Local Duo Releases Whimsical Love Letter to Whidbey Island

On December 9, 2025, Handsome and Gretyl, the husband and wife duo Brett and Gretyl Baird, released "What Makes You Happy," a whimsical and upbeat love letter to Whidbey Island. The song was recorded with contributions from other island artists and published with a photo of the duo alongside distribution and streaming information. The local media project Working on Whidbey will feature a video built around the song, expanding the release beyond audio to a visual showcase of island scenes and collaborators.

The new single draws on specific island landscapes as creative material. Ebey's Landing is cited as a favorite location that inspired lyrics and mood, and the song ties personal memories to places many residents know well. The recording brought together musicians from across the island, creating a community centered production that highlights local talent and reinforces the role of collaborative arts projects in Island County.

Brett and Gretyl Baird have been active in the regional music scene, and this release builds on their ongoing work of blending personal storytelling with place based themes. The involvement of other island artists in the recording signals a networked creative economy, where session work, mixing and small venue performances support broader cultural activity. The forthcoming Working on Whidbey video will likely increase exposure for participating artists and the locations featured, with potential spillover benefits for local venues, makers and small businesses that host live events.

For listeners the immediate impact is cultural. Locals gain a new song that celebrates familiar places and showcases resident talent. For the broader island economy the release contributes to creative sector visibility, and streaming and video distribution may attract visitors seeking the settings immortalized in the music. The release was accompanied by distribution and streaming notes so listeners can find the track and follow upcoming visual content from Working on Whidbey.

The single reinforces the value of community collaboration in sustaining arts on Whidbey Island, and it gives residents a fresh soundtrack tied to places they know. The Handsome and Gretyl release is both a personal artistic statement and a practical example of how local creativity can strengthen cultural identity and support the island economy.