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{{Short description|American drummer}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Actual Wolf
| name = Actual Wolf
| image = Sun Kil Moon Paris 2014.jpg
| image = Sun Kil Moon Paris 2014.jpg
| caption = Actual Wolf aka Eric Pollard on drums as a member of Sun Kil Moon, (Mark Kozelek, Eric Pollard, Vasco Espinheira) Paris 2014
| caption = Actual Wolf on drums as a member of Sun Kil Moon in Paris in 2014
| image_size = 250px
| image_size =
| background = singer/songwriter, musician
| landscape = yes
| occupation = Singer/songwriter, musician
| birth_name = Eric Pollard
| birth_name = Eric Pollard
| instrument = {{hlist|[[Singing|Vocals]]|[[guitar]]|[[drums]]|[[piano]]|[[percussion]]|[[harmonica]]|[[bass guitar|bass]]}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|drums|piano|percussion|harmonica|bass}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[indie rock]]|[[Americana]]|[[indie folk]] | [[jazz]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Indie rock]]|[[Americana (music)|Americana]]|[[indie folk]] |[[jazz]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Red House Records]]|[[SubPop]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Red House Records]]|[[SubPop]]}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[Retribution Gospel Choir]]|[[Actual Wolf (band)]]|[[Sun Kil Moon]] | [[Misisipi Mike Wolf]] | [[JP Harris]]}}

}}
}}

'''Eric Pollard''', (born March 21, 1980) known professionally as '''Actual Wolf''', is an American singer-songwriter and instrumentalist best known for his instrumental work in [[Retribution Gospel Choir]], [[Sun Kil Moon]], [[Low (band) | Low]] <ref>https://www.argusleader.com/story/blogs/scotthudson/2015/10/22/actual-wolf-channels-dylan-am-country-radio/74333362/</ref> and as the leader and songwriter for his eponymous band [[Actual Wolf (band) | Actual Wolf]]. <ref>http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-perfects-a-rootless-roots-rock-with-faded-days/444010883</ref>.
'''Eric Pollard''', (born March 21, 1980) known professionally as '''Actual Wolf''', is an American singer-songwriter and instrumentalist best known for his instrumental work in [[Retribution Gospel Choir]], [[Sun Kil Moon]], [[Low (band)|Low]]<ref name="argus1">{{cite web |title=Actual Wolf channels Dylan, AM country radio |url=https://www.argusleader.com/story/blogs/scotthudson/2015/10/22/actual-wolf-channels-dylan-am-country-radio/74333362/ |website=Argus Leader |accessdate=15 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> and as the leader and songwriter for his eponymous band Actual Wolf.<ref name="rootless">{{cite web |last1=Fagerberg |first1=Jerard |title=Actual Wolf perfects a rootless roots rock with 'Faded Days' |url=http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-perfects-a-rootless-roots-rock-with-faded-days/444010883 |website=City Pages |accessdate=15 January 2020}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Eric Michael Pollard was born on March 21, 1980 and raised in [[Grand Rapids]], [[Minnesota]], which is located in the [[Iron Range]] region of the state. His father worked for [[Itasca County]] [[Minnesota]] and his mother was a nurse and flight attendant. He has one sister. All three of his immediate family members are musical, though he is the only one who has pursued music as a profession. <ref>https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/4313273-those-faded-days-actual-wolfs-latest-album-chronicles-post-probation-period</ref>Eric Pollard went to high school and participated in early bands with future [[Trampled By Turtles]] bass player Tim Saxhaug. <ref>https://www.grandrapidsmn.com/news/dukes-of-hubbard-move-onward-and-upward/article_9298a767-cc9c-530a-9df0-5a1aff3a4fa3.html</ref>. After High School he attended the [[University of Wisconsin Eau Claire]], where he would meet [[Justin Vernon]]. Years later Eric Pollard (as Actual Wolf) would record his fourth collection of songs at Vernon's [[April Base Stdios]]. <ref>http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolfs-eric-pollard-captures-his-creative-spark-6771444</ref> Eric Pollard would adopt the professional name Actual Wolf while rebuilding his personal and professional life following a felony arrest for selling marijuana. <ref>http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-is-thankful-for-the-minnesota-music-scene-and-that-hes-not-in-jail-6626713</ref>
Eric Michael Pollard was born on March 21, 1980, and raised in [[Grand Rapids, Minnesota|Grand Rapids]], Minnesota, in the [[Iron Range]] region of the state. His father worked for [[Itasca County]], [[Minnesota]], and his mother was a nurse and flight attendant. He has one sister. All three of his immediate family members are musical, though he is the only one who has pursued music as a profession.<ref name="duluth">{{cite news |last1=Aug 17th 2017 – 5am |first1=Christa Lawler |title=Those 'Faded Days': Actual Wolf's latest album chronicles post-probation period |url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/4313273-those-faded-days-actual-wolfs-latest-album-chronicles-post-probation-period |accessdate=15 January 2020 |work=Duluth News Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Pollard went to high school and participated in early bands with future [[Trampled By Turtles]] bass player Tim Saxhaug.<ref>{{cite web |last1=LeCompte |first1=Gale |title=Dukes of Hubbard move onward and upward |url=https://www.grandrapidsmn.com/news/dukes-of-hubbard-move-onward-and-upward/article_9298a767-cc9c-530a-9df0-5a1aff3a4fa3.html |website=Grand Rapids Herald-Review |accessdate=15 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> After high school he attended the [[University of Wisconsin Eau Claire]], where he met [[Justin Vernon]].


