Monobasic is stripped-back and low-fi but with layers that fade in and out. Were you interested in exploring that polarity?
“When I listen to it, I find it quite unusual in that way. I originally intended the album to be more low-fi, but then it did develop into something a bit richer; more lush and produced. We still only recorded in people’s bedrooms and home-studios. One thing about Casey (producer Casey Rice) is that he manages to make things sound really good without going over the top.”
Do you feel an added anxiety putting out your own record?
“Yes and no. I’d put out a couple of little EPs on a very small scale before Moscow Schoolboy, and I used to play solo, and I’ve always recorded a lot at home. But I did kind of really want to see what I could come up with if it was totally up to me. It’s a bit nerve-wracking – I can’t blame anyone else if nobody likes it!”
Your sound has a soulful feel. Who were you first influences growing up in NZ?
“My parents were into some really great music; classic stuff like Nina Simone,
The Rolling Stones and
Lou Reed. I was so young that I used to listen to the Lou Reed albums just for
the swear words!”
Is this a pivotal moment for you?
“I feel I can do whatever
I want, because I have
that kind of freedom.
I could decide to do a country album or I
could choose to do
electro-pop. I feel
I’ve got far more
longevity now.
I could do this for
the next 40 years.”
Monobasic is out November 15 via Crystal Chain/Inertia.
