In the crowded landscape of music, there are some artists who manage to stand out effortlessly, captivating audiences with their unique blend of talent, authenticity, and passion. One such artist making waves in the industry is Lone Wolfe, an alternative Pop/R&B sensation hailing from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area.
What first got you into music?
I first got into music at a very young age probably around 8-10. I used to love watching lil Bow Wow and thought it was so cool to be that impactful with a beat and some lyrics that young of an age. He was like a young Michael Jackson in my eyes, after my mom took me to the record store and bought me his “Beware of the Dog” behind the scenes vhs tape. I fell in love with the concept of possibly touching people with music which started my journey as a musician. My aunt and mom would take me to auditions to sing, which later allowed me to become a member of the Maryland boys choir. I participated in every talent show, recorded acapella song demos off tape recorders, I mean anything I could get my hands on, that had to do with music, I tried. And the passion has still never left.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I always say I try to create a movie inside of your head and body everytime you listen to my music. Meaning you can feel every emotions I’m portraying, in my lyrics, through your body and can hear the theatrics and drama that’s being expressed and created inside of the instrumentals.
What does your music say about you?
My music says that I’m a “beautiful catastrophe”. Meaning my beauty is in my transgressions which gives my listeners hope and self-acceptance to who and what God created them to be. And whatever “mess” of a person they think they are was never a mess in the first place.
Does your music fit in to your local scene? If so, how do you take advantage of that? If not, do you see that as an obstacle and what do you do about it?
No, and that’s always been my major struggle of trying to break through into this music industry. My musical topics of positivity/enlightenment or mental illness aren’t a popular one. And on top of that I have an experimental sound of R&B mixed with melodic rap which people aren’t familiar with listening too. And labels aren’t interested in things that are unfamiliar to their audience because the risk is too high for me to flop. But I knew what difficulty was ahead when I chose this path so it doesn’t bother me as much as others might think. I always said that making this type of music is worth pursuing if it touches those who are in dying need of hearing it. So I know my music will take off at the right time when people need it the most.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
Books and more books. Definitely literature. Poems and books always give me a curve ball approach when thinking of how I can grab people’s attention with cunning metaphors or avant garde word play. For example, in my latest release “Recovery Room”, I say, “I don’t need know feelings, that shits a killing, I’m flying past the ceiling, can’t be no victim, I had dreams that left me trembling, cause bro’s a victim, from this trap that we call living from this damaged system.” And in this sequence I’m using jarring visualization of breaking through a ceiling as a symbolism of freedom from limitations given by my environment. And then I tie it up by given the listener a somber perspective of how I am feeling when I saw my close friend, who I considered a brother, become a victim to these same limitations and circumstances I came from due to drugs or street life. So, I use visuals and a poetic approach to not make it so dark and despairing, but more so direct and hopeful.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
My go to comfort food is a hundred percent Japanese food. So purple rice, white rice with any legume and protein you got me. But if I had to choose, probably teriyaki salmon with white rice for sure.
What historical figure would you love to see in 21st century life?
James Baldwin, he is my favorite author of all time and I would love to have a deep in-depth conversation with him to unlock some insecurities, uncertainties and discomforts I have about life in general and my identity as a person.
What makes you nostalgic?
I love to read and go to the library. I rather touch a physically book with real words and pages inside of it than scroll on a kindle fire or tablet. Haha And I also love to go vintage thrift shopping for 90s and early 2000s gear because I think the way they dressed looked way more comfy than clothes nowadays. And I also am a bit jealous that I missed out on being an adult in that era, because I was a baby, so I like to think I’m transporting myself back into that time period.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Oh easy, Static Shock. I think me seeing a black superhero in my neighborhood during that time would’ve given me a sense of security and hope seeing an black superhero protecting the neighborhood from the world and ourselves. That would really be a strong symbol of hope for black American culture if he was real. He could’ve been the reason all these senseless crimes and murders would just stop or at least calm down. Plus what other superhero do you know has locks in their hair. Haha
Lone’s Powerful Single “Recovery Room”
Lone Wolfe’s “Recovery Room” serves as a poignant narrative, providing listeners with a glimpse into the artist’s struggles with panic disorder and past traumas. The song is a testament to Lone Wolfe’s resilience and his commitment to overcoming mental hurdles through a unique, self-created sanctuary – his “Recovery Room.”
The artist explains, “This song explains every current and past traumatic event that was coming up from therapy and me describing the process of what atmosphere I was creating inside of my bedroom to help me become a mental warrior as well as deal with life and mental hurdles on my own.”
During an intense period of therapy, Lone Wolfe found solace and strength within the confines of his bedroom, which he affectionately termed his “Recovery Room.” It became a cocoon or incubator, where he meticulously crafted an atmosphere conducive to self-reflection, meditation, and the exploration of his thoughts and sensations. Lone Wolfe’s dedication to the process allowed him to emerge as a mental warrior, equipped to navigate life’s challenges independently.
“This room at my father’s house became my recovery room because I felt like I was in a cocoon or incubator during that time to become who I am today,” Lone Wolfe shares. “Literally sitting myself on the floor, meditating and figuring out every bit of thought and sensation until I could learn how to stand up on my own through any mental strain I was going through in life.”
“Recovery Room” is not only a testament to Lone Wolfe’s personal triumph but also a musical offering that aims to resonate with and inspire others facing similar struggles. The single serves as Lone Wolfe’s last musical release of the year, setting the stage for a series of singles planned throughout 2024. Lone Wolfe’s mission is clear: to use his music as a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment, sharing his journey to inspire others on their path to mental well-being.
As Lone Wolfe continues to evolve as an artist and a mental health advocate, “Recovery Room” stands as a powerful reminder that music has the ability to transform personal struggles into universal messages of strength, resilience, and hope.