==Career==
==Career==


===Pre Actual Wolf years===
===Pre Actual Wolf years===
Eric Pollard was the drummer and a vocalist for [[Retribution Gospel Choir]]. RGC, which had begun as a collaboration between [[Low]] guitarist & songwriter [[Alan Sparhawk]] and [[Red House Painters]] & [[Sun Kil Moon]] founder [[Mark Kozelek]] (who left early in the band's history) were signed to [[Sub Pop]]. <ref> https://www.allmusic.com/artist/retribution-gospel-choir-mn0000954634/biography </ref> He also toured as a keyboardist with [[low]]. <ref> http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-is-thankful-for-the-minnesota-music-scene-and-that-hes-not-in-jail-6626713 </ref> Shortly thereafter he would become a touring member of Sun Kil Moon. <ref> https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2008/07/in-this-edition-of-the.html</ref> He also contributed vocals to the Sun Kil Moon album [[April (Sun Kil Moon album)|April]].
Pollard was the drummer and a vocalist for [[Retribution Gospel Choir]]. RGC, which had begun as a collaboration between [[Low (band)|Low]] guitarist and songwriter [[Alan Sparhawk]] and [[Red House Painters]] and [[Sun Kil Moon]] founder [[Mark Kozelek]] (who left early in the band's history) was signed to [[Sub Pop]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Retribution Gospel Choir {{!}} Biography & History |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/retribution-gospel-choir-mn0000954634/biography |website=AllMusic |accessdate=15 January 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref> He also toured as a keyboardist with [[low (band)|Low]].<ref name="citypages2">{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Cyn |title=Actual Wolf is thankful for the Minnesota music scene and that he's not in jail |url=http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-is-thankful-for-the-minnesota-music-scene-and-that-hes-not-in-jail-6626713 |website=City Pages |accessdate=15 January 2020}}</ref> Shortly thereafter he became a touring member of Sun Kil Moon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sun Kil Moon's Mark Kozelek does charity, album, tour |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2008/07/in-this-edition-of-the.html |website=pastemagazine.com |accessdate=15 January 2020 |language=en |date=18 July 2008}}</ref> He also contributed vocals to the Sun Kil Moon album [[April (Sun Kil Moon album)|April]].


