Highway Wolf Debuts Second Single Off One-of-a-Kind Musical Project

Highway Wolf is a musical project led by Mick Hellman and his creative partners, Tal and Amber Morris, who have created a unique sonic experience through a collection of reimagined classics in the upcoming album Purdie’s Dream. Each song on the record is a cover carefully selected and reimagined through the lens of the Highway Wolf.

I recently connected with the creative team behind Highway Wolf ahead of the release of their second single, “In The City,” a cover of the classic Eagles tune. Highway Wolf has given this song a swinging New Orleans twist. We discussed the birth of Highway Wolf, the role of Mick’s four-legged friend Purdie, and their process of selecting songs for this special project.

“In The City” touches on the hardships and challenges of “surviving” in the harsh environment of a city. How do you connect with this song personally, and why was it chosen for the project?

Mick Hellman: The City has a lot to offer: jobs, entertainment, cuisine, education, romance, music … But it also has a very harsh side, and can be scary and alienating. When you feel like you can’t connect with others, it can really get a wolf down! I grew up in New York City and experienced the richness of city life, a personal favorite being the American Museum of Natural History. But I also got accosted and robbed, and sometimes felt very unsafe. Oh yeah, and my mom got robbed at knifepoint in an elevator, a sister got punched in the face by a random stranger on the sidewalk, and another sister got knocked out when someone threw a rock at her head, although that was in New Haven. When “In The City” was released in 1979 I could identify with the alienation and fear, and I would feel the longing to escape.

This is a fun, bluesy rendition of “In The City,” what were the conversations like in production that led you to lean into the “swinging, New Orleans” vibe?

Tal Morris: All of the ideas stem specifically from Mick’s intention and all of us discussing how we can reimagine these songs. The whole idea was to stamp some individual flavor, and New Orleans is a very vibrant city. As I was forming ideas about how we could reimagine “In The City,” a New Orleans groove came up in my head and we started to experiment with it. It worked and we just went with that idea. Then it was a matter of the song maintaining it’s identity while still having an original rhythmic flavor.

Does “In The City” have the same effect on you now the way it did back when it was released in 1979? How has your life changed between now and then?

Mick: I was able to leave the City and return of my free will. I have a good life. Now I see others who are hurting and don’t have the means to build a life free of worry and hardship, and I wish for them to find safety and happiness. So it’s more about other people (and canines!) to me now.

The animated music video accompanying this single release depicts Mick’s dog Purdie dreaming of becoming a wolf in the big city. Who came up with the idea of having Purdie be the face of Highway Wolf?

Tal & Amber Morris: Once Highway Wolf as the project name came into play it was a natural progression through creative discussions that Purdie being an extension of Mick follows the Hero’s Journey and becomes the Wolf as inferred in The Call of the Wild. This references Mick’s own call to music and Highway Wolf is one of his musical forays.

Mick: Who really is the Highway Wolf? Just the Wolf? Or Purdie? Or Mick? Or maybe you are the Highway Wolf!

Who created the animation for the music video?

Tal/Amber: Josh Clark, very talented person.

Mick: Josh created the epic “Sun State” video for Wreckless Strangers [Mick and Amber both perform in another group, Wreckless Strangers]. He really gets us! The video showcases his emotive story-telling, his huge imagination and his animation excellence.

What was the inspiration behind the album title, Purdie’s Dream?

Mick: It was inspired by Stanley Mouse’s artwork, which is now the album cover. It depicts a man having his mind expanded, possibly dreaming. But “Mick’s Dream” did not sound very romantic. My canine buddy, Purdie, is pictured here dreaming after arranging his unicorns. So “Purdie’s Dream” it is!

Were there any songs that didn’t make the final cut for the album you really loved?

Tal/Amber: There were eight tunes originally, and as much as they were all loved, more clarity around the scope of the project Final Cut timelines revealed or dictated our choices for this EP. We went with quality over quantity..in hopes we can revisit all or some of the songs in the future, as either single releases or another EP.

This is not the first collaboration we’ve seen between Mick and Amber, you both are members of the Wreckless Strangers! How has this experience contrasted with your work together in the band?

Amber Morris: As members of Wreckless Strangers, I feel the culture we’ve created allows for a healthy respect of one another’s creative inspirations, musical influences and artistic intentions and vision. Because I have an established working relationship with Mick prior to Wreckless Strangers, (I have been working as the voice coach for the Hellman Family since 2016) the transition was seamless. I understand how vulnerable a position it is to be in that vocal booth. I am asking an artist to give their all, let their guard down, to reveal themselves. It’s a lot to ask of anyone. You’re exploring boundaries and accessing new levels of emotional depth and vocal ability. My job is to know when I have that take.. when I have pushed my artist too far or not far enough. There’s a lot of psychology going on between those talkbacks. Mick stepped into that experience wholly and I feel we got some incredible results!

What can we expect next from Highway Wolf?
Mick: Highway Wolf and his alter egos have more music and art to release soon. And then the whole crew will go back to work depicting more adventures!

Learn more about Highway Wolf at https://www.highwaywolfmusic.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highwaywolfmusic
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