Cry Wolf is on the come up, bringing back the live act to electronic dance music [Interview]

Interview by Ashley Leigh

Cry Wolf is the product of the collaboration between Justin Phillips and Johnluke Lewis, two childhood friends with a love for music and eating Dim Sum. Despite their varied musical backgrounds – Phillips a former hardcore vocalist, and Lewis an indie solo artist – the duo has been able to fuse their different styles to deliver an indie-electro sound, with a little bit of grunge and a glitchy wobble, that is guaranteed to make you move.

We covered some of their indie remixes on the blog before, but there’s a lot more to these boys than their remixes. Backstage at their live show in February, Phillips and Lewis sat down with the WRR crew to give us some insight on their upcoming EP of original tracks, and where they see themselves in the EDM industry.

Phillips was first introduced to the electronic music scene, specifically dubstep, while living in NYC. “Dubstep was the only electronic music I had ever heard that captured the whole idea of Hardcore music.” From this Phillips became infatuated with the sound and began working on what he called ‘numerous failed attempts‘ at this own version of dubstep. Upon returning to North Carolina he teamed up with Lewis and threw together band for an impromptu show in Raleigh. The two decided to throw a little electro into the mix, and slowly the idea of Cry Wolf began to come together.

Admirably the two want their live show and their music to have the musical connection that a lot of new dubstep and electronic acts lack: the element of live instruments. Lewis plays drums during their lives sets, reminiscent of the past days of Pretty Lights and Phillips even busts out some live vocals and piano.

“The closer you get to the original source of the music, the more value there is for people” said Phillips.

“When you see people playing something on stage, there’s a certain connection. We are attempting to harness the power and intensity of electronic/dubstep/electro music, but then also have that live element… I think that’s where music is going to head.”

Because of their musical backgrounds the duo sometimes find it difficult to take on the roles and norms of many DJ/Producers. Rather than looking busy on stage and fiddling with the knobs and laptops, these guys want to actually stay busy.

“We try and add as many live aspects, and make ourselves as busy as possible on stage” said Lewis. “We’re constantly thinking about how to improve our live performance, and constantly adding as many live aspects as possible.”

This rings true through their live performance. From Lewis banging on the drums and Phillips belting out vocals or holding the synth to his chest while playing vocals on a sampler, Cry Wolf brings a live performance aspect that few EDM artists are pulling off anymore.

Along with their unlikely background for creating their indie-electro/dubstep sound, the two also have a list of unlikely influences. Hardcore, and grungy punk music serves as influence for their gltichy sound, crediting bands like The Kills, Bloc Party and Underoath “A lot of our stuff mimics hardcore music in a lot of ways.” Said Phillips. Both also credit singer-songwriter Bon Iver and Jesse Lacey from Brand New as lyrical inspirations.

In late February, the boys debuted their first remix EP featuring remixes of six artists, including Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and Outkast’s “Mrs. Jackson.” The EP collectively has almost 100,000 plays on Soundcloud.

Next on the schedule will be an EP of original music, set to release in mid to late summer. The EP will feature 5 all new original tracks, along with some vocal collaborations with artists that the guys wouldn’t reveal.

With their ability to seamlessly blend smooth melodies with filthy, grimey bass and their impressive and engaging live shows, Phillips and Lewis are bringing back the live music element to EDM with a no-holds-barred attitude. Keep your eye on Cry Wolf and their unique style, they’ve created a sound you want to add to your playlist and put it on repeat.

Check out their latest original track No Deezies. Download.

Support Cry Wolf – Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

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