===Actual Wolf===
===Actual Wolf===
In 2011 Eric Pollard was charged with five felony counts of selling marijuana. <ref>https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/4313273-those-faded-days-actual-wolfs-latest-album-chronicles-post-probation-period</ref> Eventually he was able to plead these charges down to an extended probation, but the effects of these charges took him off the road and forced him to move back to his home town and reevaluate his future as a musician. <ref>http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-is-thankful-for-the-minnesota-music-scene-and-that-hes-not-in-jail-6626713</ref> It was during this period his career transitioned from a strictly instrumental sideman into the songwriter/singer/band leader. In the three years of travel restrictions that were part of his legal troubles he wrote 70 songs. While he completed his legal penalties a friend invented the new stage name/pseudonym of "Actual Wolf", in part due to his authentic "outlaw" credentials and in part due to the preponderance of popular bands of the period with "Wolf" in their commercial names. <ref>https://glidemagazine.com/185415/song-premiere-actual-wolf-makes-american-music-worldwide-ears-baby-please/ </ref>.


In 2012, under his new pseudonym, Actual Wolf self released the ep "Lightning and the Wolf", which featured vocals by [[Haley Bonar]]. This led to a residency at the [[Turf Club]] and a show on the main stage at the famed [[First Avenue]] in Minneapolis. He was placed at #6 on the annual "Picked to Click" list by the Twin Cities alternative weekly [[City Pages]]. <ref> http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-is-thankful-for-the-minnesota-music-scene-and-that-hes-not-in-jail-6626713 </ref>
In 2012, under his new pseudonym, Actual Wolf self released the EP ''Lightning and the Wolf'', which featured vocals by [[Haley Bonar]]. This led to a residency at the [[Turf Club (Saint Paul)|Turf Club]] and a show on the main stage at [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]] in Minneapolis. He placed sixth on the annual "Picked to Click" list by the Twin Cities alternative weekly [[City Pages]].<ref name="citypages2"/>

⚫
In 2013 Actual Wolf released an eponymous full-length debut on the Chaperone record label.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Actual-Wolf-Actual-Wolf/master/882186|title = Actual Wolf – Actual Wolf}}</ref> Once his probationary restrictions were lifted he moved to Nashville to continue his music career.<ref name="citypages1">{{cite web |last1=Alstyne |first1=Rob Van |title=Actual Wolf's Eric Pollard captures his creative spark |url=http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolfs-eric-pollard-captures-his-creative-spark-6771444 |website=City Pages |accessdate=15 January 2020}}</ref> While in Nashville Pollard returned to his roots as an instrumental sideman, touring and recording with the likes of [[Nikki Lane]]<ref>{{cite web |title=SKSW Guest Blog: Actual Wolf |url=https://www.radiok.org/features/specialty-shows/otr/sksw-guest-blog-actual-wolf/ |website=Radio K |accessdate=15 January 2020}}</ref> and [[JP Harris]].


⚫
2015 saw the release of the cassette-only collection of Actual Wolf songs ''Itasca'', the title of which refers to [[Itasca County]].<ref name="argus1"/> Shortly afterward, Actual Wolf relocated to [[Oakland California|Oakland, California]], to pursue work in the burgeoning legal [[medical marijuana]] industry while still continuing his songwriting/musical career.
⚫
In 2013 Actual Wolf released an eponymous full length debut on the Chaperone record label. <ref> https://www.discogs.com/Actual-Wolf-Actual-Wolf/master/882186 </ref> Once his probationary restrictions were lifted he moved to Nashville to continue his music career. <ref> http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolfs-eric-pollard-captures-his-creative-spark-6771444 </ref> While in Nashville Eric Pollard aka Actual Wolf returned to his roots as an instrumental sideman, touring and recording with the likes of [[Nikki Lane]] <ref>https://www.radiok.org/features/specialty-shows/otr/sksw-guest-blog-actual-wolf/</ref> and [[JP Harris]]. <ref>https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/album-review-jp-harriss-sometimes-dogs-bark-at-nothing/</ref>


