‘First, last, and everything in between’ is an interview feature where upcoming artists talk about some of the favourite music from throughout their lives and how it’s influenced them.
G The Wolf is a rapper/spoken word artist hailing from Newcastle. He’s just released his debut album, Howl at the Moon, which combines his laid-back hip-hop flows with smooth soul and jazz beats, courtesy of CJG Productions.
Here he tells us about the musical loves throughout his life, his own musical journey so far, and the origin story of his ‘character’. Listen along via the playlist for some of his picks, alongside a selection of G’s own tunes.
What’s the first song you remember falling in love with?
I wonder – Kanye West. The rap style and soul sample beat selection is still something I keep with me now in my own work. I listen to Graduation often, it’s a fantastic album and Kanye really inspires me. Me and my brother wild out to Kanye, he’s the best noughties rapper IMO. He’s not afraid to step out into the unknown, bring something back and throw it out in your face, whether you’re gonna like it or not. But I Wonder and Howl at the Moon have very similar motives. In the end you go back to the beginning.
I think most people really start to form their musical ‘identity’ as teens. What music would best define your teenage years?
My earlier years in music, or any years in music, haven’t lacked the sauce. I’ve always kept it in the pocket. “Got to have soul!” I spent my days listening to Marvin Gaye, Bryson Tiller, Frank Ocean, Amy Winehouse. I don’t feel like I found my true identity until I started making my own music. But the jist of it hasn’t changed. Young smooth motherfucker who brings the bedroom vibes.
When did you first start making music yourself?
I know most musicians have been at it most their lives, and I really respect that mastering of their craft. There’s some really talented young artists coming out of the North East right now. Me, I didn’t pick up a microphone until the end of last year. Without sounding arrogant, something just clicked. I always had a good hand for poetry to loved ones in school. I never put it out due to my own perception of myself, or social pressures.
But since September a bad breakup left me with a lot I still had to say, but had been unable to. I picked the pen back up and got to work creating this project. Done an open mic in January and a local producer asked to work with me. We’ve created this album together and the journey so far is nothing short of a sweet one. I really feel like I’m resonating with who I’m supposed to be.
What has most influenced your own music?
Subconsciously, probably every artist I’ve ever listened to. I love an artist’s instincts, from D Double E to James Brown; random noises and outbursts can be just as important as lyrics…but, yeah, where do those noises come from? They’re not even real words. But when I hear them…makes me want my own!! That inspires me.
Artistic wise, not much else. A man in a dystopian wolf mask doesn’t fall into the normal. Lyrically, I stick to UK artists for inspiration; Skepta, Loyle Carner, Knucks, BERWYN, Giggs all inspire me. Skepta especially, still doing it, without a doubt UK’s number 1 MC.
What‘s the story behind the G The Wolf moniker?
I’ve been over and over it in my head and the black and white interpretation of it is…that a wolf deity came to me and put me on this mission. Make of that what you will. I can’t elaborate any more at this time.
What has been the defining moment in your career so far?
Definitely launching the album; the feedback has been absolutely incredible, as well as the coverage, because it’s different and sounds good. It gives me the affirmations that I’m not kidding myself any more, this is a product that people enjoy and want. Confirming my musical identity.
What’s your go-to sad song?
Chamber Of Reflection – Mac DeMarco. I thought this whole album was sick, not just this song, but I definitely resonate with his lyrics in this and it calms me to know there’s other young men going through this process because it is a lonely and isolating one. I’ve lost a lot of friends in the last year, simply because they don’t share the same goals and don’t want to make good music. But that’s me now and I hear that reflected, funnily enough, in Chamber Of Reflection. I can both get down sad and vibe out to it, or it’s my switch song to know better days are coming and to get the positive mindset back on.
Your chance to really prove your hipster credentials – an obscure favourite that not many people will know?
I listen to a lot of reggae in my spare time so I’m using this one as my cheat code cause hardly anyone knows their names. Most of them just use their government names which makes me laugh but the music says enough, they don’t need a mask, make-up, or backup dancers; just good music. So yeah, my obscure reggae artist is Johnny Osbourne, Water Pumping is my jam ATM.
Your guilty pleasure?
MK (Mark Kitchen) the DJ, it really is. I’m a sucker for those 90s vocal house vibes and he’s got some absolute belters; Piece of Me, My Head Is A Jungle, Burning. If you catch me vibing out to these…mind your damn business.
You released your debut album recently, what do you have planned next?
Howl at the Moon launched 7th July and it’s been incredible so far, it’s been everything I hoped it would be. I’m back in the studio this week to re-record the Howl at the Moon single, upload it to the album and then I’m going to enjoy it none stop. As always, the proof is in the pudding and I’ve worked none stop everyday for a year on this, on top of a full-time job, spending 3-4 hours a day on the project so I’m going to enjoy some well earned time off. A holiday, then get back to work ASAP.
Finally. What’s the last song you fell in love with?
A new one. It’s Little Things by Jorja Smith, I don’t know what it is about her but she just brings it and brings something different. Her voice is unreal aswell. Proper banger IMO, my idea of a summer banger definitely. Turn it up!
Howl at the Moon is out now, you can listen on Apple Music. And keep an eye out for unreleased tracks to be added soon. You can follow G’s social channels/music via the icon links below.
You can read previous editions of ‘First, last, and everything in between’ via the archives here.
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