Wolf Alice

Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice live at Heaven in 2014. From left to right: Joff Oddie, Ellie Rowsell, Joel Amey, Theo Ellis
Background information
Origin London, England
Genres
Years active 2010–present
Labels
Website wolfalice.co.uk
Members Ellie Rowsell
Joel Amey
Joff Oddie
Theo Ellis
Past members Sadie Cleary
James DC

Wolf Alice are a British four-piece alternative rock band from north London, England, formed initially as an acoustic duo in 2010. Its members since 2012 are Ellie Rowsell (vocals, guitar), Joff Oddie (guitars, vocals), Theo Ellis (bass), and Joel Amey (drums, vocals).

The band released their debut single, "Fluffy", in February 2013, and followed it with "Bros" in May of that year. They released their debut EP, Blush, in October, and its follow-up, Creature Songs, in May 2014. In February 2015, the band released the lead single, "Giant Peach", from their debut album, My Love Is Cool, which was released in June 2015.[1] It includes their 2014 single "Moaning Lisa Smile", which peaked at number nine on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart in August 2015,[2] and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance at the 2016 Grammys.

The band released their second studio album, Visions of a Life, in September 2017. It debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, and received universal acclaim from music critics. The album was ranked as one of the best albums of the year by multiple publications and won the 2018 Mercury Prize.

History

2010–2016: Formation, EPs and My Love Is Cool

Wolf Alice were formed in 2010 and began as an acoustic duo between Ellie Rowsell and Joff Oddie. Their name came from a short story by Angela Carter.[3][4] Eventually deciding to add electric elements to their sound, they recruited Rowsell's childhood friend, Sadie Cleary, to play the bass, and James DC, a friend of Oddie to be their drummer. They self-released an EP called Wolf Alice that year, featuring three songs: "Every Cloud", "Wednesday", and "Destroy Me".[5]

When their drummer broke his wrist in 2012, Joel Amey joined the band as a temporary replacement, but later became a permanent member. In that same year, Cleary left to focus on her studies. Theo Ellis was then recruited as their bassist in late 2012.[6] They released the song "Leaving You" online on Soundcloud as a free download which gained airplay from BBC Radio 1 and featured in NME's 'Radar' section.[7] After the song was released, they toured with Peace, and recorded a session for Huw Stephens' Radio 1 show in January. They released their first physical single "Fluffy" in February 2013 on the Chess Club label.[3][8]

The band released their second single "Bros" in May on Chess Club Records.[9][10] "Bros" is one of the first songs that Rowsell wrote, which the band played in their early stages, leading to a tour where the band were supported by bands such as Dressed Like Wolves and Dead New Blood.[11] In October 2013, Wolf Alice released their first official EP called Blush, which was preceded by the release of "She".

In December 2013, they were chosen as the single most blogged about artist in the UK in that year by BBC Radio 6 Music.[12] In 2014, they signed to Dirty Hit and released their second EP Creature Songs in May. In December 2014, the band were named "Best Breakthrough Artist" at the UK Festival Awards.[13]

In late February 2015, Wolf Alice announced their debut album My Love Is Cool, and released the first single from the album, "Giant Peach".[14] In April, they released a reworked version of the fan favourite "Bros" as the second single from their debut album.[15] On 10 June, the band shared a new track, "You're a Germ".[16] My Love Is Cool was released on 22 June, debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart and receiving highly positive reviews. Later that year, they released "You're a Germ" and "Freazy" as singles, as well as "Lisbon" in 2016. Later in 2016, they toured as a support act for The 1975's tour in the US.[17]

2017–present: Visions of a Life, Mercury Prize Win

In June 2017, Wolf Alice released the lead single "Yuk Foo" off their second studio album, Visions of a Life. They released three more singles, "Don't Delete the Kisses", "Beautifully Unconventional", and "Heavenward", before the release of the album in 28 September. In 2018, they also released "Formidable Cool", "Sadboy" and "Space & Time" as singles from the album.

The band will be touring throughout 2018, including dates supporting Foo Fighters during their Concrete and Gold Tour and Queens of the Stone Age as part of their Villains World Tour.[18] They will also be supporting Liam Gallagher at his concert at Finsbury Park on 29 June 2018.[19]

In September 2018, Visions of a Life won the 2018 Mercury Prize.[20]

Musical style and influences

While the group's early material was folk-tinged pop, they became more rock-oriented after the rhythm section joined.[21][22] Clash described the band as "the lovechild of folk and grunge".[3] The "Fluffy" single saw the band compared to Elastica and Hole, while the single's B-side, "White Leather", saw comparisons to The xx.[23][24][25] Kitty Empire, writing in The Observer, described their sound as "an engaging strain of off-kilter indie rock".[4] The band describe their music as "rocky pop".[26] The Daily Telegraph declare Wolf Alice's debut album as 'feral and sophisticated' in review.[27]

In interview, the band has cited their liking for the Beatles, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Blur and Courtney Love.[28]

Song usage in media

Band members

Current members

Former members:

  • Sadie Cleary – bass (2010–2012)
  • James DC – drums (2010–2012)

