Highway Wolf is a unique musical project led by Mick Hellman and his creative partners, Tal and Amber Morris, who create a sonic experience through a collection of reimagined classics. Highway Wolf takes us on a transformational journey, relatable to anyone who has been challenged by The Call, and all that comes with answering The Call. The songs are of the human experience, and through the howling and longing of the Highway Wolf, we come to understand these stories through another lens.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Mick Hellman. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
Hi Mick, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself.
Hi, I’m from Highway Wolf, and I listen to WAY too much 70’s music! In truth, I have an insatiable (wolf-like?) appetite for all kinds of music, as long as it has a groove. I started playing drums in high school the way kids skateboard: my friends and I used to take turns at the home drum kit trying to land rock songs without breaking a limb. I put down the sticks for a time, and then my kids started playing music seriously and would let me come out and perform with them. Many lessons were required to become house-trained, and then the pandemic lockdown gave me copious shed time. I came out of the pandemic with way too much energy, and here we are.
Please tell us about your latest single, In The City.
The latest single off Highway Wolf‘s upcoming EP Purdie’s Dream, which will be released this fall, is “In The City.” This Eagles hit resonates with my own experiences traversing cityscapes throughout my life. While I like the hustle and bustle of the City, it can be very hard on two and four-legged beings. Sometimes, I just want to escape to the country, where I can settle in nature and reconnect with something that feels genuine. The accompanying official music video was animated by Josh Clark. The video depicts my pup Purdie as he dreams of transforming into a city-dwelling wolf, navigating the neon jungle.
What strategies contributed to your success?
Breathe in, breathe out, don’t panic! When we are working on a new song, whether cover or original, I like to pre-game the groove, testing out multiple possibilities and sharing them with a producer, bass player, songwriter, etc. Then, when we show up at the studio, it all goes in the rubbish bin! But usually, some parts of those grooves show up somewhere in the song, which is richer for the possibilities. In the end, less is more works best!
Any special message for our readers?
Truly, the Highway Wolf exists to show that there are multiple ways to be in the world, and it is okay to try out many roles and identities.
How can people find out more about you?
Head to website for more details. You can follow us on Instagram @highwaywolfmusic.
Thank you so much, Mick, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
