There's a bright but somewhat mysterious "hello" on the other end of the line.
It's Ellie Rowsell from English indie rock band Wolf Alice and she doesn't quite remember but thinks the four-piece have been on the road for the last two weeks.To say Wolf Alice are one of the most successful bands out of the UK in recent memory is an understatement. Try the world.
Earlier this year, Wolf Alice took out Best Group at the 2022 BRIT Awards. "I haven't stopped to think about it really. It's quite bizarre, but I don't feel totally 'what the hell'. I'm very proud, it has made me confident in ourselves."
Wolf Alice's third and most recent album, 2021's 'Blue Weekend', has been referred to as a 'stone-cold masterpiece'.
"Honestly, I read the reviews, but I don't know if I should," admits Ellie. "I used to think 'why wouldn't you want to know what people think', but all that really matters is that you try your hardest."
Despite 'Blue Weekend' dominating the charts globally, Ellie modestly measures success against her own songwriting.
"It's the most important thing to me as a musician. If I don't want to listen to a demo I made over and over, I can't expect anyone else to listen to it. The first people that I show my demos too are my dad and my brother."
It comes as no surprise that months spent on the road can take a creative toll. "I'm tired on my days off and it's hard to write anything," Ellie admits.
"I try [and] store information by getting myself out and going for walks, so hopefully when I get home I can write music. When inspiration hits, it's important to chase it."
Growing up in North London, Ellie immersed herself in the thrill of live music from an early age subconsciously having her heart set on one day being in a band of her own.
"My Dad played in a punk band when he was younger and would always listen to my songs in his own time. A parent will always support their child, but there's only so much you can listen to a sh.t song.
"I would always go to shows and see a plethora of different genres. My first gig was Bombay Bicycle Club in Camden."
Perhaps the exposure to such an abundance of music is a driving force behind Wolf Alice's own undefinable sound. "I still don't really know what I want to do or sound like, it's just whatever takes my fancy really.
"The only times I make something that I'm embarrassed of is when I'm trying to sound like someone else."
When it comes to producing music videos and complementing emotional, vulnerable tracks with a visual concept, Ellie finds there can be a lot of pressure.
"I love movie soundtracks; music can be at its most powerful when prepared as a visual. It's hard. . . you don't want to take yourself too seriously, but you don't want to come across a fool."
Wolf Alice are a band to be inspired by, a natural magnet and influence to the next generation of musicians.
"It's impossible to do anything alone; seek out people that can help you. Always have a laugh and remember you're not too cool to say no to things, take the opportunities that come your way.
"These days it's very easy to compare yourself to others, but develop a sound based on what you enjoy. Build an experience for yourself."
Wolf Alice are returning to Australia to perform their biggest shows to date later this month. When asked what audiences can expect, Ellie simply gave a cheeky laugh saying "a lot of fun".
"The first time we ever came to Australia, we had a hotel with a jacuzzi on the beach and thought 'woah, this is the life!'.
"[Australia is] a completely different ball game from touring anywhere else; we thought it was going to be like that everywhere, but it's not!
"Australia makes us feel very luxurious; we're very excited to come back."
Wolf Alice 2022 Tour Dates
Tue 26 Apr - Big Top SydneyThu 28 Apr - Forum Melbourne* sold out
Sun 1 May - The Tivoli (Brisbane)
Wolf Alice @ Groovin The Moo 2022
Sat 23 Apr - Maitland Showground (Hunter Valley)Sun 24 Apr - Exhibition Park In Canberra
Sat 30 Apr - Prince Of Wales Showgrounds (Bendigo)