Filmography

The band were followed around 16 different gigs for the 2016 documentary "On the Road", directed by Michael Winterbottom.[35]

Discography

Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice performing at Cambridge Junction, 2015

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales Certifications
UK
[36]		 AUS
[37]		 BEL
(FL)
[38]		 IRE
[39]		 NL
[40]		 US
[41]
My Love Is Cool 241148378390
Visions of a Life
  • Released: 29 September 2017
  • Label: Dirty Hit
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 2549113—190

EPs

Title Details
Wolf Alice[5]
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
Blush
  • Released: 7 October 2013
  • Label: Chess Club Records
  • Formats: LP, CD, digital download
Creature Songs
  • Released: 26 May 2014
  • Label: Dirty Hit
  • Formats: LP, CD, digital download

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
[46]		 BEL
[38]		 CAN
Rock
[47]		 MEX
Air.
[48]		 SCO
[49]		 US
AAA
[50]		 US
Alt.
[51]		 US
Rock
[52]
"Fluffy" 2013 ———————— non-album single
"She" ———————— Blush
"Moaning Lisa Smile" 2014 ——32———945 Creature Songs
"Giant Peach" 2015 ———————— My Love Is Cool
"Bros" 15758———1235—[upper-alpha 1]
"You're a Germ" ————————
"Freazy" ————————
"White Leather" / "Leaving You"[54] 2016 ———————— non-album single
"Lisbon" ———————— My Love Is Cool
"Yuk Foo" 2017 ———————— Visions of a Life
"Don't Delete the Kisses" 100———74———
"Beautifully Unconventional" ————————
"Heavenward" ————————
"Formidable Cool" 2018 ———43————
"Sadboy" ————————
"Space & Time" —[upper-alpha 2]———————

Notes

  1. ↑ "Bros" did not enter the Hot Rock Songs chart, but peaked at number 45 on the Rock Airplay chart.[53]
  2. ↑ "Space & Time" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 1 on the UK Vinyl Singles chart.[55]

Awards and nominations

YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2014Wolf AliceBest Breakthrough ArtistWon[13]
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2015Wolf AliceBest New Artist/BandWon[56]
YearRecipient/Nominated workResultRef.
2015My Love Is CoolNominated[57]
2018Visions of a LifeWon[58]
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2016Wolf AliceBritish Breakthrough ActNominated[59]
2018Wolf AliceBritish GroupNominated[60]
  • Global Awards
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2018Wolf AliceBest IndieNominated[61]
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2016Moaning Lisa SmileBest Rock PerformanceNominated[62]
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2016Wolf AliceBest British BandNominated[63]
Best Live BandWon
Best Fan CommunityNominated
My Love Is CoolBest AlbumNominated
Giant PeachBest TrackWon
You're a GermBest Music VideoNominated
2017Wolf AliceBest British BandNominated[64]
Best Live BandNominated
Best Music VideoNominated
2018Wolf AliceBest British BandNominated[65]
Visions Of A LifeBest AlbumNominated
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2016BrosBest Song Musically and Lyrically,Nominated[66]
YearRecipient/Nominated workAwardResultRef.
2016Wolf AliceBest live actNominated[67]
PPL award for most-played independent new actNominated

