Tacoma songwriter Kye Alfred Hillig returns with ‘On Small Wings’, the first single from his forthcoming album ‘Widowmaker Express’, out August 5.

A former member of Destruction Island and Pistol For A Paycheck, Hillig’s been doing his thing in the quieter side of folk-rock and alt-country for a while now, keeping it simple and straight-up with his songs. ‘On Small Wings’ sticks with that vibe, but it’s got a softer feel too. It’s really about love, taking your time, and trying to stay open to people even when it’s not easy.

Instead of treating love like something quick or easy, Hillig keeps it grounded. The song pushes back on the idea that connection just shows up when you want it. As he puts it, love isn’t “coming cheap out of the vending machine,” it takes time, trust and actually sticking around.

Recorded at Harmann Audio Labs in Seattle with longtime friend and producer Daniel G. Harmann, ‘On Small Wings’ keeps the focus on the song itself. The production is warm and understated, leaving room for Hillig’s weathered voice and the plain emotional centre of the writing.

The single also gives the first look at ‘Widowmaker Express’, an album shaped by grief, faith, heartbreak and survival. Hillig has described the record as “a wrestling match with God,” but ‘On Small Wings’ suggests there is hope inside it as well, not the easy sort, but something smaller and harder won.