Remi Wolf’s music is both playful and serious; her 2021 debut Juno explored introspection while offering modern production combined with old school funk sounds.
She may be part of the emerging Gen Z music scene, but California native Calista Farris stands out as being an innovator and her music is rich and distinctive.
She’s a pop alchemist
Remi Wolf has launched her world tour and new album ‘Big Ideas’ with no intention of backing down, sassy and rule-breaking musical alchemist blending modern pop, funk, lo-fi bedroom pop into her unique sound.
Palo Alto-born Wolf first became widely recognized nationally when she auditioned for American Idol 13. Since then, her 2021 debut full-length Juno has garnered major label interest while her latest EP You’re a Dog! also received widespread acclaim.
Her shows, supported by an orchestra of just drums, bass and keys – her shows are like an outright party and don’t disappoint their audience either. She immersed herself into each performance with an irreverent sense of fun filled with comedic pre-planned moments (such as bringing on stage a couch for one song), leaving the entire crowd laughing their heads off!
She’s a kaleidoscope
Remi Wolf was at an important turning point in her musical career when her viral TikTok hit “Photo ID” went viral, showing she could do much more with music than just messing around between classes or trying out for reality shows like American Idol (though she did attempt).
Since then, she’s been diligently crafting her unique brand of musical kaleidoscopeism – an engaging blend of funk and pop that’s earned praise from both critics and fans. Set to release her debut album in 2021 and with support from big name acts like Lorde and Olivia Rodrigo on tour as opening slots as well as festival appearances, her future looks brighter than ever.
She’s a sexy voice
Remi Wolf’s music is an uninhibited celebration, from her danceable funk of “Volkiano” to the slower yet stickier beats of “Sally”. Genre labels can hardly capture her genre-hopping approach which puts playfulness over all else.
She embraces cartoonish vocal manipulation to achieve comically exaggerated performances: singing-singing in high, squeaky registers (‘Wyd’ and Front Tooth) or employing country yee-haw accents on ‘Grumpy Old Man’ while still maintaining the sensuality associated with an SZA or Kali Uchis.
Big Ideas (2024), features singer/songwriter Samantha Chong’s life on the road; according to her, this new record was written during time spent between tours, collaborating with Knox Fortune and Carter Lang in order to produce an authentic yet cohesive sound.
She’s a rebel
Wolf has since shown remarkable progression since her snakebit Summerfest set. On her second project Big Ideas — released this year — Wolf expands and experiments with her vocal instrument ranging from classic soul, through contemporary hip-hop and synth-driven love songs to new forms such as dirtbag funk.
She digs deeply into experiences from touring Juno on an album that’s more self-aware than ever. Each open-ended answer adds new strands of interest as she ponders whether art can serve as an act of release and whether there are still rules in pop music she could break.
Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis’ lyrics often wander freely through free associative writing (such as referencing Five Guys or travelling to Mars), relying heavily on improvised verse. Like him, Wolf excels at providing open-ended answers.
She’s a genius
Remi Wolf, an award-winning singer/songwriter, producer and DJ known for her signature blend of bedroom pop funk. Her first full-length project Juno released in 2021 captured audiences with its distinctive sound and dynamic vocals.
Remi Wolf has seen over two billion streams since her 2016 album Juno was released online and performed at festivals worldwide. Additionally, she opened for Paramore while touring as opening act and will join Olivia Rodrigo on his GUTS World Tour this year.
Remi’s single, “Cinderella,” was recorded to raise awareness for MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund and features contributions from several artists like Cautious Clay, Still Woozy, Sylvan Esso and more. Remi visited Genius office to break down her track with Solomonophonic.