Graham Coxon’s Latest Project, The WAEVE: Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Parenthood

For Graham Coxon, founding member and iconic guitarist of Blur, musical exploration has always been part of the journey. But his latest project, The WAEVE – a collaboration with singer-songwriter and his new wife Rose Elinor Dougall – offers fans a deeper look into his creative evolution. Their new album, City Lights, serves as a raw, reflective record born out of the transformative (and sleepless) days of early parenthood, channeling a mix of vulnerability and grit that reveals a whole new side of Coxon.

After the release of The WAEVE’s self-titled debut in 2023, City Lights builds on the unique chemistry between Coxon and Dougall, blending indie rock with touches of jazz and post-punk to create a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. While Blur fans may recognize Coxon’s signature guitar style, The WAEVE’s music is distinct, weaving in lush saxophone lines, atmospheric synths, and Dougall’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. Together, Coxon and Dougall have crafted an album that feels both cinematic and intimate – the perfect soundtrack for late nights and introspective moments.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind City Lights, Coxon has spoken openly about how early parenthood has shaped the project. “There’s a kind of surrealism that comes with the lack of sleep, a strange clarity too,” he shared with NME recently. “It’s been a time of change for both of us, and the music has kind of emerged from that space – raw and genuine.” 

For Coxon, known for his introspective solo work and the occasional melancholy within Blur’s music, City Lights is a deeply personal and collaborative project, allowing him to push boundaries while staying grounded in life’s real, sometimes messy, moments.

Working with Dougall, former vocalist of The Pipettes and a talented artist in her own right, has also allowed Coxon to explore new creative territory. Dougall’s voice and lyrical presence bring a unique warmth and depth to The WAEVE’s sound, giving Coxon a fresh perspective in his songwriting. Together, they form a partnership that’s both dynamic and balanced, with Dougall’s emotive delivery perfectly complementing Coxon’s intricate instrumentals.

Released to critical acclaim, City Lights has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike, showcasing a more experimental side of Coxon while remaining accessible. Tracks like “Over and Over” and “Dawn Break” delve into themes of love, loss, and renewal, with melodies that linger long after the first listen. It’s a far cry from the Britpop anthems that defined Blur’s early days, but it’s exactly where Coxon wants to be.

As Blur prepares to hit the stage again for upcoming reunion shows, Coxon’s work with The WAEVE feels like a testament to his relentless pursuit of musical growth. “Blur will always be a part of me, but The WAEVE lets me express myself differently,” he said in an interview. For fans of both Blur and Coxon’s solo work, The WAEVE’s City Lights is a captivating exploration of artistry, transformation, and the strange beauty of change.

In City Lights, Coxon has once again proven his ability to evolve while remaining true to himself, this time with Dougall by his side. For those ready to follow him into this next chapter, The WAEVE offers a soundtrack as unexpected and layered as the journey itself.

City Lights - Tracks

1. "City Lights" – 4:20
2. "You Saw" – 5:24
3. "Moth to the Flame" – 4:43
4. "I Belong To..." – 4:23
5. "Simple Days" – 4:09
6. "Broken Boys" – 3:12
7. "Song for Eliza May" – 5:37
8. "Druantia" – 7:44
9. "Girl of the Endless Night" – 4:55
10. "Sunrise" – 6:50

Blur’s Graham Coxon on Oasis Reunion: “Good for the Fans and Good for Them”

As Oasis fans gear up for one of the most anticipated reunions in British rock history, Blur’s guitarist Graham Coxon has weighed in on the Gallaghers’ decision to patch things up and hit the road once again. “It’s good for them and it’s good for the fans,” Coxon said in a recent interview with The Sun, capturing the mood of an entire generation ready to relive the highs of Britpop.

For Coxon, this isn’t just industry news; it’s a reminder of a time when Blur and Oasis dominated the UK charts and drove the Britpop phenomenon of the 1990s. The two bands’ rivalry was legendary, fueling one of the most electric eras in British music. Now, with the Gallaghers setting aside their differences, it feels like a piece of that magic is back.

In August, Liam and Noel Gallagher announced their plans to reunite Oasis for a stadium tour, which kicks off in the UK and Ireland in July 2025. After bringing their hits to fans across North America, the iconic duo will return to London for two final dates at Wembley Stadium in September before taking the show to Australia in October. While Coxon is all for the reunion, he kept a respectful distance from suggesting it outright, clarifying, “God no, I wouldn’t have talked to him about that… I don’t know him well enough to say that.”

Interestingly, the announcement comes alongside another Britpop throwback – a stage play currently in development for London’s West End, titled The Battle. Set to debut in 2025, the play will chronicle the fierce rivalry between Blur and Oasis, with a particular focus on the infamous 1995 chart showdown. That summer, Blur’s “Country House” and Oasis’s “Roll With It” went head-to-head for the Number One spot, a battle Blur won. Written by John Niven and produced by Simon Friend, The Battle is being billed as “a comedy with teeth,” and promises to capture the competitive spirit and camaraderie that defined the scene.

