Reflecting on how I got here
TL;DR: Honestly a bit of a self indulgent post about how I learned about Vulf, and the impact it had on me at a crucial point in my life.
I've been following/reading posts on reddit and Facebook about the Theo tour announcement, the lack of clarification/comms regarding the overlapping dates, and fan speculation on the state of the band and their future. It really surprised me that we are here, that this level of drama has been ignited about a band I always assumed were always just in it for a good time. Maybe naive on my part, but I always saw them as a bunch of friends and college musicians having a big jam session! All sides of the story and fan reactions and disappointment are completely valid and understandable, and I do think it's a bit of a turning point.
It all led to me reflecting on my own experience with the Vulf "universe" and how it has impacted me personally. If you're interested, read on, and share your story as well! If you're not, that's cool too.
I first heard of Vulfpeck from a post in r/music, some random fan listed Cory Wong as one of the best songs/videos of the year, I think it was in 2019. I was instantly hooked, but also very confused about who was the artist and what the name of the song was, lol. Cory Wong by Vulfpeck? But Cory Wong is an artist? Is the song called Vulfpeck?
This led me down a rabbit hole to listen to as much as I could. Which led me to a YouTube video of Back Pocket at MSG. That was where I really understood Theo's abilities and musicianship, which led me to Modern Johnny.
In 2022 I was miserable at work, and when Vulf announced the Schvitz Experience I immediately grabbed tickets, and figured that I would work out the details later (I live in Toronto). After a few more months I quit my job and decided to take a career break after working for 20 years. I did a lot of self reflection, was pushing 40, and Theo's solo work really started to do a number on me. The songwriting wasn't terribly profound, but it had a profound effect on me.
The Schvitz Experience was a bit of a musical reawakening for me. I grew up playing music in high school, headphones always on, had a reputation for always being in my own musical world...but as you know, life catches up, adulting takes over. But the Brooklyn residency happened at a point in my life where I was reassessing my own life. It really was a game changer.
Since that concert, I've begun to say 'yes' / 'why not' to more live shows. 4 concerts this year so far, with a few more still lined up, including solo Theo! I'm turning 42 this summer and I'm making a gradual return to my younger musical self, and I've never been happier. Vulfpeck opened the door, I stumbled through, and came out dancing on the other side.
I'm sure Theo is not done with Vulf for good, but it does feel like the end of an era. Vulf without the Core Four is probably fine, just very different. I'm grateful for having the chance to experience them live before this change, and stoked for what Theo has in store. In the end, this band somehow became a huge part of me and it has been a wild ride.
If you made it this far, appreciate you sticking around. Would love to hear your stories of how you got into them and what they mean to you!