Stefan Wolf releases new album from China

Paekakariki songwriter Stefan Wolf has released his latest album - strangely enough from China.  After arriving in March and the mandatory two-week quarantine period, he settled into the picturesque university town of Guilin in southern China where he has been playing clubs and jamming with local musicians.

The Chinese sojourn is proving fruitful and Wolf has just released  Stiff Herbert, his first longplayer in 5 years.

The title is a reference to the name under which he made music back in the eighties. As Stiff Herbert, he released a single, ‘I could hit the ceiling’, on Flying Nun - a song that  was re-released as part of the Kiwi Animals compilation by Wellington label Strangeways in May of this year.

Wolf’s new album contains eleven tracks, including his reminisces of his Christchurch days (‘I used to be Stiff Herbert’) and a re-recording of what would have been Stiff Herbert’s sophomore release, ‘Visional Rhythm’.

Wolf’s new album features sparkling guitars and throbbing synths on an entertaining and upbeat set of songs, a distinct departure from his ballad-heavy 2015 release Brandnew Life.  

“I wanted to capture the excitement and lust for life that comes with experiencing a new country and culture. The city I live in is small and compact by Chinese standards, yet there are more people living here than in the whole of New Zealand. The streets are bustling and the air is rife with anticipation of what the future will hold.”

Wolf intends to stay in China for a little while longer, his return to New Zealand being dependent on COVID 19 travel restrictions.

The son of a pianist father and choir-singing mother, Stefan Wolf has released numerous albums.  His songs cover a broad range of genres, reflecting Wolf's interest in many styles from French Chanson to Punk.  Wolf also plays bass in Kapiti Coast rock band Moumou Timers.

Listen to Stiff Herbert here: