Remi Wolf on Giving No Shits and Making Hits
words by Isabel Padilla
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If you are anything like me, Remi Wolf has been a staple in your playlists for a while - but if not, the pleasure is all mine to be able to introduce you to 24-year-old pop artist from the Bay Area: Remi.
With music as electrifying and authentic as the personality behind it, Wolf has been making herself known to all who are ready to have a good time and not take themselves too seriously. Be prepared to enter into a colorful, sonic trance reminiscent of a Lisa Frank notebook while enjoying her recent EP I’m Allergic To Dogs, and the psychedelic music videos made to match.
If I haven't piqued your interest yet (rude!), hopefully a peek into her camera roll will do the trick.
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The themes in your music range from being a bad bitch and taking no shit, to dealing with your own thoughts, to heartbreak, curving men, and everything in between. Within all of your music, what is the one thing you want people to take away from it?
I would love for people to take away the idea that honesty and authenticity is always the best policy. You are the best you ever, like - for real for real! Also, just make shit up. It’s ok. And you don’t have to give too much of a shit (even though that's really hard for me - but I’m working on it).
What are three images in your camera roll that you think best describe your sound?
“[My song-writing] is always a bit of an explosion,
and is very cathartic for me.”
From the writing process to the production, what is it like for you when you are writing a new song? Attach a photo of the last place where you wrote.
Every song I write, I write pretty fast. I’m always getting something off my chest that’s been pent up for a while, or exploring a really strong feeling that might have just come up. It’s always a bit of an explosion and is very cathartic for me; I always feel lighter and way more at peace with myself after finishing a song.
Your energy on stage is absolutely insane! How do you hype yourself up for a performance? Any pre- or post- rituals?
I normally drink some whiskey, and try to feel normal, cracking jokes with my bandmates. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. But I am also always deceivingly nervous… and after the show, I vibe out. I normally need to cool down a bit because after performing I feel like I’m high AF.
“Chefs and jazz musicians will always inspire me. Both are amazing at improvising and making magical shit on the fly.”
Find one photo in your camera roll that requires context to the story and tell us a little about that moment. (image pictured left)
I met Melissa Etheridge at a Grammy Party after a photographer pushed us together, and I had no idea who she was or why he pushed us into the same pic. After he took it, I was like, “Hi! I’m Remi, what’s your name?” and she was like “I’m Melissa Etheridge”, and I was like “Woah.” And then we said goodbye.
Whether it be with other musicians or other artists, you always kill your collaborations! Are there any creatives that you want to shoutout and share with the world?
Matty Matheson. (Please notice me).
Speaking of collaborations, how was it filming for the recent music video releases you made in collaboration with video director and artist Agusta Yr? I can only imagine it was in the greenest room known to man.
IT WAS SO FUCKING GREEN AND HUGE! I had so much fun styling the videos and shopping for all my looks. I’d never really been on green screen before, so it took a couple hours to get used to it, but now that we’ve had to make so many videos in quarantine I am TOO adjusted (laughs). Hair and makeup was also WILD for me, because I’m normally not wearing any makeup and my hair is always very knotted. Honestly, I felt really bad for the hairstylist Sergio, because my hair was a full beast that day. But Agusta is always so fun and creative, she’s super whacky and we were both trying to push some boundaries with those videos.
Who/what are some of your current inspirations for your creative processes?
Chefs and jazz musicians will always really inspire me. Both are super amazing at improvising and making magical shit on the fly.
Finally, send us a photo in your camera roll that makes you the most emotional.
I’m dead inside!
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