We caught up with Engimatic London-based Electronic collective “Mullaha”.
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
We are great, been coming together over the last few months to work on future releases. Today involved a session with a very talented singer (more will be revealed) whilst at the same time, our Director had a meeting with an industry contact for a future release involving a flashmob..
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
Electronic, Groovy and Unique.
What are the 5 most influential albums that have influenced you the most?
It differs from member to member but that is the beauty of the collective that is Mullaha. From our Associate Producer: “I’d have to say Justice – Cross, Arctic Monkey – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex and Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack to Inception.”
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
There’s an artist called Pomrad who is doing something incredibly innovative in the electronic genre, also the composition is creatively rich. We are also listening to the likes of Tennyson, Mura Masa and Lido.
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?
Our ideas, experiences and our process as a collective.
What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?
Finding the balance between making material that is “commercially viable” and complete artistic freedom.
From what we have observed, in most cases, management teams, labels and representation will almost ‘mould’ the artist to keep the sound that made them known in the first place, stifling creative freedom, innovation and growth of the artists.
Which is why we have chosen the route of managing ourselves and releasing through our own label (Mullaha Records).
Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?
Everywhere. We listen to everyday sounds to find gems to sample. Inspiration for a full track/ concept can strike from a single sample lasting less than half a second, a melodic interval or idiosyncrasy sung by mistake from a singer or even a chord played wrong during tracking. Anything can be an inspiration if you listen with a curious ear.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when put music together?
Each process is different from each song & and each concept. We do not follow rules, templates or stick to what we know. Always try the new and immerse into the unknown.
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
Premiering Mullaha Live with Oliver Nelson, Tobtok, Televisor, Skogsrå. It was the first time we did anything like this with each track having it’s own story within the set. Parts were played live, including a drummer, singer and even a dancer to interpret our song ideas.
And the worst?
Too many to remember.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
Unfathomable.
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
Coachella / Lovebox.
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?
Lemâitre, Flume.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Lots and lots in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Listen to Lemaitre – Fiction (Mullaha Remix) here
www.mullaha.com
