Roger Jaeger’s ‘Wander’ Will Hit Home For Every Restless Soul

Roger Jaeger’s “Wander” is no sugar-coated anthem.

This heartfelt track captures the tug-of-war between the thrill of exploring and the grounding pull of home—a theme that resonates deeply with Jaeger, whose life has been shaped by travel and discovery.

Born in Oklahoma, Jaeger has journeyed across countries and continents, and each place has left its mark on his music. Now settled in the serene landscapes of Redding, California, he blends Americana and folk influences with a grounded, soulful touch. 

In “Wander,” you can feel the weight of his experiences in lines like “Nomad's heart so my soul can’t sink its roots / Clock into another dead end shift / My brain goes off another what if cliff / Never realized just how many shades are hidden inside silver lining’s views,” expressing some restlessness amidst the reflection of life. 

Jaeger collaborated with Nashville songwriter Tripp Weir to infuse an intimate feel into “Wander.” Together, they’ve crafted a song that captures the bittersweet balance between curiosity and comfort, especially in the goosebump-worthy chorus that hits hard with Jaeger’s smooth, contemplative vocals. 

Jaeger’s grounded approach to music has built him a loyal fanbase, from vineyards and breweries to more intimate venues. In his music and performances, Jaeger is the same—a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher who carries pieces of every place he’s been.

Thanks for joining us, Roger! Your music has such a rich, soulful quality. Your latest song, “Wander,” explores the tension between curiosity and a longing for home. How does this theme reflect where you’re at in life right now?

Well, I think it can be pretty relatable for many traveling musicians. 

I’ve seen a lot of places - I’ve moved from Oklahoma to Nashville, to India, back to Oklahoma, back to Nashville, then to Northern California. I’ve flown across the ocean maybe forty-something times. I’ve seen most of our 50 states (5 or 6 to go!). I’ve had so many experiences traveling that I am grateful for, but many of them have been so lonely. I think of waking up alone in the Florida Keys or in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by beauty but having no one to share it with. I’m ready to start a family, but I also feel the pull of adventure. And I want to both well. 

In “Wander,” you describe yourself as “prone to wander.” Do you think you’ll ever feel fully settled or is wandering just part of who you are?

In my peak Nashville days, I spent about four months of the year out on the road. I had some wonderful experiences but found that much of them were colored by how alone I felt. My travel has slowed down post-Covid, and I find so much value in investing time and relationships in the community where I live.

How did collaborating with Nashville songwriter Tripp Weir on 'Wander' help shape the song’s direction?”

I’ve written with Tripp several times now, and I’m convinced that he’s a lyrical genius. Going into our session, I brought the intro guitar riff, and Tripp sort of took off with this Wander vs Wonder idea that captured where many of us musicians are. I wish I could write to him all the time - I think I would learn a lot. 

You’ve moved around quite a bit, from Oklahoma to Nashville, then California. What has living in California brought out in you that Nashville or Oklahoma didn’t? 

I needed to get out of Oklahoma to start finding my own way. What did it look like to go to a new place, make new friends, and test myself against many people from many places? I got to do things in Nashville that I never would have done had I stayed in Oklahoma. But I also got tired. Moving to a quiet, picturesque California town helped me slow down and find meaning in the simple. The contrast is interesting, as I meet many folks here who tell me their grandparents came from Oklahoma or some state nearby. It’s almost like I found long-lost family. But it’s been beautiful to be surrounded by people who aren’t trying to become famous and to establish myself as a serious musical contender in Northern California. I’ve grown in confidence here, and I’m able to bring that with me when I visit Nashville these days.  

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your music since you started creating?

At different times, I’ve written songs and thought that there was no way I could write anything else. I thought I’d exhausted subjects to write about and that there was no way I could get better, both lyrically and musically. But I keep finding new ways to express myself. There are so many things to write about, and I know that I’ll do it for the rest of my life.