That's all for now …
eviiesaurus asks:
Currently sat in sixth-form free period. LOL. Did you guys do A-levels?
Guardian contributor Joel: Still doing them.
Joff: No I went to Deep Blue Sound.
Theo: I have three A levels. Music technology, English and history. BORING!
Jack_DeLaRocha asks:
Who is your fave 90s band?
Guardian contributor Joel: BECK.
Theo: Beck's a good one.
Ellie: Nirvana.
Joff: My Bloody Valentine.
Theo: MBV for short.
Joff: I hate when people do that unnecessarily.
Theo: When people say "QWOTSA".
Joel: That's MISTER Queens of the Stone Age to you.
cynop26 asks:
What happened in Bristol to make you say you’re NEVER coming back? Or is it just cause there’s no venue big enough for you now? :(
Guardian contributor Theo: Fire poi. But we obviously are gonna come back, Bristol is great. Big up Bristol. But give the fucking fire poi a rest.
Joel: Save the Thekla! Get off the internet and go there and buy a pint so it's still there when we go back.
wyngwili says:
I like you lot very much, I’m like almost 40.
Guardian contributor Theo: Respect, man. Keep on growing, my dude. I'm almost 27. Well, in April.
freedomiswithin1994 asks:
I’ve noticed a lot of religious themes in some of you songs. Does religion play an important part of your life or is it something that has faded away as you grew up?
Guardian contributor Ellie: I've never been religious. Has anyone?
Theo: I went to a Catholic school and it scared the shit out of me and I'm very scared of hell because of it. When I'm not touring, I'm a nun.
Eveisabelledunn asks:
Do you know your Myers-Briggs personality types?
Guardian contributor Ellie: A guy sat next to me on a plane did it to me. I think he was a fraud. He kept saying, "I can tell you're this" and I was like, that's so not me... I once sat next to a woman that read my numbers once.
Theo: Well, Ellie's personality is clearly that she interacts with strangers.
AdamBristol82 asks:
Theo is mistaken with the Goal Lazio point. They were saying: “Golaço.” [Portuguese for “great goal.”] I thought they were saying Lazio for years.
Guardian contributor Theo: I knew that was gonna happen when I said it. It's very similar though.
cynop26 asks:
Saw you at Reading festival a few weeks ago … How did that marriage proposal on stage made you feel?
Guardian contributor Ellie: Hannah and Katie, it was nice, it made me feel fuzzy and warm.
Theo: I forgot what I was doing and why I was there.
Joel: Made me feel quite lonely.
Theo: When's the wedding, I want an invite.
Ellie: Hannah instagrammed me asking if I could help her devise a plan. I thought Reading would be good.
Updated
AymerickD asks:
I would like to praise you for your wide range of sounds and songs! How do you keep an album coherent and work in studio coherent [when you have so many] influences?
Guardian contributor Ellie: Do everything at the same time with the same producer.
Theo: Balance.
Joff: Cohesion will come fairly naturally.
Joel: It's exciting when people work with lots of producers on one record, but we always want it to flow.
Ellie: There's a temptation in the studio - suddenly you've got access to loads of equipment that you didn't have before but sometimes what you've been using is the best option. Even if it's cheap it's how you became you.
Joff: With this album we used more demo material - stuff we made with cheap software at home. That ends up on the record, stuff we did in like, an office ends up.
Joel: You just can't recreate it. Or you can but it's not as good.
Updated
lucassawyer asks:
Do you think you’ll soon play in “forgotten” European countries, such as Croatia or Slovenia, where your type of music and energy is very missed?
Guardian contributor
TamaIti asks:
How inspired are you by 90s grunge bands like Smashing Pumpkins is most likely the most banal and annoying question you’re always asked, but what’s the SECOND most banal and annoying question you’re always asked?
Guardian contributor Ellie: Did you realise your name sounds like Wool Phallus? That's fucking annoying.
Joel: Certain questions get more annoying as time goes on, all the questions people ask early on that people still ask.
TheFenTiger asks:
You’re a stunning live act, with two great albums under your belt. Any chance you’ll release a live album in the near future?
Guardian contributor
fannybygastropub asks:
Do you really care if you win the Mercury prize?
Guardian contributor Theo: No.
Ellie: They told us we were all winners.
Theo: At the weird press and tea session.
