Joana and the Wolf
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Joana and the Wolf was an alternative new wave rock ensemble based in London, established in 2005. Their sound drew inspiration from artists such as Patti Smith, PJ Harvey, The Stooges, and Björk.
Formation and members
The lineup featured Joana Glaza (born Joana Mikalauskaitė), a University of Vilnius alumna who served as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter, alongside guitarist Ali, bassist Katie, and drummer Louis. While Joana hails from Lithuania and consistently performed in English, the remaining members were British.
The group came together during the summer of 2005 after Joana and Ali connected via an advertisement on Loot. Initially, Ali suggested the humorous band name "Joana and the Bitches," which Joana later modified to "Wolf," drawing from Lithuanian cultural symbolism. By 2010, they had acquired new management and evolved their musical style to incorporate elements of Eastern European folk and classical music.
Regarding their artistic inspirations, Joana remarked that although Kate Bush is frequently mentioned as an influence, this is somewhat exaggerated. After their debut single "Purple Nights" invited comparisons to PJ Harvey, she delved deeper into Harvey’s catalog and acknowledged her as a key influence.
Performances
Their live debut took place in September 2005 at The Betsey Trotwood in Farringdon, London. Subsequently, they performed at numerous prominent venues across London such as The Spitz, Barfly, 100 Club, Purple Turtle, Luminaire, The Enterprise, Water Rats, Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, Proud Gallery, Metro, Ghetto, Favela Chic, Rhythm Factory (where they supported Babyshambles), the Dublin Castle, and Koko. Joana expressed a preference for East London locations like Favela Chic, noting changes in Camden Market’s atmosphere following the 2008 fire.
During July and August 2006, they embarked on a tour promoting their single "Purple Nights," performing in cities including Nottingham, Middlesbrough, Hull, and London. They also supported James Dean Bradfield at his solo show at ULU on 11 July 2006. The tour culminated with an appearance at Bestival on the Isle of Wight in September of that year. Additionally, they played at Brighton's Great Escape Festival during the summer of 2006 supporting The Bees, which led to a live session on John Kennedy's program on Xfm later that year.
On 25 August 2007, the band returned to Joana’s homeland to perform at Lithuania’s Be2Gether festival alongside acts such as Therapy?, The Young Knives, and Bloodhound Gang. In 2009, they took part in The Big Chill festival and made two appearances at London's Lovebox Festival in July 2010.
Releases
Following a show at Water Rats in King's Cross, London, members of Kasabian invited Joana to contribute guest vocals on "Empire," the lead single and title track from their second album.
Their single "Purple Nights" was released on 14 August 2006. Produced by Jim Abbiss—known for his collaborations with Arctic Monkeys and Editors—the track was distributed on both 7" vinyl and digital platforms like iTunes through Regal Records, a subsidiary of Parlophone. This release inaugurated the Regal Singles Club series.
In the summer of 2009, the band issued "Natural Born Killers" as a digital single on iTunes, accompanied by the track "Demon's Bride." Later, on 3 May 2011, they released "Hide Me" exclusively as a download single paired with "Vagabond Song," available via both iTunes and Amazon.
Songs
Their discography features tracks such as: Hide Me; Vagabond Song; Demon's Bride; Isabella; Sleepwalker; Big Black Bird; Dead or Alive; Do Ya?; Entertainer; Frankie; Greedy Thoughts; Kingdom; Kitty; London Baby; Mia; November; Pablo; Patience; Purple Nights; She Will Die; Tiger; Vicious Circles; Wild Dogs; Witch Hunt.
Reception
In 2006, the group secured the top position on Steve Lamacq's 6 Music Rebel Playlist. On 15 May 2007, they earned the "Best New Wave/Progressive Act" award at the first-ever Indy Music Awards, which celebrates independent London artists and venues, performing their song "Pablo" during the event. They were also nominated for the same category in 2008.
Joana attracted media spotlight in Lithuania, including features in Lithuanian Cosmopolitan and receiving national radio play prior to a 2007 festival appearance.
Music critics commended Joana for her unique vocal style and commanding stage presence. TourDates emphasized her strong vocal performance, while NoiseMatters drew parallels between her and Siouxsie Sioux and Bjork, highlighting a distinctive sound. Metro characterized their live performances as "electrifying new wave rock," describing Joana as "mesmeric" and unapologetically original. Time Out noted the band's theatrical flair. Forge Music identified "Natural Born Killers" as a standout example of unembellished rock 'n' roll. Is This Music? admired her haunting voice on that single. Music Week recognized the band's promising future, noting a vocalist reminiscent of PJ Harvey. NME praised her engaging live shows in 2010, and The Fly regarded their concerts as must-see events due to their distinctiveness.
Break-up
After more than six years of active performance and recording, the band dissolved in late 2011.