Who is Wailing Urei? Well, it could be easier to answer who’s not Wailing Urei. He’s all of us, our darker and alternative side, the broad sonic universe we get lost in once in a while. Do you know who’s definitely Wailing Urei? A talented musician based in London who recently released a mesmerising album, a long-length masterpiece balanced between retrowave, industrial and glitch electronica, and post-rock.
Essentially, Wailing Urei is one of the most authentic, raw projects you’ll encounter. ‘Is It Me’ features 15 tracks placed on a spectrum of intense sonic sensory overload. From the fuzzy new wave, dissonant bays of ‘Colour of Corruption’ to the abstract drone matter of ‘Future’, the keen listener will find inspiration and salvation in a spiritual record.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Wailing Urei to learn more about the project and his artistry… Interview below!
Hey Wailing Urei, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
I would say I’m a Guitarist and a Songwriter. At present, I’ve written melancholic alt-rock.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
I find that it helps me to express myself where I otherwise couldn’t and helps me to process things. Though I’ve always been drawn to music, It allows you to bare a bit of your soul to the listener.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
That is a tough one, I’ve always wanted to work with Thom Yorke but I’m really resonating with King Krule’s work at the moment so I would have to go with Archy.
You recently released a mesmerising long album, ‘Is It Me’. We absolutely love the shoegaze and retrowave flavourings in it. Is sonic research important for you? Do you connect with the idea that music serves to transport you into an alternative dimension where all feelings and pain are suspended?
I feel it is very important. I think if the sonic landscape doesn’t match the themes or message you are trying to convey, then your just working against yourself. I want my music to envelop the listener so that they have a space to feel the music and take it in in the best way possible. Not necessarily suspend feelings or pain but allow people to feel them as I feel we try to numb and distract ourselves too much and it’s only once we process our feelings do we process as people.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
Oh alone, I work rather slowly and I find others get irritated as a result. Plus I try to be as personal as possible in my music and I think adding more chefs would detract from the pot.
Is there any particular track in the album that’s more special than the others?
I would say I’m split between Howling and Ode to, both for different reasons but I won’t want to go into them. Hopefully, anyone that does listen to them will be able to pick up what I’m putting down.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
My lyrical and vocal styles, I mainly did landscapes before Is It Me? and trying to find the words and how to deliver them in a way that fit the music was very difficult to begin with, but I am very proud of the album.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I am very excited for my next project, not quite at the writing stage but the concepts and drafts I’ve got so far make me eager to get started. Less melodic and more rhythm-focused in terms of the sound but again, very early days.
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