For more than two decades, Patrick Wolf has occupied a singular space as a musician. From his debut at the age of 19, Patrick has been genre-blending across folk, electronica, and classical, creating a uniquely personal sound that inspired an ever-loyal fan base. A viola, piano, dulcimer, harp, lyre, and tenor guitar player, his theatrical, critically acclaimed work is nothing short of spellbinding.
But following a prolific era of producing and touring, Patrick faced personal trials and took an indefinite hiatus from music and the industry. He’s now returned with new original music, a documentary chronicling his journey set to release this year, and The Tour of the Beast – his biggest tour in the USA in years, which is stopping in the Rollins on June 23.
In this Mid-Week-Intermission, we caught up with Patrick to discuss his sound, his journey, and The Beast.
Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview — anything come to mind? Word on the street is you have a new single floating around…
PATRICK: Yes, two new songs were released for this USA tour, The Beast and The Laughing Dove. Take your pick! They are two sides of the same coin, or an ouroboros.
You’re an artist whose sound isn’t easy to narrow down. How would you briefly explain your music to folks who may not have listened?
PATRICK: I want to my work to be a private well for people, one they can make wishes in, that they can pull water from when they are thirsty, that they can hear their own voice echo back in if they tell secrets into it and one they can sit in the bucket and lower themselves down into another world within.
In a music career spanning over two decades with many different phases, what feels significant about the era of The Beast that you’re currently in?
PATRICK: It took me over a decade to rebuild the confidence and strength of vision I have now as a performer and writer. I would say this only began really showing through toward the end of last year after my last USA Tour, my first in 13 years, where I drove myself alone from Seattle to D.C. over 23 shows – just myself alone in a van with my instruments. The Beast is an affirmation of the spirit in me that was solidified by the first days of January this year.
We can’t wait to have you in Austin. Is there anything you’re particularly excited about when it comes to bringing this tour to (what we think to be) the best city in the world?
PATRICK: The day after my show in Austin is my 6 years clean and sober birthday, so I look forward to staying to mark the occasion with the international secret fellowship of recovering addicts in Austin. I also have memories of the audience at my last show in Austin back in 2009 being particularly wild in spirit, but a lot can change in 17 years.
This tour comes ahead of the premiere of a documentary (executive produced by Tilda Swinton) chronicling your life. What does it mean to you to have your story documented, and what do you hope people take away from the film?
PATRICK: I was approached by a filmmaker to be subject of a documentary, so it’s important people understand this isn’t something I woke up one day and decided I really needed or wanted to happen, but instead, made a choice to let happen and be documented in the name of hoping my experiences in life could be useful to someone – the tradition of passing along the tools you were given that helped you make it through to the next day, or next chapter of life.
Is there anything else you want to tease about your upcoming show in the Rollins on June 26?
PATRICK: I don’t tease, the magic of surprise is endangered.
Thanks for the chat, Patrick!
Don’t miss Patrick Wolf with Julia Nunes in the Rollins Theatre on June 23.
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