Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Nash Propst is the only official member of Leadwolf to date. He writes the songs, plays the guitar, and sings.
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Leadwolf? How long has the band been around?
Nash was formerly playing guitar for country artist, Jordan Davis. Before moving to Nashville, Nash was a member of Grand Rapids, MI based indie band The Tide. And also served as guitarist for Champaign, IL based So Long Forgotten.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
By name, Leadwolf is derived from family names. Propst on Nash’s dad’s side is of German origin, meaning “to designate someone in charge.” Wolfe on his mom’s side is of German origin, simply meaning “wolf.”
Leadwolf was formerly A River Runs Through. But Nash decided to change the name of the project after hearing songs come out of the studio differently than they were originally written. The old name didn't fit the music.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Nash is the songwriter in Leadwolf. The songs stem from a failed marriage, the heartbreak of it, and the emotions that follow. Some songs on Dreams, point to simpler times when music was the driving force (Sounds of Our Youth) and the single, "Dreams" is a song of hope, knowing that there has to to be something better out there on this side of divorce.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Big names such as Jimmy Eat World, Ryan Adams, Death Cab For Cutie, and U2 have always been major influences for me. But I think that's because I gravitate mostly towards honest, raw, heart-felt songwriters. I've always been into David Bazan for that fact. Noah Gundersen, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker are also creeping their way in to my daily listening.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I've known since I was 13 that I wanted to play music. Growing up in a small town, I went to as many shows as I could. We had a small Christian run venue called Common Ground in my hometown of Taylorville, IL that pulled in bands like Relient K, Bleach, and others. But I think seeing Lovedrug for the first time in 2004 really sealed the deal for me.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
I like to interact with the crowd before a show. I'm terrible backstage. I'd much rather be up front meeting people and hanging out. But before the show, I do some minor vocal exercises so I don't destroy my throat. If I'm nervous, which is rare, I like to take a walk around the block to pump myself up.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
We've only been on the road for a handful of shows in 2017, with plenty more to come in 2018, but the highlight for me, personally was a packed show in Grand Rapids, MI in November. And the fact that our debut album is fully self-funded, recorded, and released, are major accomplishments that I'm really proud of.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Being on the road with Lovedrug or Copeland would be a dream come true. I love everything those bands have done. I think Young In The City and Fort Atlantic would be a blast to be on the road with. And one day I'd like to hear Jimmy Eat World thank us for opening for them.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks so much for supporting independent artists and their music. I think we live in an interesting time as far as music is concerned, and I think people are going to be looking for music to bring them commonality with the things they're going through. My hope is that Leadwolf can write those songs and bring people together in some way. Music should be real, honest, and raw. If we fill our songs with fluff and aren't telling our stories with absolute truth, people read right through that.