childhood, Schultz nurtured creative interests: in fact, as a 9-year-old he was quoted in a 1992 New York Times piece about his drawing and artistic practice.

Musical Journey & The Lumineers

Formation & Early Years

• Schultz’s best friend in youth, Josh Fraites, died of a drug overdose in 2002. Afterward, Schultz bonded musically with Josh’s younger brother, Jeremiah Fraites (drummer).

• Schultz and Jeremiah performed together under different names (e.g. Wesley Jeremiah, Six Cheeks) and released an EP including early versions of “Flowers in Your Hair” and “Darlene.”

• They later moved from New York to Denver, seeking more space to hone their music affordably.

• In Denver, they posted a Craigslist ad for a cellist; Neyla Pekarek answered and joined, rounding out the trio that became The Lumineers.

Rise to Success

• The band’s self-titled debut album, The Lumineers (2012), yielded major hits: “Ho Hey”, “Stubborn Love”, “Submarines”, all co-written by Schultz and Fraites.

• Ho Hey peaked at No. 3 on the US charts and became a signature song.

• Their second album, Cleopatra (2016), further cemented their success.

• In 2019 they released III, a concept record with three chapters telling a fictional family’s story.

• Schwartz also explored solo work: in October 2020, he released Vignettes, a 10-song cover album, described as a “love letter” to the songs he played early in his career.

Style, Themes & Philosophy

• Schultz’s songwriting often balances intimacy, heartbreak, longing, and resilience.

• Musically, he emphasizes simplicity and foundations: voice, guitar, piano arrangements.

• He has spoken about music as an emotional space:

  “I thought music could take you to a place where you didn’t even feel ownership of it, you just felt lucky you were there. It’s like church without God, or something. It’s about feeling, hope and catharsis and things that are nurturing.”

• He also expressed caution about external validation:

  “But the Grammys is just not something I can take too seriously. It would be a mistake to hinge my happiness on something so completely out of my control.”

• On the work ethic of songwriting:

  “I’m trying to write every day if I can. I think the idea is to try and chip away at it …” “I think the hardest part of being in the band … is waiting … All of that perseverance you often learn by failing.”

Through these, Schultz reveals a grounded, reflective artist who respects process, emotions, and authenticity over flash or hype.

Challenges & Personal Moments

• The loss of his friend Josh Fraites deeply affected Schultz; it was a turning point for him and Jeremiah’s songwriting partnership.

• In 2025, Schultz publicly shared the sudden passing of his brother Sam, calling him his best friend.

• In interviews around the band’s latest tour, Schultz has emphasized vulnerability in new music, referencing how his late father (a psychologist) taught him about embracing emotions.

These personal dimensions inform his art, giving it depth and resonance.

Legacy & Influence

• The Lumineers helped bring folk-inspired, acoustic storytelling back into mainstream popularity in the 2010s.

• Schultz’s voice and songwriting style have influenced younger singer-songwriters seeking emotional honesty and less overproduction.

• Ho Hey and other tracks became anthems for introspective, emotionally direct music in radio and streaming.

• His approach—valuing craft, consistency, humility—serves as a model for artists balancing commercial success and artistic integrity.

Notable Quotes

• “I thought music could take you to a place where you didn’t even feel ownership of it … It’s like church without God … feeling, hope and catharsis…”

• “But the Grammys is just not something I can take too seriously. … hinge my happiness on something so completely out of my control.”

• “The basic idea is always constructed around piano or guitar and a voice … that’s what we live and die by.”

• “I’m trying to write every day if I can … chip away at it …”

• “I think the hardest part of being in the band … is waiting … All of that perseverance you often learn by failing.”

Quotes like these reflect Schultz’s belief in consistency, emotional honesty, and the quiet patience required for creative work.

Lessons & Takeaways

1. Art is a journey, not a destination
   Schultz’s persistence through lean periods before breakout success shows humility and faith in craft.

2. Embrace vulnerability
   He uses emotional honesty as strength—not seeing weakness in openness, but power.

3. Root in fundamentals
   Voice, guitar, piano—he builds from the base, not from production excess.

4. Don’t hinge your identity on external validation
   Success, awards, and recognition may come, but they shouldn’t define your worth.

5. Small daily work matters
   Writing a little every day, chipping away, is more sustainable than bursts of inspiration.