How Wunderhorse’s Jacob Slater Found His Voice and Made an Indie-Rock Breakthrough

 Jacob Slater’s journey from the chaos of London’s punk scene to the serene shores of Newquay, Cornwall, has been one of self-reflection and growth. As the frontman of Wunderhorse, Slater, known for his thunderous live performances, is embracing a new chapter in his personal and musical life. "The quiet life" may seem an odd phrase for someone with such an intense stage presence, but Slater is finding solace in the slower pace of coastal life, where he can recharge, reflect, and reconnect with his creative spark.

After a grueling stretch of touring and festival appearances, including the success of their second album Midas, Wunderhorse is experiencing a surge in popularity, largely driven by the unexpected power of TikTok. Slater reflects on the rapid growth of the band’s fanbase, particularly among younger listeners, acknowledging how meaningful it is to connect with fans who resonate with the music at a formative age. Despite this increasing visibility, Slater remains grounded and cautious, aware of the pressures of the industry, especially as the band’s profile grows.

Wunderhorse’s shift from a solo project to a full band has brought a new depth to their sound, combining bluesy elements with emotionally charged lyrics. Slater’s vulnerability shines through in his songwriting, with themes of self-destruction and growth. However, the success of Midas feels like a reconciliation with his past struggles, including addiction, as the music becomes a way to process and move forward.

Reflecting on his debut album Cub, Slater admits that he’s had to come to terms with the songs’ content, which was shaped by his past. The experience of living with those lyrics, especially when fans sing them back to him, has been a challenge. Nonetheless, he’s made peace with the fact that the music is part of who he was at that moment in time. As a musician, he’s learned that the art is bigger than the individual, and the emotional distance he now feels from some of his earlier work is part of that journey.

Slater’s recent shift in perspective—moving from a desire to escape the music industry to finding a way to coexist within it—is evident in his growing sense of self-acceptance. He acknowledges that labels like "generational" can be disorienting, but he also understands that the true essence of a lasting artist is not defined by public expectations but by staying true to their craft. In this way, Slater is learning to let go of external pressures and focus on the personal fulfillment that comes with making music on his own terms.

As Wunderhorse continues to rise, Slater is slowly finding peace in his own skin, balancing his onstage persona with the quieter, more introspective moments of his life by the sea. The road ahead may still be uncertain, but for Slater, the process of accepting who he is and where he’s headed is the real magic of it all.