⚫
In 2016 Actual Wolf began work on his second full-length, self-produced LP, ''Faded Days'', with Minnesota-based musicians Jeremy Hanson of [[Tapes 'n Tapes]], Jacob Hanson, Steve Garrington (bass player of [[low (band)|low]]), vocalist Al Church and Nashville pedal steel player Ditch Kurtz. The album was released in 2017 on the [[Red House Records]] label.<ref name="rootless"/><ref name="duluth"/> During this period Pollard was still living in Oakland. It was there that he began to assemble a regular full-time touring band, eventually recruiting Bay Area lead guitarist [[Misisipi Mike Wolf]], pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jelinek|first1=Russell |title=Actual Wolf prepares new album, shows |url=http://thebaybridged.com/2017/04/17/actual-wolf-prepares-new-album-shows/ |website=The Bay Bridged – San Francisco Bay Area Indie Music |accessdate=15 January 2020 |date=17 April 2017}}</ref> keyboardist Kirby Hammel (formerly a touring member of Sun Kil Moon), drummer Andrew Griffin ([[Cake (band)|Cake]], [[Camper Van Beethoven]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Paul Manousos' Andrew Griffin |url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2010/07/andrew-griffin/ |website=Modern Drummer Magazine |accessdate=15 January 2020 |date=14 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vigil |first1=Delfin |title=Andrew Griffin |url=https://www.sfgate.com/thingstodo/article/Andrew-Griffin-3216489.php |accessdate=15 January 2020 |work=SFGate |date=1 May 2008}}</ref> and bassist Ted O'Connell.
⚫
2015 saw the release of the cassette only collection of Actual Wolf songs "Itasca", the title of which refers to the Northern Minnesota county of [[Itasca County]]. <ref> /www.argusleader.com/story/blogs/scotthudson/2015/10/22/actual-wolf-channels-dylan-am-country-radio/74333362/ </ref> Shortly afterwards Actual Wolf relocated to [[Oakland California]] to pursue work in the burgeoning legal [[medical marijuana]] industry while still continuing his songwriting/musical career.


==References==
In 2016 Actual Wolf began work on his second full length, self produced LP, later to be titled "Faded Days" with Minnesoata based musicians Jeremy Hanson of [[Tapes 'n Tapes]], Jacob Hanson, Steve Garrington (bass player of [[low]]), vocalist Al Church and Nashville pedal steel player Ditch Kurtz. The album would be released in 2017 on the [[Red House Records]] label. <ref>http://www.citypages.com/music/actual-wolf-perfects-a-rootless-roots-rock-with-faded-days/444010883</ref> <ref>
{{Reflist}}
⚫
https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/4313273-those-faded-days-actual-wolfs-latest-album-chronicles-post-probation-period</ref> During this period Eric Pollard aka Actual Wolf was still living in Oakland, California. It was there that he began to assemble a regular full time touring band, eventually recruiting Bay Area lead guitarist [[Misisipi Mike Wolf]], pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton <ref> http://thebaybridged.com/2017/04/17/actual-wolf-prepares-new-album-shows/ </ref> , keyboardist Kirby Hammel (formerly a touring member of [[Sun Kil Moon]], drummer Andrew Griffin ([[Cake (band) | Cake]], [[Camper Van Beethoven]]) <ref> https://www.moderndrummer.com/2010/07/andrew-griffin/ </ref> <ref>https://www.sfgate.com/thingstodo/article/Andrew-Griffin-3216489.php </ref> and bassist Ted O'Connell.


{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Wolf, Actual}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American drummers]]
[[Category:21st-century American guitarists]]
[[Category:1980 births]]

Latest revision as of 17:37, 28 September 2024

Actual Wolf
Actual Wolf on drums as a member of Sun Kil Moon in Paris in 2014
Actual Wolf on drums as a member of Sun Kil Moon in Paris in 2014
Background information
Birth nameEric Pollard
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer/songwriter, musician
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • drums
  • piano
  • percussion
  • harmonica
  • bass
Labels

Eric Pollard, (born March 21, 1980) known professionally as Actual Wolf, is an American singer-songwriter and instrumentalist best known for his instrumental work in Retribution Gospel Choir, Sun Kil Moon, Low[1] and as the leader and songwriter for his eponymous band Actual Wolf.[2]

Early life and education

[edit]

Eric Michael Pollard was born on March 21, 1980, and raised in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in the Iron Range region of the state. His father worked for Itasca County, Minnesota, and his mother was a nurse and flight attendant. He has one sister. All three of his immediate family members are musical, though he is the only one who has pursued music as a profession.[3] Pollard went to high school and participated in early bands with future Trampled By Turtles bass player Tim Saxhaug.[4] After high school he attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, where he met Justin Vernon.

