Q&A with
WHY?’s Yoni Wolf

Started as Johannes (Yoni) Wolf’s solo project, WHY? has been one of my favorite bands since their debut album, Elephant Eyelash, in 2005. The band’s latest album Mumps, etc. is a piece of art with well-incorporated melodies and the lyrics that allow us to take a peek at Yoni’s personal experiences.

I got a chance to talk to Yoni before their much-anticipated free show supported by Astronautalis and Dream Tiger tomorrow night, February 22, at Union South’s The Sett.

You have been performing alone as WHY? for many years. When did you decide to turn the project into a band? How has the transition been?
“In 2003 kind of… We went on a tour with the band, and the next record came out in 2005. It definitely has been good for WHY?. I have been figuring out how much to give up from my end and sometimes I am tired with it. But I am learning.”

You took some time off between Alopecia and follow-up EP Sod in the Seed. Has the time helped you improve your music?
“We didn’t really take time off, actually; we have been working on stuff. You need that work time to write, record, and improve. It has been a very productive and interesting time for the band. ”

How do you think your latest album, Mumps, etc., has been received overall?
“Good. It has been doing very well. We have been very happy with the results. The shows have been wild; the crowd seems to like it.” 

What was the production process like? Do you work all together as a band or prefer to do things separately?
“It is always different for us. With Mumps, etc., we were in Denton, TX at Matt Pence’s studio [Centro-Matic] and we worked with some gret musicians from the University of North Texas. Me and Josiah [Wolf] produced the whole album.”

There is lots of romance, sorrow, and desire in your lyrics for Mumps, etc. — do you think your lyrics have gotten more autobiographical with your latest album?
“I wouldn’t say more. I think it always been autobiographical, just different experiences and emotions I guess.”

What is the band’s relationship with hip-hop? Eskimo Snow was more of an indie album. Is there more indie influences in the future?
“We don’t think in those terms, really. It is kind of simplistic. We think in terms of sounds and it is important to address every song individually. We have different influences in every song.”

What are your plans for the near future?
“Well, eventually we will be working on a new album. For now we have some vague ideas that we will be developing. I am sure we will get there. We have a touring plan scheduled. We started in Cincinnati making our way through east coast, Midwest, etc.”