Party Wolfe is a thrilling fusion of heavily distorted and wild electronic dance music, as he blends elements of rock with electronic beats to create a uniquely energetic and rebellious sound. With a background rooted in traditional band performances, AJ Vincent, aka. Party Wolfe has transitioned into the electronic dance music community, drawing from experience touring with various bands. We spoke to him about his evolution from traditional band settings to the dynamic world of electronic dance music production. We also explored how his diverse musical journey shapes his distinctive sound and stimulating performances.
EDM Texas: Your roots in Austin, Texas, and extensive touring experience with various bands have undoubtedly shaped your musical journey! How has your upbringing in Austin and time on the road influenced your approach to music and your performances?
Party Wolfe: My rock background heavily influences my electronic music. When I was five years old, I started learning the piano. One thing led to another: I did piano lessons, played in bands, and went to rock n’ roll camps. Although the lessons were expensive, being in Austin provided opportunities to find teachers, camps, and singing coaches. I’m grateful to my parents for supporting my music learning as I was growing up. In college, I left Texas State and joined the Austin Live Music Academy at UT by taking a one-year course that taught industry insights. During this time, I joined Bright Light Social Hour, where I played keys. We started small, playing for about 25 people, but eventually opened for bands like Umphrey’s McGee, which taught me about touring. I have also played with bands like Scorpion Child, Black Taxi, and even participated in a project with Matt Gillmore, the son of David Gillmore from Pink Floyd. I feel more like a rock guy in electronic dance music as I prioritize live energy and intensity!
EDM Texas: Your transition from traditional band performances to electronic music production marks a significant shift in your musical career! What inspired this change and impacted your creative process and evolution of your sound?
Party Wolfe: When Skrillex released “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” it was a game-changer! Electronic names like Justice and Com Truise and bands like Yeasayer incorporating synths into rock music also drew me into electronic music. Daft Punk’s distorted, grungy electronic sound also fascinated me and inspired me to experiment. While I toured with Bright Light Social Hour, I started learning Ableton Live in the van and crafting rough tracks. Astral Heat is more electronic. Electric Kind of Love is a rock and EDM hybrid record. My current unreleased album blends spacey vibes with a grounded sound. I am integrating more live elements into my sets and balancing DJing with the keyboard and vocals with my helmet on.
EDM Texas: One of the remarkable aspects of your performances is your ability to offer audiences a range of DJ sets to live performances with keyboards and vocals, or even a combination of both! What is your approach to crafting each type of performance and navigating between these different styles to engage with your audience?
Party Wolfe: Crafting performances and navigating styles are integral to my approach. For Party Wolfe sets, the core aim is to make people dance. It’s one thing to produce dance music, but ensuring it moves the crowd is another challenge. Each Party Wolfe track aims to evoke that spontaneous urge to dance, even for those who didn’t plan on it. For rock performances, it’s about practice. Unlike DJ sets, where I focus on tracks, rock performance requires intense practice on strings of notes and playing with others. I aim for a level where the songs become second nature, allowing me to focus more on the crowd and less on the technicalities. On tour, this level of practice elevates the entire band’s performance. It’s about being in tune with the crowd and not getting sidetracked with nerves or distractions. Over time, I’ve learned to shift my mindset from fearing mistakes to focusing on delivering great experiences for the audience. Being a musician isn’t about seeking fame but about creating memorable experiences for people through music. Whether or not my face becomes isn’t important; what matters is how many people I get dancing and the good times I create.
EDM Texas: How do you perceive your contribution to the electronic music landscape, and what do you hope to achieve with your music on a broader scale?
Party Wolfe: I’ve found a home base at How Much?! Studios, a venue in North Austin, where I’ve been putting on events like Cosmic Odyssey. My impact on the community is growing, with people starting to recognize my presence. Looking ahead, I aim to make a broader impact on the electronic dance music scene and envision a shift toward a grounded, grungy vibe synonymous with the raw energy of punk rock. I’m not interested in mimicking others or conforming to clichés - I want to bring a rebellious, unapologetic attitude to the electronic dance music world and depart from the posed and composed DJ image. It’s about authenticity and pushing boundaries, not following trends.
EDM Texas: What have been some of the most significant lessons you've learned as a musician?
Party Wolfe: You must surround yourself with genuine and supportive people in the industry. It’s crucial to ensure that those you collaborate with have your best interests at heart, as I had to learn the hard way. Stay true to your artistic vision, even when commercial pressures arise. It’s tempting to chase trends or conform to what’s currently popular, but I’ve found that authenticity is far more rewarding in the long run. I’ve seen artists compromise their identities for commercial success only to feel empty and unfulfilled. Whether it’s about signing with a label or conforming to market demands, straying too far from your artistic core can lead to regret and dissatisfaction. I’ve learned to prioritize staying true to myself creatively, regardless of external pressures or trends.
Party Wolfe is on a mission to create unforgettable experiences through music and weaves together elements of rock and electronic music to craft a sound that defies convention. With a dedication to crafting tracks that inspire movement and evoke raw emotion, Party Wolfe invites you to join the party and embrace the unexpected. Follow his socials below to stay up to date on his work.