Career

[edit]

Pre Actual Wolf years

[edit]

Pollard was the drummer and a vocalist for Retribution Gospel Choir. RGC, which had begun as a collaboration between Low guitarist and songwriter Alan Sparhawk and Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon founder Mark Kozelek (who left early in the band's history) was signed to Sub Pop.[5] He also toured as a keyboardist with Low.[6] Shortly thereafter he became a touring member of Sun Kil Moon.[7] He also contributed vocals to the Sun Kil Moon album April.

Actual Wolf

[edit]

In 2012, under his new pseudonym, Actual Wolf self released the EP Lightning and the Wolf, which featured vocals by Haley Bonar. This led to a residency at the Turf Club and a show on the main stage at First Avenue in Minneapolis. He placed sixth on the annual "Picked to Click" list by the Twin Cities alternative weekly City Pages.[6]

In 2013 Actual Wolf released an eponymous full-length debut on the Chaperone record label.[8] Once his probationary restrictions were lifted he moved to Nashville to continue his music career.[9] While in Nashville Pollard returned to his roots as an instrumental sideman, touring and recording with the likes of Nikki Lane[10] and JP Harris.

2015 saw the release of the cassette-only collection of Actual Wolf songs Itasca, the title of which refers to Itasca County.[1] Shortly afterward, Actual Wolf relocated to Oakland, California, to pursue work in the burgeoning legal medical marijuana industry while still continuing his songwriting/musical career.

In 2016 Actual Wolf began work on his second full-length, self-produced LP, Faded Days, with Minnesota-based musicians Jeremy Hanson of Tapes 'n Tapes, Jacob Hanson, Steve Garrington (bass player of low), vocalist Al Church and Nashville pedal steel player Ditch Kurtz. The album was released in 2017 on the Red House Records label.[2][3] During this period Pollard was still living in Oakland. It was there that he began to assemble a regular full-time touring band, eventually recruiting Bay Area lead guitarist Misisipi Mike Wolf, pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton,[11] keyboardist Kirby Hammel (formerly a touring member of Sun Kil Moon), drummer Andrew Griffin (Cake, Camper Van Beethoven)[12][13] and bassist Ted O'Connell.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Actual Wolf channels Dylan, AM country radio". Argus Leader. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  2. ^ a b Fagerberg, Jerard. "Actual Wolf perfects a rootless roots rock with 'Faded Days'". City Pages. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  3. ^ a b Aug 17th 2017 – 5am, Christa Lawler. "Those 'Faded Days': Actual Wolf's latest album chronicles post-probation period". Duluth News Tribune. Retrieved 15 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ LeCompte, Gale. "Dukes of Hubbard move onward and upward". Grand Rapids Herald-Review. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  5. ^ "Retribution Gospel Choir | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b Collins, Cyn. "Actual Wolf is thankful for the Minnesota music scene and that he's not in jail". City Pages. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  7. ^ "Sun Kil Moon's Mark Kozelek does charity, album, tour". pastemagazine.com. 18 July 2008. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  8. ^ "Actual Wolf – Actual Wolf".
  9. ^ Alstyne, Rob Van. "Actual Wolf's Eric Pollard captures his creative spark". City Pages. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  10. ^ "SKSW Guest Blog: Actual Wolf". Radio K. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  11. ^ Jelinek, Russell (17 April 2017). "Actual Wolf prepares new album, shows". The Bay Bridged – San Francisco Bay Area Indie Music. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  12. ^ "Paul Manousos' Andrew Griffin". Modern Drummer Magazine. 14 July 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  13. ^ Vigil, Delfin (1 May 2008). "Andrew Griffin". SFGate. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
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