Up-and-coming singer-songwriter MØNA’s recently released her enchanting new single ‘fairy tale’ on the 18th August 2023. We spoke to her about her past, present, future and everything else in between.
Walk us through your creative process?
My creative process varies depending on my mood. Sometimes I hear a song and I think, “holy shit, I want to write a song like this,” whether that be lyrically, production-wise, or melodically. That thought alone really spurs me into writing more, not even necessarily like the track that inspired me, just writing in general. That being said, I often will come up with lyric or idea whilst going through every day life, and then it gets stuck in my head and I start immediately expanding upon it and developing on it. It’s kinda like a train, once I start going it’s quite hard to stop.
What has been the most defining moment of your musical career?
I had an opportunity in 2022 to interview one of my all time favorite artists, someone who I look up to and inspires me and my music greatly. During this interview with Thomston, I had not only the chance to form a real connection, but also the chance to play a song of my own for him, and it was one of the best moments I’ve ever had. It’s a small moment, not so big in the grand scheme of things, and certainly will be topped with everything I have planned to do going forward within my musicianship, but it means a lot to me. I look back on it both often and fondly.
What equipment or software are you using the most?
I use a lot of Audio Technica products, their microphones and headphones, they are well made and I like how they perform. For recording vocals, I like to use Logic Pro, just because it has a really simple and integrated feature for getting takes, I can go in and do multiple vocal takes without much fuss.
Whats your performance setup looking like?
In the past, my performance set up was with a band, a pianist, a drummer, and a bassist, with me on vocals at the front. But as time has passed and my schedule for day to day gets busier and busier I’m moving forward with a performance of just myself on stage with a laptop to the side and triggers. I’m actually going to be performing a lot more as the year comes to an end, some local spots in Boston that I’m looking into.
Who are your biggest inspirations at the moment?
Right now, it’s GIRLI, Dove Cameron, and Emeline. They are all incredible artists, Dove and GIRLI are out and proud queer women, and it’s a major inspiration to know that success isn’t limited due who you are, that being authentically yourself is something people are drawn to.
Whats your favourite way to pass the time? Any hobbies?
It changes all the time, as a neurodivergent human being I go through waves of hyper-fixations towards different activities, hobbies, interests, etc. At the core of it, is being surrounded by or connected to people I love and cherish, friends and family, spending time with them. Aside from that, I love cooking and baking, and photography is something I’ve always done. My current hyper-fixation would probably be drawing/art. I used to do it a lot in high school, and I recently discovered a few pieces that are unfinished that I just feel an undying need to complete.
Whats next for you as an artist?
My god, there is so much I want to do. Hopefully by the start of next year if everything goes according to plan! I have a few tracks left for my sophomore EP, and once those are finished, it’ll be released into the world. I’m going to spend the rest of this year increasing the live performance aspect of my musicianship. Other than that, I’m currently in the process of trying to obtain a work visa for the UK so I can move to London in January of 2024, as it’s where I see myself living and thriving, not only professionally but also personally.
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