Remi Wolf, the rising star of the indie-rock scene, finds herself in a position of clarity as she embarks on her third studio album, *Mud*, which was released in October 2024. The 30-year-old artist recently opened up about her journey towards creating this intimately reflective body of work during a conversation in the Dimes Square area of lower Manhattan, where she exchanged the stresses of her past for a more tranquil present.
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Having achieved impressive success with her debut album, *Juno*, during the pandemic and touring extensively thereafter, Wolf grappled with exhaustion and emotional turmoil while transitioning to her latest project. A series of personal upheavals, including a painful breakup and a parting of ways with her manager, had left her feeling particularly vulnerable. Coupled with the mental and physical toll of relentless touring, Wolf found herself seeking solace in alcohol, using it as a coping mechanism. “That was kind of my medicine,” she admitted.
However, a pivotal moment arrived for Wolf after her performance at Lollapalooza in 2025, prompting her to commit to sobriety. “That was the last time I drank,” she said, revealing that she has been sober for a year and a half. This period of “early sobriety” coincided with the songwriting process for *Mud*, granting her a heightened sense of awareness and connection to both herself and others. She acknowledged that this deep engagement with her emotions allowed for a richer expression in her music.
Wolf’s struggles with sobriety have been a recurring theme since she was 24, yet she noted that her current commitment feels profoundly different. “My life has gotten exponentially better since I’ve gotten sober,” she reflected. In tandem with her decision to embrace sobriety, she explored the realm of mental health medication. “I was struggling and I thought, ‘You know what? F— it. I’m going to take medication.’ And it’s really changed my life,” she shared.
The album’s title, *Mud*, serves as a poignant metaphor for the challenges Wolf faced – symbolising being ensnared in the messiness of life. It embodies her experiences with bad relationships, anxiety, and depression, at the same time fostering a sense of resilience. “If you accept the mud, there’s a freedom in being dirty and letting yourself accept that,” she explained, highlighting the transformative power embedded in life’s struggles.
Wolf’s artistic evolution is evident in her musical style as well, with *Mud* steering away from the maximalist tendencies of her earlier work to embrace a more stripped-back, Americana sound. Drawing inspiration from a trip to Nashville, she consciously poured her raw emotions into the lyrics, aiming for each song to evoke the simplicity of acoustic performances. Influences from artists such as Lucinda Williams and Kurt Vile seep into the album’s country-folk textures, showcasing Wolf’s newfound artistic direction.
An exciting collaboration emerged from her creative process when she reached out to John Mayer, leading to the bluesy ballad “Moon So High.” Wolf felt an instinct to invite Mayer to feature on the track, an aspiration he embraced enthusiastically after hearing the song. Their studio session quickly materialised, leading to an exciting blend of talents, further enriching the album’s sound.
The lyrical content within *Mud* navigates the complexities of Wolf’s emotional landscape, particularly her experiences with heartbreak and addiction. Tracks like “Guess” and “I Won’t Cry” vividly explore themes of longing and self-destructiveness, while songs such as “Bottle,” “Champagne,” and “Wine Drunk” tackle her intricate relationship with alcohol. These narratives reflect a genuine candour, resonating with listeners facing similar struggles.
Wolf also made a notable appearance in the romantic drama *Off Campus*, where she showcased not only her music but her acting chops, a venture she initially approached with hesitance. “I had never acted or done anything really on-screen before in that capacity,” she admitted, highlighting the enthusiasm of her younger sister as a motivating factor for taking on the role.
As she prepares for a significant 2027 tour, Wolf expresses excitement about returning to the stage after a lengthy break, optimistic about the performances ahead. “I think these hopefully will be the best shows I’ve ever done. It’s just going to be a f—ing love fest,” she declared, eagerly anticipating reconnecting with her audience.
Additionally, fans can look forward to new content stemming from her prolific songwriting, as Wolf revealed she had composed an impressive 130 songs for *Mud*, with plans for a deluxe album featuring unreleased tracks. “There’s so many little bangers that didn’t make the record that I need the people to hear,” she stated, hinting at more music to come in the near future.
In this phase of her life, Remi Wolf emerges as a beacon of resilience and creativity, melding her personal growth with her artistry to forge a new path. Her journey, encapsulated in *Mud*, invites listeners to embrace their own messiness while seeking joy and authenticity amidst life’s challenges.