Genre-bending Kitchener native Courtney Wolfe has a new single out, and it’s a must-listen. Born and raised in Kitchener, Wolfe started playing music at a young age. While she plays some covers, her real passion lies in songwriting and she has an impressive discography to prove it.
“Truly, there’s no better feeling for me than when I write a song, and I’m happy with it and excited about it.” Wolfe said about her love for writing. Wolfe’s music boasts an indie vibe with alt-pop sounds. Listening to her discography, you’ll be taken through several different genres and subgenres as her sound shifts over time. When asked about her influences, Wolfe named singer-songwriter Halsey — citing her similar knack for jumping between genres.
Wolfe’s current genre tends to relate to whatever she’s listening to at the moment, but whether you’re in her pop or rock era, each song comes with the ambience and thought evoking lyrics you can expect from a Courtney Wolfe single.
“I want people to recognize that it is my style, even though it can be a different genre,” Wolfe said.
On March 14, Wolfe released her newest single “Last Call”. With strong vocals, a catchy chorus and emotional lyrics it delivers a listening experience you won’t forget. Not one to shy away from openly writing about their experiences both good and bad, Wolfe wrote “Last Call” about her struggle with alcohol addiction, a previous relationship and her decision to get sober.
“I feel like the whole song is just about how that habit was destructive, and how I’m choosing to let go of that,” Wolfe said.
Writing about her experiences helps Wolfe let go and understand things from her past. She hopes that anyone who struggles with addiction or regret from past choices will hear “Last Call” and understand that they are not alone. There are others feeling the same way, and it is possible to move past your mistakes.
“If they’re still stuck in that toxic behaviour or whatever it is, then I hope that they can listen and have it be a freeing reminder that this is the last call — whatever that may be.” Wolfe said.
Throughout her career as a songwriter, Wolfe is no stranger to writing emotional lyrics that speak to a variety of listeners. From coming out as bisexual in 2022 with her single “She” to themes of addiction and healing in “Last Call”, Wolfe embraces the freedom of writing about her life and her emotions even though it can be a bit scary at times. When talking about growing up and starting out in Kitchener-Waterloo, Wolfe fondly remembers playing around the city — specifically Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, Revive Karaoke and Room 47.
When asked about her preference between performing concerts in large venues or small sets in little bars, Wolfe had positive things to say about both.
“I feel like some of the best shows I’ve had were probably at Maxwell’s, I think the energy and when there’s a lot of people, like they’re focused on the music, I think that that’s a really cool vibe. But I feel like the pressure gets taken off when I am just in like a pub and people are eating… I like them both.” Wolfe said.
You can see Wolfe perform live in Brampton on April 19 for the Helping A Friend In Need Fundraiser presented by Bros Before Lows, a non-profit raising awareness of men’s mental health through music and community. She’ll also be in Sarnia on July 18 for the Revelree Music Festival.
This article is cross-published with Radio Laurier.
Contributed Photo/Kali Rees
