Jonathan Earp Of Big Wolf Band Talks New Album, Songwriting And More

UK-based Big Wolf Band have a busy year ahead with the release of their third studio album ‘Rebel’s Journey’ and extensive touring. Frontman Jonathan Earp chatted to us all about the new record and future plans:

Who is in Big Wolf Band and what do they play?

Jonathan Earp (lead guitar, lead vocals), Mick Jeynes (bass), Tim Jones (drums), Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Robin Fox (piano, Hammond organ).

How did you want to approach the making of your forthcoming album ‘Rebel’s Journey’?

The approach was about keeping the Big Wolf sound of the previous albums but also continue to grow musically. We wanted to show our progression in the songs on this album. There are a couple of big sounding songs on ‘Rebel’s Journey’ and a couple that are slightly different genre wise. The core approach of the album is telling a story, each song has a message or a meaning. We hope that comes across well.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded our album at M2 Studios near Wolverhampton. It was produced by Mark Stuart and mastered by Sheena Sear. We have done all our previous albums with Mark and Sheena. They are fantastic to work with and always deliver on our vision. It would be rude not to mention the M2 studio dogs, Ralf and Suzie, they kept us entertained throughout the process. Mark has worked with some amazing artist over the years, so it’s always a great learning experience as well.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?

My black Fender Stratocaster is my go-to guitar. It is a modified Mexican Strat. It has Fender vintage noiseless pickups, TBX boost and tone control. Basically, the Eric Clapton mod. My other favourite guitars are my old Yamaha Pacifica 112, my brother brought me this when I was 13/14. Great guitar to play and still all stock. My Vintage V100MRPGM is the latest edition bringing some lovely LP tones. Amps wise I am using my Blackstar St. James EL34 amp. Pedals vary depending on my needs, sometimes I will just take my cab and a Blackstar Amped 2. Main stays on the pedalboard are Providence Stampede OD, TC Mojo Mojo, Hall of Fame Reverb, Polytune and a Boss DD-3.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is Birmingham, and I would describe it as historic, iconic, vibrant, diverse, and friendly.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

I think recording the vocals for ‘Rise Together’. I had recorded a fair few takes, and I wasn’t happy, something wasn’t working as it should. We left it for the day. On the night Mark messaged me saying he had mocked up a vocal melody, slightly different from what the original was. Slightly changed the pre-chorus and chorus. Came back the following day and it worked a charm, Mark had just got me to slight change the melody. Everything else fell into place. This is why it is important to be like a sponge and soak up all the experience and knowledge you can.

You have also released your single ‘Empire and a Prayer’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

This was the first song Justin and I had written together. I had the music down a sort of a melody idea. We wanted the song to be about going on a journey and giving a little nod to a friend who had helped driving us to gigs. The melody wasn’t working, one morning Justin rang me saying he had written the lyrics after having a dream about the song. We tried them and they worked perfectly, I added the odd word and that was it done. His inspiration behind the lyrics was the front cover of the album, getting in the car, driving, and forgetting all your troubles.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

We have our biggest UK Tour, festivals and our first European dates as well. We are so excited to get going and can’t wait for everyone to hear our new songs. You can find out all our tour dates at www.bigwolfband.com 

How do you look after your voices?

Vocalzones and I drink tea, lots of tea, very rock and roll I know. I have only recently started to warm up before shows. I haven’t really thought of myself as a vocalist over the years, but my voice is getting stronger, I have started to take more care of it.

Which tracks hear you at your, a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

At my happiest would be ‘Rise Together’. I wrote this for my son and fiancée and how they have grown together.

My angriest? I don’t think there is an angry song on the album. I would say ‘Black Dog Blues’, that is about my battle with depression so plenty of frustration being let out.

Most reflective, that would be ‘Standing in the Rain’, again telling the story about depression and how it makes you feel, how you can push people away and not realising you are loved. I always say if you are struggling reach out to someone and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Was it a difficult album to write?

The songs came together well, and we had plenty to pick from. Some songs took a bit more effort to put together than others but overall, it was a good process. The recording took longer with this album than others, but some were circumstances outside of our control, but it helped in the long run.

What makes Big Wolf Band happy and what makes you unhappy?

Performing live, we love playing live. I think every musician does. That is where you can really express yourself and can let all the feelings out through your playing and just be in that moment. As a band we don’t like traffic, we have been very lucky in the past avoiding big traffic jams. I don’t think anyone likes traffic. We are easy going so we don’t really have much that makes us unhappy, not playing live would be another one.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Richard Bell Photography

Big Wolf Band’s new album “Rebel’s Journey” is released 19th April www.bigwolfband.com/shop 

New single “Empire and a Prayer” is available on all streaming platforms at https://linktr.ee/bigwolfband