Tom (Wolfe, bassist), thanks for taking the time to talk to me. The last 12 months has been very busy for the band, what’s been happening?
Our debut album, It’s On, was launched in Tamworth last year. The reception we got from that was amazing. We were then asked to meet with Lee Kernaghan regarding some shows and started a 12 month tour of Australia with him last March. In between these gigs we saw the album go to number 2 on the ARIA Australian Country Music Charts. We also scored a number one on the CMC singles charts.
It was an awesome debut album, you must have been proud?
Yes we were, it captured the band in its entirety. The songs typified what the brothers are about. Loud yes, but also possessing the ability to get the message across.
I agree, ‘The Girl The Bottle The Memory’ is a great song that no doubt will stand the test of time.
Thanks. It’s a true story about a girl I was involved with. The song captures the moment.
Taking that statement a little further, did you ever get to tell her what the song was about?
I did, we met last year. While we were talking I said to her, “you know that song was about us” she just smiled and said “I thought it was”.
You are now taking your show on the road with three dates in NSW this week including a trip to Newcastle. The city has a great reputation for live music, how is country going to fit into that?
Well, for those who have seen us before, we are not typical country. In fact we are country meets rock so hopefully the city will embrace us. The show is loud, but it is also the type of music that everyone will relate to. Hopefully by the end of the show we would have won over a few new fans. We are bringing two great supports with us. Jasmine Rae is a country star in her own right with a new album and I can’t wait for Newcastle to see her. Kaylen’s Rain are also well known in the country area and will be well received in Newcastle. Overall country will meet rock in Newcastle on Saturday night.
Moving onto your new album what can fans expect from it? I notice you have enlisted Luke Wooten to produce your second album. I understand it was recorded at Byron Bay and just completed?
Yes and it sounds great, there are some major changes, we have grown since the first album that is evident on this. All the guys are very happy with it. It should be out before Tamworth next year. Luke has been excellent, he really understands the band and the guys needs in relation to our music.
Any word on a name for the album?
Yes but at the moment it is a secret.
So for the moment we will call it “it’s on 2”
[Laughs] Yes that will do for the moment.
I guess we cannot end this interview without talking about Lee Kernaghan and what he has done for the band.
The guy is brilliant. He has thrust the Wolfe Brothers onto the main stage in every place in Australia. Lee has a true appreciation for music and he has provided us with a great opportunity.
At the start it was a big risk on his part?
Yes, people questioned the choice. We proved them wrong.
And look how far you come
Yes, if you had told me we would be where we are now 12 months ago I would not have believed you.
I guess you could argue Kernaghan was the master and you the apprentices
Yes that would be a fair call
Well you could argue the apprentices have now become the masters of music and their own destiny. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday Tom.
Thanks very much, can’t wait to play in Newcastle.
The Wolfe Brothers, with Morgan Evans, Jasmine Rae and Kaylens Rain in support, will perform at The Small Ballroom, Newcastle on Saturday April 5, 2014.