ShinNihonKikaku says:
Shout out to Joff, from a fellow Deep Blue Sound graduate and classmate. Congratulations on all the success :)
Guardian contributor
AmanSehdev asks:
Since you’d work with someone who’s more of a producer, how about Matty and George since they’ve helped out No Rome and Pale Waves?
Guardian contributor Joff: I mean more like Andre 3000.
Theo: They're great lads.
Ellie: Timbaland.
Joel: Someone who does massive drums. Andrew Weatherall.
Theo: All Timbaland's drums are with his mouth.
Joel: Chad Hugo from the Neptunes, he's amazing. I'd love to work with him.
notinamillion asks:
D’ye ken soup? If ye dae, what d’ye ken aboot it? If nae, what is it that ye dinnae ken aboot it?
Guardian contributor notinamillion responds:
Aye. Whit d’ye ken aboot it?
AmanSehdev asks:
Ellie, in an interview you stated that one of the ideas behind Yuk Foo was to show that women, as the physical front of the band, were not vulnerable and shy. Are there any fellow frontwomen you feel are also doing well in stopping the perpetuation of this stereotype?
Guardian contributor Ellie: I don't know if that is a stereotype, is it? There are so many bands where the frontwoman is perceived as shy and vulnerable.
Guardian contributor
bloodydoorsoff asks:
Who would win a fight between a badger and a baboon?
Guardian contributor Joel: You gotta say baboon. They're fucking nasty. I've been watching a lot of ape-based programmes recently.
Theo: The baboon's got an advantage. The badger's stuck on the ground. The next book I read will be what I write about the badger and the baboon.
veronica1999 asks:
I came across your music a few years ago when I was doing my A-level English literature coursework on Angela Carter’s Wolf Alice, and your band kept popping up in my research. I listened to My Love Is Cool out of curiosity and was mesmerised. The grunge sound of some of the songs on that album matched perfectly the image the book painted in my head. Anyway, I had it on repeat for about a month and have been a huge fan ever since.
I’ve always wanted to know which books you take inspo from. And do you know where the inspiration for the next album will come from?
Guardian contributor Joel: I'm reading Tony Wilson's transcript to 24 Hour Party People. This book is so good - his philosophy on music, what he did for getting the Sex Pistols on channel 3 in the 1970s, it's really nice.
Joff: I read a good book called Post-Capitalism by Paul Mason. He's a good social commenter.
Ellie: I read a book by Maggie Nelson called the Argonauts that I'm not nearly clever enough to understand but it had a lot of interesting ideas about love that could be really inspiring.
Theo: I can't read.
mashroobus asks:
Is Joff from Callington?
Guardian contributor Joff: Yes. I went to school there. My gold record for My Love Is Cool is hanging in that school.
Joel: I forgot to mention you were in the Plymouth Top 100 sexiest people again this year.
Trick or treat … Liam Gallagher
D2331177 asks:
What’s your favourite fancy dress costume?
Guardian contributor Ellie: I went as Liam Gallagher for Halloween two years ago and it was really good if I say so myself. A zip up green parka, monobrow, wig, sunglasses.
Updated
catchytitled asks:
Lazio or Roma? This will complete/end the life of a mate of mine who adores your band as well as one of the two football teams (the other team; not so much).
Guardian contributor Theo: Laziooooooooooooo. Cos they used to say it on a goals round up on the telly when I was younger. But of course, I don't care about either of them.
kittymae asks:
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start songwriting (because I have no clue where to start)?
Guardian contributor Joff: Write some songs is a good place to start.
Ellie: Write down everything that you hear that strikes a chord with you - a mate's joke, something in a film.
Joel: Basically theft.
Theo: Write an acrostic poem and see how you get on.
Ellie: Learn four chords.
Theo: Or even three. I've got by with two.
Mathew Gabriel asks:
You’ve had some big support slots. I saw you supporting the Manics very early doors in your career; you were great! Who are your favourite acts you have opened for?
Guardian contributor Theo: They were very nice people as well.
Ellie: They're always championing young bands.
Joel: Nicky Wire, super cool dude. He championed Sunflower Bean - I really enjoyed playing with those guy. Queens, Manics.
jizzmonkey asks:
If you were a Wolf Alice fan, what would you want to see Wolf Alice do next?
Guardian contributor Theo: I'd like them to venture into film.
