Since bursting on the scene with his reimagining of Africa, Karl Wolf has been making waves with his energetic, 80's-inspired sound. He's going to be performing at Holly's Nightclub in Yorkton on August 26 and says he's going to bring the energy of that music to the city.
"We're going to bring that big city energy, and it's going to be fun. I've got my whole band coming with me... I'm excited, I'm going to bring the heat, for sure," Wolf says.
The show at Holly's is a natural place for the music, Wolf says, because a club venue is the best place to appreciate the energy and excitement of the music.
"Where else would you want to bring the energy, you know what I mean? People have to be having a good time, and forgetting the problems in their every day lives, and just having a blast... Think of me like a DJ, a really crazy DJ who does crazy antics on stage," says Wolf.
The performance is something which has impressed audiences from around the world, Wolf says, and he notes that no matter where he goes, the crowds respond in the same way.
"The reception to my show is pretty much dead on, no matter where we go. No matter which country we're in, no matter what nationality you are, music is so universal, and it's incredible to see in real life. The cliche is music is universal, but when you see it in the field, it's really impressive, everybody reacts similar with similar emotions coming out to the song," Wolf describes.
That energy translates to his recorded music as well, with his newest single '80s Baby being a tribute to the sounds and images that inspired him from a young age.
"I was born in '79, so all my life I would listen to music from the '80s... It just affected me, music in the '80s was just unfettered, and they weren't afraid to be a little more musical. Today people are frightened to be musical, they have to be extra rhythmic," Wolf says.
The video, which he describes as one of the biggest budget Canadian music videos of the year, takes that tribute further, featuring the DeLorean from Back to the Future and a variety of other '80s references.
"Everybody loves the clothing and the style, so it's coming back. And how appropriate is it that 25 years after Back to the Future was made that I'm brought back the DeLorean? The only thing from the '80s I don't want to come back is shoulder pads," Wolf enthuses
Wolf's career began behind the scenes as a producer, something which he still finds to be an important part of his career, as he produces up and coming new artists.
"I like being in the limelight, partying and having a good time, but I also like just making good music, and being behind an artist who I think has potential, and takes your music to a whole new stratosphere. People around the world can hear art, and not only focus on your muscles or whatever," Wolf says.
One thing that Wolf says needs to happen is people need to support Canadian artists more. While his singles have found great success, with Africa hitting quadruple platinum, he recognizes how difficult it is to sell music.
"People should support artists, especially Canadian artists. We're working really hard, there's not a lot of money to be made. You either work at McDonald's or you become a singer, those days of Madonna making millions of dollars are over," Wolf says.
While there might be challenges in the industry, Wolf himself is grateful for the level of success he has been able to receive with his music.
"I'm happy, and I'm so grateful, and I'm so lucky to be at this point," Wolf notes.
Wolf encourages people to visit his website at www.karlwolf.com to keep up on his music and shows, and his catalog, including the new single, which is available for purchase on the site.
The show will take place on August 26 at Holly's Nightclub. Tickets are on sale at Holly's and Fuzztone Music. Advance tickets are $20, increasing to $25 on the day of show. Doors will open at 9:00 p.m. with a 19+ requirement. This is the first concert by Indestructible Enter-tainment in Yorkton, more information on which can be found at www.myspace.com/indestructibleent.
