Remi Wolf Burned Out on Touring. She Prioritizes Healing on New Album ‘Mud’

Remi Wolf’s latest release, Mud, marks a notable evolution in her artistic journey, reflecting a period of personal upheaval and recovery. Released by Island Records, the album departs from her earlier alt-pop stylings, drawing instead from folk influences and intimate storytelling. This change mirrors Wolf’s response to the challenges she faced after years of nonstop touring and a significant breakup.

Following an intense stretch of live performances that spanned half a decade, Wolf found herself grappling with mental and physical exhaustion. The pressures of constant travel and performing took a toll, prompting her to seek a new environment for her creative process. She initially ventured to Nashville, a city renowned for its songwriting culture, despite having no prior experience working there. Immersed in a community that prioritizes narrative-rich compositions, Wolf embraced a fresh approach focused on crafting songs suitable for acoustic, campfire-style settings.

The title Mud derives from one of the album’s tracks, "Covered in Mud," and symbolizes the chaotic and challenging state Wolf experienced during the album’s inception. The cover art visually captures this theme, depicting her covered in dirt — an embodiment of the emotional and professional messiness she endured. Her time in Nashville laid the groundwork for the album’s direction, but it was in Big Bear, California, where she ultimately solidified the project.

In Big Bear, Wolf retreated with close friends and longtime collaborator Jared Solomon, creating a supportive atmosphere that nurtured vulnerability and artistic expression. The group rented a house, sharing meals and writing sessions that resulted in sixteen new tracks. Among these is "I Won't Cry," a song that combines acoustic elements with pop percussion to assert resilience in the face of emotional pain. Wolf credits this intense week of collaboration as a pivotal moment of healing and creative rejuvenation.

This period also coincided with Wolf’s commitment to sobriety, which she has maintained for over a year. Writing much of Mud under the influence of this newfound clarity, alongside ongoing therapy, has contributed to a healthier headspace and renewed enthusiasm for performing. Wolf emphasizes a recalibrated outlook on touring, prioritizing the well-being of herself and her team above relentless schedules.

Her live performances over the past year have reflected her evolving artistry and mindset. After a rainout at Bonnaroo halted her scheduled set, Wolf’s team quickly arranged a surprise show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl. This event featured an eclectic lineup of guest musicians and highlighted her affinity for collaborative, genre-blending experiences. Additionally, she has participated in benefit concerts such as Healing Appalachia and made multiple appearances at the Newport Folk Festival, including a joint performance with Paramore’s Hayley Williams.

The track "Twiggy," released ahead of the album and debuted live with Williams, encapsulates the album’s introspective tone. With its sparse acoustic arrangement and themes of recklessness and heartbreak, the song exemplifies the raw emotional honesty that defines Mud. Wolf’s vocal style, characterized by a powerful and expressive delivery, complements the album’s blend of folk sensibility and pop accessibility.

Looking ahead, Wolf has scheduled album release shows in Los Angeles and New York, alongside a brief Australian tour and an extensive U.S. tour beginning in early 2027. Her approach to touring now centers on sustainable health practices, ensuring that the demands of live performance do not compromise her physical or mental state.

Remi Wolf’s Mud stands as a testament to transformation and resilience. Moving beyond the frenetic pace of her early career, she has crafted a body of work grounded in vulnerability and storytelling. This album not only captures a pivotal moment in her life but also signals a mature artistic vision shaped by healing and self-awareness.