Ellie: No, we tried that.
NINJA2191 asks:
What are your favourite brands of guitar?
Guardian contributor Theo: Everyone in the band plays Fenders.
Joff: I've really got into vintage Guilds recently.
12monkeys asks:
How did you feel about being chosen for the Trainspotting 2 soundtrack?
Guardian contributor Joel: Super flattered. It's a super iconic film and soundtrack and really good discovery method for a lot of bands. I really got into Young Fathers from the OST.
Theo: We didn't know we were in it til the advert came out. Cool little anecdote about it. I'm sure people online will love this.
HD_Chen asks:
For everyone: what are your favourite movies? BTW Ellie, I luv the movies that inspired you. Especially Virgin Suicide and Frances Ha. Make a movie list for us pls!!
Guardian contributor Joel: Magic Mike as of last week.
Theo: Kevin and Perry Go Large. Borat. All the classics.
Joel: He really wanted to watch it on the bus. Everyone got quieter and quieter. I think Theo can recite the entire movie.
Theo: Borat was not funny when I watched it in hindsight. It's pretty offensive.
CarlBr0wn asks:
What’s your favourite record on the Mercury prize shortlist this year? And what do bands really think of it? Do musicians see it as irrelevant or something that can enhance their careers?
Guardian contributor
martin6127 asks:
What bands move you? Saw a band called Alys and the D90s a few months ago in a small south London pub. Not only do they have some of your name, they also described themselves as dream pop! Can you find them and create a dream-pop utopia?
Guardian contributor Theo: Slowthai.
Ellie: His videos are so sick
Theo: His production is really cool
Ellie: I think all the bands who are supporting Slaves are really good - Amyl and the Sniffers, Lady Bird.
AmanSehdev asks:
Would you guys ever do a collaboration, and if so which artists come to mind?
Guardian contributor Theo: Collaborations with bands can always go a little bit west... To be fair we said we'd do some recording with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard when we're in Melbourne. There's 70 of them and four of us.
Joel: It'd be cool to work with someone that's more of a producer.
Ellie: I really like just doing stuff with the four of us. Collaboration isn't at the top of my list, but if you found a band you liked hanging out with, that would be my indicator to work with them.
Joel: Toy Story 4 is my answer.
nysmaw asks:
What’s your opinion about artists making political statements? What should be the relationship between art/music and politics? Is there a boundary you would not cross in terms of disclosing your beliefs?
Guardian contributor Joff: Artists are humans too, everyone deserves to be able to express their opinion.
Ellie: Unless you're a Tory.
Joff: Unless you're Jacob Rees Mogg.
On how to get a band going
eviiesaurus asks:
How did you start practising as a group? Was it hard to get going?
Guardian contributor Ellie: I think it's really hard to get going. It's expensive and hard to find somewhere to rehearse with four people with the equipment that you want to use.
Theo: And not to be disheartened with how you sound, cos you will get better. You won't believe it, but we were terrible when we started.
Ellie: Just work with what you have, really. Don't worry if you don't have the equipment you think you need and don't say no to any gigs - you're not too cool for any gigs when you start up. Ask people if you can borrow stuff. There's lots of people out there who wanna help you.
Theo: Don't be afraid to ask even though it's fucking daunting.
Ellie: There is lots of people having too much of a game plan before they start.
Joel: That was super common when we started - you'd see the big unveiling of that Soundcloud act at the Old Blue and it'd be shit.
Ellie: Also people form attachments to band they see progress - you develop a kind of affection for them.
NicolasRDoyle asks:
Do you have an idea on how your next LP will sound?
Guardian contributor Guardian contributor Ellie: I wanna go on stage and get the same feeling I get at a wicked party.
Theo: I want it to sound like... Confidence Man.
Ellie: I don't necessarily...
Theo: I want it to sound like it makes me feel.
Michael Quinn asks:
During your tour with Queens of the Stone Age, did you get chatting with Josh Homme about British comedy? He loves it.
Guardian contributor Theo: Not about that, would like to. The end.
Joel: You can sense he likes it.
Theo: I saw them play at Rough Trade in London once and Matt Berry introduced them. Clearly Matt Berry loves a lager and live music.
Theo: He is funny. I think his sister-in-law is a British comedian - she's so fucking funny.
