Wolfnote

Comprised of members of Harm’s Way, Chicago trio Wolfnote prepares to release its self-titled debut EP, June 9 on Head2Wall Records.  Stream “Luna,” the opening track off Wolfnote, exclusively via Alternative Press, here. Wolfnote was recorded by Andy Nelson (Harm’s Way, Weekend Nachos, Exalt) at Bricktop Recordings in Chicago, and mastered by Carl Saff (Guided By Voices, Sannhet).

Wolfnote was founded in 2013 by Harm’s Way guitarist Bo Lueders and Harm’s Way drummer Chris Mills, intended as a radical vacation from that band’s metallic crushingness. The duo enlisted former bandmate Dave Cronin as bassist and set to work. On the strength of one demo tape, the awesome Head2Wall Records (Self Defense Family, Eternal Sleep) stepped up to the plate and here we are now on the eve of the release of the debut EP, Wolfnote.

In Wolfnote, the two execute a totally different musical vision – what remains the same is the chemistry. With the history these guys have together, Wolfnote charges out of the gate on its very first EP, rocking like a fully realized band.

With dark, driving songs, full of confessional lyrics and million-dollar choruses, this is an exciting new band in its own right and of course a real treat for any Harm’s Way fans open to something new.

Ghettoblaster recently caught up with Lueders to discuss his home, Chicago.  This is what he had to say about the great city, Weekend Nachos and the north beaches.

What’s your town’s nickname?

There are people who call Chicago “Chi-Town”, but that’s always frowned upon by anyone from Chicago. There’s other names like the Windy City and stuff like that, but we only say Chicago.

What’s your nickname for your town?

The Oasis in the Desert that is the Midwest.

Why do you live there?

I am from here originally, but I can say that after having visited cities literally all over the world, there is no place quite like Chicago. I love it, it will always be my home.

Did you grow up there? If not, what brought you there?

I grew up in the suburbs, but moved into the city proper in my late teens.

What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you there?

Honestly, who knows. Taking the CTA to and from work for the last six+ years has given me a lot of possibly answers, but nothing someone from another city hasn’t seen.

What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?

I really try and stay away from most sites in the city, they’re all tourist traps. But I guess if I had to pick one, I really like some of the far-North beaches and lake shore trails.

What is your favorite local event or festival?

Honest to God, I don’t really attend those kind of things, I hate big crowds and obnoxious shit like that. The Taste of Chicago has something like a million people that attend, Lollapalooza has several tens of thousands, the same with Riot Fest and all of those kinds of things.

What is the best time of year to be there?

Right now it’s super nice in Chicago. Otherwise, for sure in the fall. October is usually a perfect month, right before it turns to a miserable iced wasteland.

Who is your favorite local celebrity?

Snyder from Weekend Nachos.

Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?

As a non-drinker, I am literally the worst person to possibly ask. Most places serve Coca-Cola, so that’s great.

Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?

I remember the Mutiny having a surprisingly decent selection, but most places have those electronic ones now so you can usually find anything.

Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play?

My favorite place to play is the Subterranean on North.

Does where you live influence your music?

Chicago Punk and Hardcore absolutely influenced me.

What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?

The Sub-T is great, I remember the Cro-Mags playing there with Merauder in like 2009 and it was probably the best show I have ever been to.

What is your favorite local band?

Probably Alkaline Trio… and Weekend Nachos.

What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?

I am a big fan of Chicago style pizza, Pequad’s having the best. I also really like Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwiches, which is pretty strictly a Chicago thing if I’m not mistaken.

What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?

I got the entire Jackass movie and TV show collection from Reckless Records a year or so ago, that was awesome.

What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?

Chicago’s Best.

What is your favorite local shop?

There are a few places that I frequent when I get paid, I really like Belmont Army and Mildblend for clothes and shoes. I go into The Exchange on Milwaukee all the time looking for movies and video games.

If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?

Probably someplace in Southern California, or any where that doesn’t have to deal with subzero temperatures.

(Listen to Wolfnote here: https://wolfnote.bandcamp.com/.)