The Wombats are a formidable presence in the music scene. The enduring indie pop group continues to expand and push boundaries with every new release—indeed, Wombat-mania is here, and we're definitely on board with it.
The friendly gentlemen of The Wombats have just unveiled ‘Oh! The Ocean’—their sixth album, for those keeping track—and they've swiftly climbed the charts once again. Outlasting their contemporaries, the band's steadfast and enthusiastic fanbase has matured alongside them.
So, prepare for an album filled with catchy hooks and some wisdom on parenting—The Wombats are evolving, yet steadfast in their approach.
Before the hectic touring schedule kicks in, CLASH chatted with Murph and Dan from the band to catch up on their recent activities, future plans, and their new album with an oceanic theme…
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Thanks for making time for us! It seems like things have been quite hectic; hopefully, you’ve found a moment to rest today?
Murph: Yeah, I’m in London today and have been busy with promotions. I’ve been to Berlin, Paris, and London. But it's great to be busy, really.
So, this is Album No. 6… how are you feeling about putting new music out into the world?
Murph: I’m feeling good about the release. The days and weeks leading up to it are always a bit strange. Something that felt very private to me is about to be shared publicly, which creates a unique sensation. But ultimately, I'm very proud of the album and I'm excited for it to be out there.
How has your writing and creative process evolved with changes in location and technological advancements affecting the music industry?
Murph: The process hasn’t really changed for me or The Wombats. It’s still about getting into a room and creating until something comes together. We have lived in different countries for about nine years now, so we're used to it; there’s just a bit more flying involved than with other bands.
Around 2015, when we changed labels, it was a strange time for the music industry. The shift from physical sales and downloads to streaming was significant. I feel like we might be in another one of those transitional phases now, and I’m uncertain about what lies ahead.
Has your success on TikTok had an impact on your songwriting?
Murph: The whole ‘Greek Tragedy’ remix phenomenon was truly wild. It felt like it belonged to a different band. The viral remix on TikTok is something I’ve only listened to for about 30 seconds, since I’m not really into TikTok, and it doesn’t influence my songwriting.
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Tell us about ‘Oh! The Ocean’; what’s the story behind the title?
Murph: The album title came to me following an unusual morning. We drove about an hour and a half south of LA to Orange County. My wife was taking care of our daughters who were playing by the sand, and I was standing on the beach, gazing at the waves and the ocean. It felt like a spiritual experience, almost mushroom-like, as if I was seeing the ocean for the first time. I was completely present, in awe of life for about 10 minutes.
It felt like an out-of-body experience, and I realized that science doesn’t explain everything about life or consciousness as I once thought. I stood there shocked, letting go of the everyday disappointments and cyclical thoughts that usually occupy my mind.
Which track are you most excited to share with the world?
Murph: That’s tough. I appreciate the album as a whole and don’t want to dissect it too much. However, there’s a song titled ‘Gut-Punch’ that’s track number five. It’s a sad boy banger, which happens to be my favorite genre, so I’m eager to see how people react to it.
We’ve noticed that your solo projects are flourishing alongside your work in the band. How do you balance these individual creative outlets while still collaborating as The Wombats?
Dan: I’ve put out four solo albums as Dan The Man, plus two albums and an EP with Tord as Sunship Balloon. Both projects are fantastic avenues for me; they’ve been a creative playground for expressing my thoughts in different ways than I do with The Wombats.
All three of us have side projects, which is beneficial for the band. It keeps us curious and learning, freeing up mental space so we feel refreshed and invigorated when we reunite.
Which bands are you currently excited about? We know you support the Liverpool group Red Rum Club, but are there any other notable artists we should pay attention to?
Dan: I recently collaborated with Zuzu, who is incredible. She may have new music coming this year, so keep an eye out for that. Also, the talented BC Camplight has been recording with some friends of mine in Liverpool at my studio,
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The Wombats are a formidable presence. The indie pop stalwarts continue to grow in size and bravado with every new album - indeed, Wombat-mania has arrived, and we