TheRoyalMint asks:
Who was your favourite band to support or favourite venue to play, and when are you coming back to Bristol?
Guardian contributor Theo: I thoroughly enjoyed supporting QOTSA as they were my fav band as a child and I still love them. My favourite venue is the Olympia in Dublin and we are NEVER coming back to Bristol.
WAM_WArrington asks:
Venues are finding it harder than ever to stay afloat and many rely on alcohol sales to keep the lights on. Licensing laws often mean some grassroots bars and venues operate 18+-only policies. How important was being able to perform live at a young age to help develop your abilities and personal style?
Guardian contributor Joel: It's very important. From the moment you have an inkling you'd like to stay live it's important to start doing it.
Ellie: And you wanna be able to play to people the same age as you - not exclusively, but it's nice.
Joel: I do really value the moment I started doing it - it was a time when it was fashionable for under 18s to have matinee shows. It's hard cos these venues have no support network bar selling booze.
Theo: It's all well and good being good at playing your instrument but playing in front of a crowd is the best way to get better. Your mum isn't a good gauge, she'll just tell you you're great.
Joel: They can mark your hand to make sure the band can still play - there must be ways around it.
'All of Coldplay are Sleeperblokes'
usefulmirage asks:
To the non-Ellie members – how do you avoid becoming a Sleeperbloke?
Guardian contributor Joff: I'm definitely a Sleeperbloke. I'm gonna wear it with pride. I'm happy being in the background.
Joel: All of Coldplay are Sleeperblokes.
Den Penk asks:
What do you think of Bob Dylan? Which song of his would you cover, and why?
Guardian contributor Joff: My favourite Bob Dylan song is Girl From the North Country, what a tune.
'The Stone are probably Tories. Mick Jagger needs to give it a rest'
PhoenixFace asks:
The Stones or the Beatles? The Clash or Siouxsie and the Banshees? Oasis or Blur? Amy Winehouse or PJ Harvey?
Guardian contributor Theo: Beatles. The Stones are probably Tories. Mick Jagger needs to give it a rest.
Joff: Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Joel: Blur.
Ellie: That's so hard. Courtney Love.
Is it true that you were originally called Wool Phallus
Nah it was Rolf Harris.
Guardian contributor Theo: That isn't funny or relevant. Stop asking that question on any format.
Millie890 asks:
Also wanna ask Joff if he has any tips for starting to develop your sound with pedals and stuff. Have no money and want to know what’s important.
Guardian contributor Joff: When you're gonna be a bit buggered if you don't have any money. You can get an amp that has settings on it. If I had no money, I'd buy a Big Muff cos you can get one of them for about £40 new, and get a delay pedal off Gumtree for like £50, like a Boss DD357.
Mathew Gabriel asks:
You’ve had some big support slots – saw you supporting the Manics very early doors in your career, you were great! Who are your favourite acts you have opened for?
alexjemontoya asks:
Isaac or Laurie? Also, does Jono follow you around or what?
Guardian contributor
Wolf Alice are with us now …
Post your questions for Wolf Alice
For the second time in their career, Wolf Alice are facing down the prospect of winning the Mercury prize. On 20 September, the London four-piece will find out if their second album, 2017’s Visions of a Life, has beaten the likes of Florence + the Machine and Arctic Monkeys to the coveted award.
Regardless of whether they take home the gong, it’s been a pretty stellar 12 months: they’ve toured the world, supported heavyweights including Liam Gallagher, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age; they almost saw off Shania Twain in the UK album charts (Twain won by a hair) and earned the support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after the band threw their weight behind him at the last general election.
And besides the kind of achievements that make headlines, they’re a band in their creative prime. “Visions of a Life sees the band refine the exuberant jumble of dreampop and grunge that characterised their debut My Love is Cool, while also finding new areas of exploration, from Drive soundtrack synthpop (Don’t Delete the Kisses) to snarling punk (Yuk Foo) and everything in between,” wrote the Guardian’s Gwilym Mumford in his review.
You can ask them about all that, the tour film they made with Michael Winterbottom, their political activism and whatever else you like when they come into the Guardian offices on Tuesday 11 September from 12.30pm.
Wolf Alice are off now!
Joel: Thanks for the questions.
Theo: Get off the internet and go to your local music venues and ask the bartender some questions like how much is a pint?
Ellie: Keep snakebite alive.