Indie rock quartet Wolf Alice popped in for a chat with Charlie Mock to talk NME, touring and what they want for Christmas.

 

Firstly, your name is a reference to an Angela Carter short story- do you particularly like the piece? 

Ellie: Yeah, we copied it.

Joel: We thought it sounded nice, but we donÔÇÖt like it now so much.

Joff: I like it!

Theo: We like it, they donÔÇÖt like it and everyone thinks that Ellie is called Alice.

 

Your new EP Blush was released earlier this month. How has that been received?

Joel: Well, I like it.

Joff: WeÔÇÖve had some really nice press and stuff, people have been very very kind.

Joel: It got streamed with the Guardian, which is very very cool for any band really. NME like it.

Theo: It got a strong seven.

 

You also released it on 10-inch vinyl and a lot of bands have started doing the same thing. Vinyl is definitely becoming a bigger deal for the younger generation- does vinyl hold a special place in any of your hearts? 

All: Yes!

Joel: And CDs are very expensive.

Joff: And to be honest, the label only puts out through vinyl. If IÔÇÖm completely honest IÔÇÖd much rather have it on CD. ItÔÇÖs probably a bit silly that we didnÔÇÖt do it on CD.

Joel: ItÔÇÖs just a cool thing. I remember when I was growing up and getting into vinyl, they just look cool.

Theo: Vinyl is great. ItÔÇÖs lovely. We were talking the other day about going to a gig and seeing a nice vinyl- nowadays I donÔÇÖt think thereÔÇÖs necessarily that many kids whoÔÇÖve got a turn table and an amp at home.

Ellie: ItÔÇÖs more of a collectorÔÇÖs piece, a bit of memorabilia.

Joel: ItÔÇÖs like a t-shirt; you donÔÇÖt really listen to it.

Theo: WeÔÇÖve just seen our actual records, they were delayed at the shop but we got them yesterday and they look fantastic. Really happy with them.

Joel: Even though we had the 7ÔÇØ vinyl before when we got this one I was like, this is the shit.

 

You recently finished touring with the guys in Swim Deep as well as your own tour in November- how crazy has the last few months been for you?

Theo: WeÔÇÖre so boring itÔÇÖs hard to be crazy.

Joel: WeÔÇÖre probably crazier when weÔÇÖre not on tour than when weÔÇÖre on tour. We go to bed earlier, and I probably eat more when IÔÇÖm on tour than when IÔÇÖm at home.

Theo: Swim Deep are always good though.

Joel: I read more when IÔÇÖm on tour! I never read books before tour.

Theo: To be fair, weÔÇÖve only read one book between us.

Joel: The same half of the same book.

 

You were included in the recent ‘Young Britannia’ feature in NME – what does that mean for you? It’s a pretty iconic magazine!┬á

Joel: I was so proud. I bought it. Everyone has an opinion on NME, but I donÔÇÖt care.

Theo: ItÔÇÖs really cool, itÔÇÖs massive. TheyÔÇÖve been very nice to us, weÔÇÖre very grateful to them.

 

What’s up next for the band? A relaxing Christmas after you’ve finished your hectic touring schedule?┬á

Joel: Album. WeÔÇÖre going to get an album for Christmas.

Joff: Dear Santa, one Wolf Alice album. Make it mixed and mastered.

Joel: It needs to be eight in NME as well. We want to smash next year.

 

EP Blush is available for download now.