Episode 118: Patrick Wolf

The James McMahon Music Podcast

I’ve been a fan of Patrick Wolf since he was a kid. A figure in and around the Teen-C scene that mattered so much to me as a teenager, when Patrick Apps became Patrick Wolf, and released a string of perfect records – my favourite remains 2007’s The Magic Position, but in my opinion, none of his six records to date have been anything less than perfect– he was well on his way to being one of my all-time favourite musicians. And then in 2012 he disappeared, more or less.
He played a few shows, guested with a few important acts – most notably with the great Patti Smith – but for the largest part, Patrick went to ground. He’s not quite ready to talk about everything that went on in that time, maybe he never will be, but finally he’s back, with a new EP, The Night Safari, due to be released on April 14th.
It’s his first new music in a decade. This is his first interview in “at least seven years”.
I don’t probe Patrick in this episode - although obviously I am curious about that lost decade - because much of what we talk about in this episode is establishing boundaries between artist and human; Patrick Wolf the exotic animal, and Patrick Apps the person, a person who has seemingly spent much of his time away growing and healing and making peace with his past. But I think there’s plenty of interest in this episode anyway - Patrick Wolf doesn't do boring - and I’m honoured that Patrick chose to speak to this podcast as he gears up to enter public life once more.
That poem at the front end of the episode by the way? It’s by the late Stephen Vickery, and read by Patrick. I’ve always found it graceful, beautiful, full charm. Which is much like my guest on this episode. Welcome back Patrick.
Watch this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byk7kA8jx6k&t=261s

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