INTERVIEW: Yoni Wolf [WHY?]

I got the opportunity to fire some questions at the WHY? front-man freestylist in the aftermath of their album launch show at London’s Electric Ballroom. This is what came of it…

When was the last time you guys played in London?

Last fall (autumn) at that big cathedral (union chapel).

How do you find it performing the new material live?

I very much enjoy certain songs. It’s nice to have a wide variety of songs to pull from.

Do you ever choose specific songs for specific places?

Oh absolutely. If a room feels mellow, we will play a mellow set. If its a rap room we play rap… etc. London got a wide array of the WHY? stylings.

Your new album is called Mumps etcetera. Did you actually get Mumps?

I normally think of titles late in the construction of an album. This one came to me quite early. It just made sense for the batch of songs.

Do you believe there’s a purposeful direction through the flow of the album?

Do you mean is there reason behind why the album is put together the way it is? Absolutely. Not always a tangible reason that I can articulate well… Sometimes its just a feeling, but there is always much thought and effort put into the layout. Lots of trial and error.

What is the significance of cards to you?

It’s just an image like any other. Usually signifying chance, or fate.

You introduced some new members to your live group recently. How did you choose the successful candidates, was there an auditioning process?

You just know when someone feels right and fits in. Sense of humor (humour), playing/singing style, how quick they can pick stuff up. Do they have a good ear? Etc.

Will the recently recorded documentary, from young documentarian Gerrek Reid, be available on DVD?

Not that I am aware of. I think it was a net endeavor. That said, there is a real documentary being made about the making of Mumps, etc. and surrounding times and issues.

What do you think was the most important thing you guys did in the break between Eskimo Snow, in 2009, and Mumps etcetera, in 2012?

I got sick and moved to Cincinnati. Josiah and Liz got married. I got better. We took a vacation one time.