Wolf.cryman is the stage moniker of Harshit Wadhwani, a Rap-Pop artist emerging from Jaipur. He has been releasing music since early January, however, his debut EP “Dil Fenk Ke Marunga” caught the audience’s attention. The EP received a lot of love thanks to the relatable and fun nature of the theme. Wolfie’s authenticity as an artist is defined by his often self-depreciative and humorous yet quite meaningful and layered style of writing. His recent album, “Dil Fenk Ke Marunga 2” continues the plot and testifies to Wolfie’s growth as an artist. Read more to find out about his writing style, influences, his recent album, his future plans and a lot more.
1.Tell us about DFKM. It received a lot of love when it came out, people appreciated the unique style you presented. How did you discover it?
Well, I discovered the vocal delivery style through slam poetry sessions and while being on-stage at open mic events. The initial verse of ‘Swag Ka Vikreta’ was the first piece I wrote for the EP, and that too was for a slam-poetry event. That was when I realized that I have a unique style of my own, and then I just started searching for beats online. Four of the beats on the tape were pieces I found online from the same producer, and the other two were from Satya. I wasn’t very educated about the whole process of making music, I had released a couple of singles but that was it, I was not very sure of how it would go. I found my own style subconsciously, the unique delivery was something I figured out while experimenting by myself.
2. There is a recurring theme in your songs, are these real stories that you present?
Well, DFKM 1 was very real. DFKM 2, on the other hand, is quite fictionalised, it is based on real-life incidents too but you do get that speculative and sort of a humorous vibe throughout. I believe I have improved as a writer and now I can recognize patterns and weave in a lot of elements that help me fictionalize and dramatize a few things without affecting the core essence of the tracks.
3. There are different styles to your music. What genre would you say you find yourself in?
I think it is mainly Hip-Hop, although I do add in a lot of other sounds and styles. I try to blend in different genres with the way I present Hip-Hop, and that is my approach. DFKM 1 was slightly dream-pop too, I’ve been wanting to venture into the pop genre and that reflects in my writing a lot of times. The way I write is sort of humorous and unserious yet often layered with suggested interpretations and my own ideologies as an artist. My pieces are quite lyrics heavy, and I feel the times we live in go hand-in-hand with Hip-Hop as a genre. It allows us to express ourselves because people nowadays have a lot of ideas, and that results in some of them presenting their perspectives via rap.
4. Tell us about Ik Kudi. It is your most streamed track out of the album and sort of blew up outside your fanbase too. How does that make you feel?
It is very affirming for me. In the current stage, I feel I really need to break through to sustain myself as an artist. I need to make this financially viable too, because I still get those thoughts of whether or not I should go back to the corporate world. Such love from the audience truly comforts me, especially in these times.
5. What is success for Wolf Cryman? What benchmark will make you feel that you made it in the scene?
Well, of course, I should afford a decent lifestyle, supporting myself and my family would come first. I also have that weird feeling of wanting to perform for only 200-300 people. It is ironic for me to say this considering the last two answers, but honestly, I would be really happy with a small crowd who loves my music and wants to see me perform live. Of course, doing big concerts is fun too and it boosts your ego, but I feel it wouldn’t be the best experience for the audience. I could be wrong, considering I haven’t been to any such concert, let alone perform in one. But I like to create a connection with people when I am on stage. I perform my slam poetry and Shayari, also adding fun elements in between the tracks. That experience, for me, is priceless. Also, I should feel like I have genuinely pushed boundaries and done something unique and fun with my music. If you are trying to make hits, you wouldn’t need to make some cutting-edge music, and I feel like I am a guy whose style is geared towards making hit music rather than something super experimental. Artists tend to make self-indulgent music and pieces that stand out, but I don’t find myself being that inclined in music, I just want my audience to experience good and enjoyable pieces, but that doesn’t mean I would prefer keeping it bland *laughs*.
6. Tell us about the theme of DFKM 2. What is the storyline this time around?
You can say that it is a continuation of DFKM 1. DFKM 1 was a lost person trying to find himself, he realizes and deals with things that happen post-heartbreak. But this time around, the story continues with his healing which is presented in the form of a romantic-comedy story.
7. Tell us about the soundscape of the album. Also, How were the features decided?
DFKM 2 was made with the intent of making bangers and hits, yet we have played with different genres including folk, pop, disco, gospel sort of sounds, dancy-funk sonics of course Hip-Hop that has drum and bass. It’s mostly upbeat and a couple of tracks are straight-up dance tracks. Before the album started taking shape, I knew I wanted to collaborate with people. I used to make tracks and leave space for verses and collaborators while I was scouting for people who I would love to hop on, and, let’s say, I was lucky enough to get them onboard.
8. You don’t perform live as much, although you do have a strong fanbase. When do we start seeing you perform live again?
I would definitely love to perform more, I’ve been waiting to get back on stage since I paused the whole stand-up thing I used to do. I’m just dealing with the urge to perform again now *laughs*, but for the last 6-7 months I’ve been getting a few opportunities to present my music in shows. However, now that the album is out, you’ll certainly find me performing more.
9. Tell us about your future plans. What can we expect this year?
Well, there’s gonna be a tour, we’ll hopefully set that up soon. There won’t be any projects coming out as such, but singles and some pieces that you might discover in movies and web series, and that’s pretty much it.
