After completing probation, Eric Pollard had a choice to make. He'd spent over two years living with his parents in Grand Rapids, Minn., having been busted for growing weed in 2011. He could either stay in his home state or move elsewhere -- and although he loves Minnesota, he chose to live somewhere he could legally grow marijuana. It's no wonder his new album, Faded Days, feels like California.

Pollard releases music under the name Actual Wolf (a friend once gave him the nickname), and for his recent session at the Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser studio in MPR, he brought bandmates Steve Garrington (bass), Jake Hanson (guitar), Al Church (guitar/keys/vocals), Kyle Caprista (drums/vocals). "[Steve and Jake] are like my left and right crutch," he noted, talking about what it's like to write songs with them in mind.

The word is in the album's title, so it shouldn't be a surprise, but "fade" comes up everywhere in these few songs. Fade-ins, fade-outs, and being faded all come up in lyrics and discussion. One area that hasn't faded is Pollard's musical chops, which he hones by listening to greats like Miles Davis.

Actual Wolf is a candid person -- rather transparent about his opinions and what's going on in his life -- and his music reflects the trait. During his in-studio, he discusses what it's like to play with old friends, how synths made their way onto his album, and why music education is so important. Since little can communicate so directly as art, it seems he's found the right career.

Songs performed

"Faded Days"
"Be My Love (American Hips)"
"Baby Please"

All songs from Actual Wolf's 2017 release, Faded Days, available via Red House Records.

Hosted by Sean McPherson
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark and Riley Bruestle
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Cecilia Johnson

Resources

Actual Wolf - official site

Gallery

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