References

  1. ↑ Coughlan, Jamie. "Wolf Alice Stream 'Giant Peach', Announce Debut Album 'My Love Is Cool'". Overblown. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 French, Matthew (2013) "OTW #481: Wolf Alice", Clash, 26 February 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  4. 1 2 Empire, Kitty (2013) "Wolf Alice; Mens Adventures; Blackeye; Must – review", The Observer, 13 January 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  5. 1 2 Amorosi, AD (10 February 2016). "What Is Real?: Wolf Alice". Flood Magazine. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  6. ↑ Tinkham, Chris(2015) "Wolf Alice: The Best of What's Next", Paste, 16 June 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015
  7. ↑ "Exclusive – Wolf Alice, 'Leaving You'". Nme.Com. 17 October 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  8. ↑ "Wolf Alice in session", BBC. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  9. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Bros". Archived from the original on 23 April 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  10. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Bros by Wolf Alice | Free Listening on SoundCloud". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  11. ↑ Pain, Andrew. "Preview: Wolf Alice at the Westgarth Social Club, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday 22 May". Gazette Live. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  12. ↑ "Wolf Alice: ecco il video ufficiale di She | Radiomusik musica e programmi radio live". Radiomusik.it. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  13. 1 2 "UK Festival Awards unveil 2014 winners – M Magazine M magazine: PRS for Music online magazine – PRS for Music Online Magazine". M-magazine.co.uk. 2 December 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  14. ↑ Coughlan, Jamie. "Wolf Alice Stream 'Giant Peach', Announce Debut Album 'My Love Is Cool'". Overblown Webzine. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  15. ↑ Coughlan, Jamie. "Wolf Alice Share Re-Recorded Version Of 'Bros'". Overblown Webzine.
  16. ↑ "Wolf Alice stream new track 'You're A Germ'". Never Enough Notes. Never Enough Notes. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  17. ↑ "Wolf Alice to support The 1975 on US tour". DIY. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  18. ↑ "Wolf Alice Speak About Their Upcoming Tour With QOTSA". nova.ie. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  19. ↑ http://www.nme.com/news/music/wolf-alice-just-announced-support-liam-gallagher-finsbury-park-asked-2275860
  20. ↑ Savage, Mark (21 September 2018). "Wolf Alice win the 2018 Mercury Prize". BBC News.
  21. ↑ Balmont, James "Wolf Alice", Crack. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  22. ↑ Burman, Nicholas (2013) "Wolf Alice / The Waiting Room", Artrocker. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  23. ↑ Wilkinson, Matt (2013) "New Music – Wolf Alice, 'Fluffy'", NME, 4 January 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  24. ↑ Petherton, Webbs (2013) "Singles for the week starting 11th February!", Artrocker. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  25. ↑ Murray, Robin (2013) "Listen: Wolf Alice – White Leather", Clash, 30 January 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  26. ↑ Griffin, Angus (2013) "NEW NOISE: Wolf Alice interview", Wonderland, 28 February 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013
  27. ↑ "Wolf Alice My Love Is Cool review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  28. ↑ "webchat - Wolf Alice on the Mercury prize and on-stage marriage proposals". The Guardian. 11 September 2018. Archived from the original on 12 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  29. ↑ "The Leftovers Music – S1E7: "Solace for Tired Feet"". TuneFind. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  30. ↑ "Let's Movie Original Promo 2016". Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  31. ↑ "NME website". Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  32. ↑ "IMDb.com". Retrieved 8 May 2017.
  33. ↑ ""The Royals" It Is Not, Nor It Cannot Come to Good (TV Episode 2015)".
  34. ↑ ""The Royals" It Is Not, Nor It Cannot Come to Good (TV Episode 2015)".
  35. ↑ Lodderhose, Diana (8 September 2016). "Michael Winterbottom's 'On The Road' Added As London Film Fest World Premiere".
  36. ↑ "Wolf Alice > UK Charts". Officialcharts.com/. Official Charts Company.
  37. ↑ Peaks in Australia:
    • My Love Is Cool: "Discography Wolf Alice". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
    • Visions of a Life: "ARIA Chart Watch #441". auspOp. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  38. 1 2 "Discography Wolf Alice". Belgium (Flanders) Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
  39. ↑ Peaks in Ireland:
    • My Love is Cool: "Discography Wolf Alice". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
    • Visions of a Life: "Irish Albums Chart: 6 October 2017". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  40. ↑ "Discography Wolf Alice". Dutch Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
  41. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  42. ↑ Jones, Alan (6 October 2017). "Official Charts Analysis: Shania Twain takes No. 1 in close battle with Wolf Alice". Music Week. Retrieved 6 October 2017. (Subscription required (help)).
  43. ↑ "British certifications – Wolf Alice". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 6 October 2017. Type Wolf Alice in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  44. ↑ "Mercury Prize 2018: How the shortlisted albums have sold so far". Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  45. ↑ "British certifications – Wolf Alice". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 28 September 2018. Type Wolf Alice in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  46. ↑ Peak positions for the other charted songs in the UK:
    • For "Bros": "CHART: CLUK Update 4.07.2015". Zobbel.de/. Official Charts Company.
  47. ↑ "Billboard.biz". billboard.com. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Chart History: Mexico Ingles Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Chart Archive > 28 September 2018". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  50. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Chart History: Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  51. ↑ "Wolf Alice Album & Song Chart History – Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  52. ↑ "Wolf Alice Album & Song Chart History – Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  53. ↑ "Wolf Alice – Chart History: Rock Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  54. ↑ "Wolf Alice - "White Leather". Record Store Day. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  55. ↑ "Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com.
  56. ↑ "iTunes names Tame Impala, Florence & The Machine best of 2015 – Music Business Worldwide". 10 December 2015.
  57. ↑ "2015, Mercury Prize – Mercury Prize 2015 shortlist – BBC Music".
  58. ↑ "Mercury Prize: Arctic Monkeys and Jorja Smith on shortlist".
  59. ↑ "Brit Awards 2016 nominations: Tame Impala, Wolf Alice, Eagles Of Death Metal shortlisted – NME". 14 January 2016.
  60. ↑ "Brit Awards 2018: The nominations". 16 January 2018.
  61. ↑ "Global Awards 2018 nominations". 9 January 2018.
  62. ↑ Gibsone, Harriet (7 December 2015). "Grammy awards 2016: Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and the Weeknd lead nominations" – via The Guardian.
  63. ↑ "NME Awards 2016: Full Winners List". 17 February 2016.
  64. ↑ "Beyoncé leads nominations for the VO5 NME Awards 2017 – voting open now – NME". 12 January 2017.
  65. ↑ "Lorde, Kasabian, and Dua Lipa lead VO5 NME Awards 2018 nominations". NME.com. 21 January 2018.
  66. ↑ "Wolf Alice, Jamie xx, Skepta nominated for Ivor Novello awards".
  67. ↑ Savage, Mark (3 August 2016). "Adele and Radiohead up for indie awards" – via www.bbc.com.
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