Wunderhorse

Wunderhorse – is a name that is increasingly being seen on the line-ups of festivals and venues throughout the United Kingdom. This youthful yet remarkably skilled band hails from Birmingham and has, in a brief period, captured the affection of numerous fans due to their distinctive sound and vibrant performances, which authentically merge indie and garage rock. Originating in London, the group has garnered attention with their unforgettable tracks and energetic live shows. Their music embodies the progression of the British music landscape, fusing raw vitality with profound lyrics. In this era of streaming, the band has rekindled enthusiasm for vinyl records and merchandise.

The Wunderhorse emblem – a stylised horse with purple hooves – represents speed and freedom, which are the core themes of their lyrics and live performances.

Who are Wunderhorse?

The journey of Wunderhorse commenced in 2020 as a solo endeavour by Jacob Slater in Newquay, Cornwall. It started as a way to convey personal experiences through music — unrefined, sincere, and brimming with vitality. By 2021, the project had evolved into a complete band with Harry Fowler, Peter Woodin, and Jamie Staples joining Jacob. Subsequently, Seb Byford stepped in on bass, enhancing the music with strength and richness.

The repertoire of Wunderhorse is an amalgamation of various genres, blending alternative rock with indie influences, while grunge riffs coexist with melodic segments. Although there are nods to classic rock within the songs, the overall sound remains modern and unique.

Their lyrics explore themes of self-identity, interpersonal relationships, and the urban sadness associated with city life. The chords of their popular tracks are straightforward to play, which has led to a surge in cover versions by fans.

Milestones:

• 2020 : formation and first single;
• 2022 : release of Cab and Glastonbury Festival ;
• 2023 : BBC Sound of and European tour;
• 2024–2026 : Midas, new concerts.

Wunderhorse exemplifies a remarkable musical journey: evolving from a TikTok sensation to nominees for the Mercury Prize. The band prioritises live performances as the key element driving their popularity.

Recognition and accolades

Although Wunderhorse has been active for a relatively brief period, they have already established a significant presence in the music scene. In 2020, the band secured the esteemed BBC Introducing programme, which supports emerging talent in gaining recognition.

In 2023, their nomination for the Mercury Prize for their album represented a pivotal moment in the band’s journey. The victory of the Best Group award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards (2025) affirmed that Wunderhorse is among the most remarkable bands in the current British music landscape.

The accolades and recognition received by these young musicians indicate that the band is genuinely developing its own distinctive sound, rather than merely following existing trends.

We simply aimed to perform the music we enjoy. The fact that it has resonated with others is an extraordinary bonus,

— states Jacob Slater, the band’s vocalist and guitarist.

The Mercury Prize is not merely an award; it serves as validation that our music connects with the cultural landscape,

— remarks the project’s founder.

The members of Wunderhorse

Wunderhorse comprises a group of individuals who share similar ideals, with each member offering a distinct input to the band’s overall sound. Currently, the band has well-defined responsibilities: every member takes charge of their specific segment of the musical content, facilitating a unified sound.

Jacob Slater

Jacob Slater—not only the primary singer but also the band’s leader—was born in 1999 in Birmingham. He has had a deep love for music since his early years and took up playing the guitar during his teenage years. Prior to forming Wunderhorse, he released solo demos under the name ‘Slater’. His distinctive voice, characterised by its raspy and emotive quality, is a hallmark of Wunderhorse, with lyrics that frequently convey his personal feelings. As the creator of the band, he plays a crucial role in making significant decisions about the band’s progression and oversees the collaboration among the members.

Jamie Staples

Jamie Staples serves as the drummer for the band, recognised for his exceptional playing skills and enthusiasm for exploring different sounds. Although he joined the group at a later stage, he has become a vital component of the collective vision. A fan of vinyl records and Joy Division, Jamie assists in choosing guitar segments for new tracks and offers suggestions for their enhancement.

Harry Fowler

Harry Fowler serves as the bassist, currently 25 years old. He is proficient in solos and riffs, emphasising garage aesthetics (having session experience with various indie artists). His contributions frequently establish the groundwork for Wunderhorse’s melodies, enhancing their richness and strength. He collaborates closely with the drummer to create a cohesive rhythm section in each track.

