“Let the Songs Be Whatever They Want to Be”: Q&A With Ellie Rowsell, Frontwoman for Buzzed British Band Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice is living (and rocking) proof that electric guitars, angry vocals, and explicit lyrics paired with windswept hair and monochromatic band photoshoots are not only traits for the memory books. Hailing from London, the alt-rock revivalists began as a harmless folk duo consisting of frontwoman Ellie Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie. But after their debut single “Fluffy”, the band adopted a heavier style with the help of Theo Ellis on bass and Joel Amey on drums. Before long, they were being described by NME as “the lovechild of folk and grunge.” Yes, Wolf Alice has long since departed from all that is fluffy, turning instead dark and dreamy lyricism with a bucket-load of shred. We caught up with the band’s frontwoman, Ellie Rowsell, ahead of their Tango Live gig in Beijing on Aug 15.
You started out playing acoustic folk but later transitioned into a grungier style. What led to that change?
We were bored of making that style of music and it felt like no one was listening or cared. We realized that if we got louder and heavier, it would be harder to ignore and would probably be more fun to play.
In a previous interview, you asked, “Is there such a thing as a genre anymore?” Do you see the concept of genres as a constraint or a tool to help keep your work focused?
I think it is up to the artist, there’s no right way of doing anything. Some people only want to make music within a certain genre, and that’s fine. Other people are more fickle about what type of band they’re in and that’s fine too. Honestly, I don’t think about it that much and let the songs be whatever they want to be.
You have spoken before about how the music industry being strongly male-driven. Being the only female in the band, do you feel that there is still some difference in terms of how male and female musicians are treated? Or has it evened out?
I don’t really know as I’m not sure that I have experienced it [sexism]. I feel like people, for the most part, have always taken me seriously and treated me fairly. However, I know that kind of experience is not true for other female musicians and females in the music industry, so we still have a long way to go.
You’ve now headlined a number of festivals and even been nominated for a Grammy, so it seems like you’ve made it! Is there still an artist that you dream of sharing the stage with?
I’d like to play some stadium shows with Kings of Leon. Paramore would be fun too.
Which Wolf Alice song do you feel most personally connected to?
“After the Zero Hour” and “St. Purple & Green” because they are about my grandmother. And “Don’t Delete the Kisses” because it’s about me crushing on someone.
Wolf Alice will perform at Tango Live on Aug 15 at 8.30pm. Tickets are RMB 400 at the door or RMB 350 advance and can be purchased via 24-7 Tickets.
Photo: Jono White
