Hidden under the catchy beat drops and synths lies a lot of darkness in the alt-pop world. The industry is dominated by women, but male artists are receiving more streaming and radio time. There is a heavy stereotype and association for women in pop to be nothing past cutesy, bubble gum popping cover girls. However, this frail stereotype is shattering with alt-pop artists like Wolf, who are ditching this image and clawing their way out of the chokehold held by sexism that has restrained their music and personal image for a while now.
Wolf’s discography is overflowing with real, relatable moments about friendship and being authentically yourself. It’s in the little mundane moments she describes in her music that add magic to her sound. She is a feminist icon whose music makes you want to hug your childhood best friend and never let anyone make you compromise on your morals.
Speaking with Julia, we asked her how she got into music, which she stated, “When I was in High school, I used to eat lunch alone all the time. And I wouldn’t eat in the cafeteria… I would go to the music room because no one was there, so it was easier. My music teacher was always around and even though I was so shy, I would always perform covers. Senior year, he said if I wanted to perform for our talent show it would have to be an original song and at first I was mortified. I was like… no one’s going to want to hear what the heck I have to say but I don’t know… I realized there was a way to say things without having to talk to anyone.”
When we asked her how “Villain” compares to some of her softer anthems, she stated, “The way that I put my songs out, I try to keep them in a timeline of events leading up to the story. So, in the past, songs have been more introspective but now that more and more people from the past have been trying to get back into my life, I’m ready to just say no to everyone. So, ‘Villain’ is just a more empowering side of things. And I hate when people underestimate me and assume that the shy kid will say yes to everything, so I just wanted to make a song that says it’s ok to say no.”
Bumping to lyrics like, “Got a sweet face but I only play villain,” will have the power to make Wolf’s listeners rise up to their bullies.
She opened up to us about the mission of her music and explained, “It’s definitely wanting to be the voice for the shy kids because I know what that feels like to think that what you have to say doesn’t matter in a conversation. But, it’s ok to be a shy kid. You can do and learn things yourself and it forces you to be more self-sufficient. So, that’s totally my main message there.”
In an industry with an abundance of bullies and double standards, Wolf is sticking out with her gothic style, yet contagious care for her fan base. Unlike many artists whose accounts are run by their management who upkeep fan interaction for a show, Wolf shows genuine care for her loyal following with a “Sunday Confessional.” She gets real by posting advice that is open to anyone through a submission box on her Instagram story.
She said, “I just wanted people to tell me their secrets and so many people were beyond open and it just blew my mind. I guess it was helpful for people to just get things off their chest. It was so cool connecting with everyone.”
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