The 18th of October 2024 marked the release of “Free” the eagerly awaited new single from London-based alternative artist Anna Wolf.
Renowned for her haunting soundscapes that intertwine romance and darkness, Wolf has captivated global audiences with her deeply personal and evocative music. Often described as “the love child of Sia and Johnny Cash,” she possesses a remarkable ability to blend emotional vulnerability with raw intensity.
Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Anna Wolf began her musical journey at just five years old, using songwriting as a way to cope with the domestic abuse she both experienced and witnessed.
“Free,” produced by Alex Thomas (Air, Anna Calvi), continues her legacy of poignant storytelling, featuring a sound she characterizes as a “cinematic, visceral, distortionate valve synth.”
Anna Wolf comments on “Free”
“FREE speaks of finding yourself caught between old patterns and the new possibilities of finding love. It’s about being stuck in relationships that don’t serve you, staying because it feels familiar and ‘romantically abusive.’”
“I spent years in those kinds of relationships. No one could have talked me out of them. I had to learn to let go for myself. The moment I did, I experienced a deep sense of liberation and self-love. It was incredibly freeing to accept myself fully, flaws and all.”
Her latest single explores the journey of breaking free from toxic cycles, a message she hopes will resonate with her listeners.
Anna Wolf explains
“Flaws are necessary. They create the contrast we need to see the black and white in life, allowing us to find balance and make choices from a place of love instead of fear. I hope this song connects with others in the same way it has healed me.”
The music video (which was released on the 25th of October 2024) is a powerful visual journey, directed by Anna herself in collaboration with Director of Photography Paul Fuller.
Set against a striking red backdrop, the video portrays the intensity of relationships that thrive on passion, while intertwining playful cartoon snippets to depict the unraveling of toxic love.
The imagery of Anna playing her electric guitar as it bleeds black blood symbolizes the loss of self that occurs in such relationships.
Check out the video below:
You can stream / download the track HERE.
Anna’s career showcases her diverse talents. Her win in 2019 as the first South African artist to take home the Grand Prize at the Global Unsigned Only Competition solidified her status as one of the most captivating voices in music.
With an impressive roster of collaborators, including Sir Johnny Clegg, Trey Call (Cash Cabin Studios), and members of bands like Stereophonics and Blondie, Anna’s sound continues to evolve.
Anna Wolf is currently developing a new collection of music slated for release in 2025, which will fuse organic acoustic guitar and tribal sounds with her hallmark emotional depth. Her fans are eagerly anticipating what this multifaceted artist will unveil next.
Anna Wolf comments
“When making an artistic choice, intention is everything. Focusing on the artistry of the project, the playfulness of every body of work, and not taking myself too seriously is key to keeping grounded and letting the work speak for itself.”
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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