Emily Wolfe: Artist Review

By Christian Villarreal
Music Journalist

Two years ago, singer-songwriter Emily Wolfe from Austin, Texas, had released her first album and moved into the blues-rock scene. Today, Wolfe now has her second album released and is widely respected as one of the greatest guitarists of today.

Wolfe has received praise from various national publications like NPR and endorsements from larger music corporations like Gibson, Epiphone Guitars, and Ernie Ball. Emily Wolfe may only be on her second album, but she is already going very strong.

After Wolfe started her career as a singer-songwriter in Austin, Texas, she began performing live while attending college at St. Edward’s University. In 2016, Wolfe released her single “Atta Blues” which set the tone for the rest of her career. “Atta Blues” led to a ten-song LP that would help her tour with artists like Gary Clarke Jr. and the Alabama Shakes.

Wolfe’s talent and work has attracted many fans and the interest of larger producers as well. Wolfe’s first full-length album Emily Wolfe was produced by Alabama Shakes keyboardist Ben Tanner, with her second album Outlier being produced by Michael Shuman, bassist for Queens of the Stone Age.

Big names producing Wolfe’s albums aren’t what makes her music so great: it’s her love of playing, which is evident in her music. Wolfe’s albums have songs that range from bluesy rock to modern pop, and each of them displays her amazing skill with the guitar. From electrifying riffs to dexterity in the melody, all of Wolfe’s songs showcase her skill. Songs like “Atta Blues” and “Medusa” show off punchy guitar riffs that stand out on their own, while other songs like “Rules to Bend” and “My Lungs Give out” have guitar parts that just work harmoniously with the lyrics.

Wolfe is endorsed by several music companies, most notably Gibson, and Epiphone Guitars. In early 2021, Wolfe and Epiphone collaborated to release her own signature guitar, the Epiphone Sheraton Stealth. The Sheraton Stealth is what you can see Wolfe playing the most both in online and live performances. The guitar is quite literally made for her, and it is evident in her playing.

Emily Wolfe is a modern-day guitar hero; she is my guitar hero. Wolfe’s music has a wide range of emotions, from the angry rock and roll tones in “Bad Behavior” to the catchy feel-good melody in “Vermillion Park”. Wolfe is redefining what a single artist can do with her guitar. She is shattering barriers and fighting the power with songs like “No Man.” Emily Wolfe is my guitar hero because her music is nothing short of relatable and inspiring. Be sure to listen to her music, because maybe she can be your guitar hero too.