Wolf & Chain are Not Giving Up
PHOTO: MICHAEL CARVER
Adelaide emo alt-rock outfit Wolf & Chain have released their new single ‘Not Giving Up’. This is the band’s first new music for 2024 and after speaking to the group’s Singer-Songwriter Jack Cumes, we have a feeling it’s just the warm-up of what is to come from the Australian 5-piece. In the rest of our chat with Jack, we asked him about the making of ‘Not Giving Up’, the best and worst parts about touring and what can fans to look forward to in the future from Wolf & Chain.
Your Bio describes the Wolf & Chain sound as Emo Alt- Rock, was this the genre class you originally saw the band sliding into?
I feel it happened quite naturally as that was the stuff that we all had in common musically and what we grew up on. I think as you grow and mature as a band though, you learn how to pull more from all your different influences and I think that’s going to be a very exciting thing to see for this band.
You have just released your first track for 2024 titled 'Not Giving Up', where did the idea for this song come from?
It was born out of these sessions where we went away to a farm for a week to write and record demos. We felt we were in a bit of a rut, creatively and emotionally, so ‘Not Giving Up’ is our attempt at breaking free of that. We use this werewolf metaphor to describe some of the emotions and themes of the song. We had the idea for the song for a long time, It started in a really different place and we wanted to experiment with it and really push ourselves. Working with Josh Meyer of Those Who Dream really helped us shape our vision and bring the song to life.
Is there a particular line or part of the song stands out for you?
“Love like razor blades, it cuts me, oh so soft and sweetly, tearing us apart.” I like this line a lot because it rings true to the sentiment of the song. Sometimes love can be painful and fleeting, but worth hanging for.
“we could really be conscious of what kind of world we wanted to build musically”
What came first the lyrics or the music?
The lyrics were definitely there first. As I mentioned earlier, we went through a few iterations of the song before we found its final form. I think it was a fun way to do it though because we could really be conscious of what kind of world we wanted to build musically and how it would reflect the lyrics.
Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
I (Jack Cumes - singer/songwriter) came up with the concept and workshopped it with the team. There were lots of memorable moments, even just being In the old Capri Theater here in Adelaide was a great opportunity. It’s such a grand old space and we had so much fun filming camaraderie there. We also had a great time filming the bike riding sequences at night, a lot of DIY filmmaking techniques involving hanging a cameraman out of a car window with a flashlight.
“we are just taking the time at the moment to really hone that in and make the best piece of art that we can create”
Can we expect a full length album out in 2024?
I’m not so sure about it releasing in 2024, but that’s definitely something we have been putting together in the background. When we do come out with our first full length, we want it to be definitively us, so I think we are just taking the time at the moment to really hone that in and make the best piece of art that we can create.
You’ve just finished touring as support for Tapestry, are there any plans for a headline tour this year?
We had such a great time on the road with those guys. They are such a talented band and we felt really lucky to be sharing the stage with them and watching them each night. We can’t confirm anything at the moment, but that is definitely something we want to do and look forward to in the near future!
What's your Favourite thing about touring and being on the road?
For me, it’s playing the shows and being able to share what we’ve worked so hard on with the audience. Meeting new people and making friends along the way is also a massive upside too! I think we all enjoy each other's company as a band too, so we manage to have fun on the long road trips as well.
“I think touring in Australia can be particularly hard with its landscape as well. ”
What's the worst part about touring and being on the road?
It definitely can be a slog. You have to be up early moving gear. You have to endure late nights and long rides. I think touring in Australia can be particularly hard with its landscape as well. We often see that this can deter a lot of bands so I think there is a mutual respect with other bands who do it, because you both know how hard it is, and you both know that you are doing it because you love it.
Where was your Wolf & Chain first gig? Was it a success or flop?
I think we played at the Crown and Anchor in Adelaide. We had all our friends come out and it was a great time, I think that’s what really got us going. I’m sure we were rough as hell and probably sounded like it, but I remember good vibes haha.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
I think we got to give it up for Sam Gutwein for putting in countless hours working away on our live rig and running the studio. It is hard work and is often left behind the scenes, but it is so crucial and he does a bang up job of it. Much love to our homie, Sam.
Do you have a message for the Wolf & Chain fans and supporters?
Yes! Come and see us at one of our shows! We are working super hard behind the scenes on something really special. If you want to support it, be a part of it and get a taste of what’s to come, get a ticket and get to a show. We can’t wait to show you what's next for us, and we are so so so grateful for all of you who have supported, come to a show, bought some merch or said hey. We love you all.
Interview by Michelle Symes
April 2024