Seb Byford

Seb Byford — a guitarist, aged 23, hailing from London. He became a member of the band in 2022. His guitar work is noted for its accuracy and energy. Seb composes the drum sections for each track and makes sure they harmonise effectively with the other instruments.

Previous members

Peter Woodin — the initial bassist of the group, who played a role in the recording of early tracks and contributed to the development of the band’s sound. He departed from the group in 2022 to concentrate on his solo endeavour.

Oscar Browne — a guitarist who exited the band in 2021. He was involved in the creation of early demo recordings and was instrumental in defining the guitar sound during the band’s formative period.

Wunderhorse Performances

Wunderhorse is not a band that shies away from public appearances: the artists tour extensively — ranging from small venues, where they can establish a personal bond with their audience, to large festivals attracting thousands of attendees. Each performance typically features well-known tracks like ‘Leader of the Pack’ and ‘Arizona’, but there is also space for new material — the band introduces fresh ideas and gauges the audience’s response to them:

• Glastonbury Festival ( 2023 ). Wunderhorse performed on the smaller stage. Numerous festival attendees remarked that the band was a pleasant surprise for them: their lively performance and authentic sound made a significant impact.
• Wunderhorse took the stage at Brixton Academy during their tour promoting the album Cub (2023).
• O2 Academy, Birmingham ( 2024 ). The concert was a complete sell-out. The band showcased tracks from the album Midas, and the audience welcomed them with enthusiasm.
• Alexandra Palace , London ( 2025 ). This was one of the largest shows in their career: more than 3,000 fans attended the concert. Wunderhorse performed their popular songs, and the atmosphere was genuinely celebratory.
• During their UK tour ( 2024–2025 ), the band played in Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol.

Future events ( 2026 ):

• UK tour (May–June). The band will perform in London, Glasgow and Birmingham.
• Reading Festival (August 2026). Wunderhorse has been included in the festival line-up — this will provide another chance to present themselves to a broad audience and perform on a large stage.

The live performance set list typically comprises 18 songs — this is sufficient to highlight all aspects of the band’s artistry without exhausting the audience.

It is their live shows that have significantly contributed to Wunderhorse’s acclaim. The musicians not only play their songs — they engage with the audience, adjust to the crowd’s energy and cultivate an atmosphere that is hard to replicate in a studio setting.

Albums and notable tracks

Wunderhorse has not released a large number of works thus far, but each release provides insight into the band’s development. The artists are not focused on producing a high volume of music; instead, they meticulously refine their sound, explore new methods, and gradually perfect their style.

1. EP Leader of the Pack ( 2022 ) — this mini-album marked the band’s initial expression — it came out just prior to their debut album and aided Wunderhorse in establishing their identity.
2. Cub ( 2022 ) — the first full-length album, recorded at London’s Sound Wave studio. In this work, the band confidently declared their musical path.
3. Midas ( 2024 ) — this album illustrated that the band is poised to advance and innovate. The sound became more diverse: the musicians incorporated new elements into the arrangements.

Notable tracks:

• ‘Leader of the Pack’ frequently serves as the opening number at Wunderhorse’s performances. Its striking guitar riff and strong vocals set the atmosphere for the show.
• ‘Rain’ — a more mellow and atmospheric piece. It features reduced aggression and heightened ambience.
• “Arizona” is a song from the Midas album, where the band fused melody with the vibrancy of alternative rock.
• “Midas” is the title track of their second album. It was included in the BBC Radio 6 Music playlist, which assisted the band in reaching a wider audience.

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Common Inquiries

What is the origin of Wunderhorse?

The band hails from Newquay, Cornwall – UK.

Which genre does Wunderhorse belong to?

Wunderhorse performs alternative rock, indie rock, grunge, and Americana.

When was Wunderhorse established?

The group was established in 2020 as a solo endeavour by Jacob Slater, and in 2021, it evolved into a fully operational band.

What prompted the departure of Wunderhorse’s bassist?

In 2022, former bassist Peter Woodin departed from the group to focus on a solo endeavour. This change resulted in a transformation of the band’s sound, enhancing its power and clarity.

Who is the vocalist of Wunderhorse?

The vocalist and leading figure of the band is Jacob Slater.

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter