Completed Article

Double Page Spread Article for ‘Wolf’ Magazine


Music Interview
Wolf: Breakthrough

Fresh out of the recording studio with his 2011 breakthrough band ‘The Polaroids’, Simon Wicklow talks to ‘Wolf’ about mixtapes, xbox-ing and village life.

When Simon arrived at the ‘Wolf’ offices it was clear from the offset that I was meeting with a very down-to-earth and shy young boy that has been sky-rocketed into the media spotlight. He wanders into our shoot, acid-wash skinnies, boat shoes and a big old granddad cardigan hiding his awkwardness. When asked if he needs anything, he replies ‘a cuppa would be nice, two sugars please’. Sniffling away after recovering from a cold, he retires into one of our squishy armchairs as if settling down for a chat with his mates.

Rose: Hi, it’s lovely to meet you. I’ve been listening to your demo album and it really portrays a group of young lads having fun and living an exciting and spontaneous lifestyle but what makes Simon Wicklow tick?

Simon: Hello, nice to meet you too. Yeah, we’re all in our late teens and early twenties so we’re trying to not get bogged down by all the serious stuff in life, making sure our music is fun and inspiring. ‘The Polaroids’ are becoming popular but I’m still only a lad used to village life, living in a small close-knit community and having a pint up the local pub.

R: You say you’re used to a small community lifestyle, so how do you feel about this new found fame?

S: It is scary! I have never been very good at being the centre of attention; I’m a bit of a social recluse. I’d rather be xbox-ing than out ‘partying’ so this all feels very weird and surreal to me.

R: Your music is alternative, think The Kooks meet Mumford and Son meet Florence and the Machine but who would you have playing on a mixed tape?

S: I like a little bit of everything. I listen to bands such as A Day to Remember or 30 Seconds to Mars. I love dubstep but am happy listening to The Smiths or Bombay Bicycle Club. All of us have completely different tastes in music which I presume is why our songs have such a mix match of styles.

R: You’re playing Camden’s Underworld next month, renowned for performances in the past from the likes of Radiohead and The Smashing Pumpkins. How do you feel about playing such a prestigious venue?

S: Petrified, I am trying not to think about it, just taking each day in my stride but if the fashionable crowd of Camden like you that’s got to mean something!

Quick Fire Questions:

Tea or coffee?
Always tea

What is your telly pleasure?
Has to be two and a half men or any American sitcom. I’m a big fan of scrubs.

Star Sign?
Aquarius

Cider or Beer?
Bleurgh beer is gross, cider all the way preferably a Kopperburg

What would find in your car?
Mess, receipts, shoes, a skateboard, mints, ipod, tapes…

Your scent?
I’m a Lynx Africa kind of man

The Polaroid’s start their new tour at Camden’s Underworld on February 10th and many dates are planned for across the country. Make sure to check them out on tour or at http://www.thepolaroids.com/

(For my double page spread:

The left hand-side page will have an image of the main subject 'Simon Wicklow'.

The right hand-side page will have the title and introduction at the very top and the rest of the interview in columns with a few smaller images dotted within)