MOLTENO – Moonlight

By starrymag | October 23, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) A blend of dream pop, ethereal pop and trip hop beats with a sprinkling of alt R&B feels – dreamy synths, guitars that sound like synths and stacked harmonies. 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Growing up I loved Portishead, Massive Attack, Neneh Cherry and Björk in terms of their sound and use of orchestral elements. Artists like Jeff Buckley and Joni Mitchell inspired my songwriting. I also listened to a lot of Lauryn Hill and used to practice her vocal runs! At fifteen years old I had a grunge phase and listened to a lot of Silverchair and Hole so that’s in the mix, too. 

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Moonlight.”

 

A) After experiencing lucid dreaming I started to think about the possibility of travelling via dreams. I recalled trippy, vivid dreams which inspired the verses. I wrote the topline over a drum and bass beat which helped me explore writing at a faster tempo.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) With all the chaos at the moment, people seemed to connect to the otherworldly escapism of the song. I’ve also heard it’s a good one to drive to.

 

Q) The video is beautifully directed by Daisy Moseley. Where did the idea for the mix of Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive” and Ken Russell’s “The Devils” spring from?

 

A) Daisy and I grew up together and after working together on two videos now, I feel she has a great sense for how to visualise my music. We knew we wanted to theme the video around a night drive and a kitsch moon ceremony, and Daisy suggested that we draw from those influences but add a feminist twist. 

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) We wanted the video to reflect the surreal dream-like nature of the lyrics and the theme of dream travel with the night drive. 

With the video, we also explored the feminine and tarot symbolism of the moon with symbolism including a runaway bride running down the road wearing a large meringue wedding dress. The domestic load placed on women was symbolised by a large ball made up of objects including a dustpan and brush, iron, clothes and children’s toys. 

 

Q What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I start my songwriting process with music and then the sound inspires the lyrics. 

These days I begin a song by programming drums and layering synth pads and then play around with melody and lyrics. Sometimes I demo and stack vocal harmonies before the lyrics are written so I can get excited about the melody and production direction. 

Once the song is sketched out, I collaborate with co-writers and producers to continue developing each track. 

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I love to be very involved in the production process and for me it forms part of the chrysalis of a song. I usually collaborate with producers only once I have a vision for the overall sound and instrumentation. 

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes! I can’t promise a release date today but ‘Moonlight’ is the first single from my second EP ‘Element 2’ and the rest of the EP will be out soon. That will be followed by another two EPs which form part of a collection of four EPs that explore each of the elements. 

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love performing in unusual spaces like warehouses and art galleries – places you might not expect live music. I feel I can create a unique experience for my fans and I especially like it when I can curate the line up which I often do for release parties. 

I also love performing at The Finsbury in London, there’s something about the positioning of the stage and the lighting that really works. Also, you can’t really beat a festival!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Björk, The Weeknd or James Blake. 

 

Q )What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’ve been listening to 070 Shake’s album You Can’t Kill Me – I love the vocal production, catchy melodies and I feel the instrumentation is really dynamic.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) For me, it’s a chance to share additional artistry and behind the scenes moments. Whether that’s from shoots, beautiful scenery or clips from rehearsals and studio sessions. In between shows it’s the best way I know how to connect with fans.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you. I’m so grateful to have supporters of MOLTENO. Your comments and  messages light me up! There are more tunes coming very soon so watch this space!