Meanwhile, Coxon hasn’t slowed down creatively. He recently released City Lights, his second album with The WAEVE, his collaboration with Rose Elinor Dougall. Following their 2023 debut, this new release is a personal exploration of early parenthood and its sleepless nights, something Coxon discussed candidly with NME. Despite his own busy schedule, he’s excited for the Oasis reunion, noting, “Hopefully it’s a genuine reunion because some bands break up and don’t get that chance again.”

With Blur’s legacy secure and Oasis set to reignite their own, this reunion feels like a nostalgic gift to fans who never stopped hoping for another chapter. For Britpop devotees, it’s like the ‘90s never left – and Coxon, like all of us, seems ready to cheer them on.

Graham Coxon Embroiled in Bitter Divorce with Ex Soraya Coxon

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon is in the midst of a bitter, gruelling UK High Court divorce battle with his wife, Soraya "Essy" Coxon. 

On September 19 2024, Mr. Coxon attended an interim hearing at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, presided over by Mr. Justice Peel, regarding his separation. Both Mr. Coxon, represented by Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood, and Mrs. Coxon, represented by Michael Glaser KC, were identified in the proceedings, though the judge has prohibited publication of specific case details.

A follow-up hearing is expected in the coming months.

Coxon’s professional life remains high-profile as Blur recently completed a world tour, including two monumental performances at Wembley in 2023. The band, which includes Damon Albarn, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree, continues to thrive with a legacy of 13 UK top 10 singles and seven chart-topping albums.

While Coxon’s personal life has been challenging, he has found renewed happiness and inspiration with musician Rose Elinor Dougall. 

Dougall, the granddaughter of respected BBC newsreader Robert Neill Dougall and singer in The Pipettes, and Coxon share both a romantic and musical partnership as the duo behind The WAEVE. They released their latest album, City Lights, in September and are also parents to a two-year-old daughter Eliza May.

Coxon’s marriage to Soraya 'Essy' Coxon reportedly began to dissolve around 2020 with rumours of him meeting Rose Elinor Dougall at the same time during a London charity concert, which led to a period of emotional turmoil. 

Reflecting on the experience, he recently shared with The Times: “It was extremely traumatic. That’s when I knew I needed therapy.”

Graham Coxon with his ex-wife Soraya 'Essy' Coxon

The guitarist eventually returned to the UK, where he connected with Dougall. Their relationship began as a creative collaboration but soon blossomed into romance and family life. 

“I didn’t know what I was going to be doing,” Coxon recalled. “I had just gone through a big loss of confidence, so I liked the idea of working with someone who could sing and play piano and take the strain a little bit. I don’t think either of us expected it to go the way it did.”

Known for his reserved and socially awkward nature, Coxon admitted that Dougall’s lively, outgoing personality has helped him open up. 

“I’ve always been socially awkward, which is why it’s great going out with Rose because she’s lively and she enjoys the moment,” he explained. 

Looking back, he added, “For years I was the snarling person in the corner, hiding in a pub in Camden. I was the problematic Blur boy.”

This news comes around the same time when Damon Albarn, Coxon's long-time friend and bandmate from Blur, separated from his long-term partner Suzi Winstanley. 

Where Are The Blur Members Now?

From Britpop legends to diverse adventurers, the members of Blur have charted unique paths since their '90s heyday.

As of 2024, the members of the iconic Britpop band Blur have been engaged in various individual projects and activities, following their recent band activities.

Damon Albarn, Blur's charismatic frontman, has been particularly active in various musical endeavors. After Blur's first reunion in years and the release of their latest album "The Ballad Of Darren," Albarn announced a break for the band. He has hinted at concentrating on an opera set to be presented in Paris and is also planning to work on a new Gorillaz album, following the success of 2023's "Cracker Island," which featured collaborations with several big names in the music industry.

After the recent reunion and release of their album "The Ballad of Darren," Albarn has announced that Blur will be going on hiatus. He expressed that continuing with Blur at this point is "too much" for him, although he didn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with the band in the future. His decision reflects a desire not to dwell on the past but to explore new creative avenues.

Graham Coxon, the band's guitarist, has also been involved in his own projects. Apart from his contributions to Blur, Coxon has a reputation for his solo work, which showcases his versatility as a musician and an artist. He has released solo albums that highlight his expansive musical range beyond the Britpop genre that Blur is famous for​.

Alex James, Blur's bassist, has taken a unique path post-Blur. Known for his distinct style and musical prowess during the band's heyday, James has ventured into the world of food. He started a cheesemaking business and became a food writer for The Times. This transition from music to gastronomy showcases his diverse interests and talents beyond the music industry​.

Dave Rowntree, the drummer, has explored a different kind of public service following his music career. He became a Norfolk City Council member and has made attempts to gain a parliamentary seat in various constituencies. He also obtained a law degree after his time at Blur. This move into politics indicates his interest in public service and community involvement, diverging significantly from his musical background​.

As you can see, the members of Blur have each taken distinct paths following their success in the band. While they have come together occasionally for music, their individual pursuits reflect a broad range of interests and talents, from operatic compositions and graphic novels to cheesemaking and politics.

Their varied careers are a testament to their versatility and ability to reinvent themselves beyond the realm of Britpop.