INTERVIEW: Jayli Wolf Wants to Run With Gorillas
Indigenous (Anishinaabe/Cree), Queer, activist and multi-hyphenate talent Jayli Wolf will release her powerful new single “Holding On” on April 21. Embodying the juxtaposition of deep love and a dark sadness, the song captures moments in life where we can lose touch with ourselves. In the song’s striking self-directed and produced official video, Jayli is depicted exploring a surreal dream world as a scarecrow protecting a desolate land, as past memories of a love connection that cannot be forgotten play out as flashbacks.
A by-product of the controversial Sixties Scoop, the Canadian rising star’s debut EP Wild Whisper, which explored the hardship her family endured from the colonial genocide inflicted by the Canadian Government; the exodus of leaving the religion she was born into and releasing the shame and guilt instilled in her around her bisexuality, brought her to critical acclaim and has set the stage for all her upcoming music.
“Holding On” is a heartfelt pop ballad about finding your “why” in the darkness. Wolf’s voice swells above the sweeping pianos and pull of the electronic drum beats to establish a sense of determination. In our interview, Wolf explains why that sense of self is key to her music.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
It totally depends! But I would say mostly music first, to feel out a vibe sonically and then freestyle lyrics on top. 🙂 I have written music to poetry before though too.
What is your vision for a more just music industry?
I think the whole thing needs to be thrown away, and we need to start again- just getting back to the art. Letting artists be artists and not also have to be entertainers.
How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?
To be honest, I’m living on a farm right now. Not performing a whole lot, but instead getting back to my roots. I think because I grew up the way I did being bisexual, I felt like the black sheep. So I am used to and comfortable thinking outside the box. I want to do things differently. And I feel it’s very important to be true to self- I hope that reflects in my music.
What’s the first concert you ever attended? What do you remember about it?
My first concert experience was a Josh Ritter show, this amazing folk artist. I just remember how happy he seemed on stage in his white suit. I was just in total awe of his energy.
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I really want to hang out with gorillas 😉
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