Flaunt Premiere | Moonchild
by Jessica Romoff
Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk are the multi-instrumentalists behind Moonchild. Their latest music video for “What You’re Doing” somehow makes a sudden home invasion by aqua aliens… Serene? Sexy? Dazzling? Directed by Shawheen Keyani, these electric blue extraterrestrial beings, decked in red wigs and nude leotards, examine and investigate the empty home of a couple who left for vacation. The two hypnotically mimic the TV screen, play dress-up in the 70s closet wardrobe, concoct an egg yolk smoothie, and slow dance in the living room. Their curiosity is as contagious and captivating as the song as is, with Amber Navran’s soothing voice crooning What you’re doing to me. A lullaby of velvet jazz and chamomile ease, Moonchild offers us yet another mesmerizing track that makes time cease to exist.
“What You’re Doing” follows the Los Angeles based group’s latest album release Little Ghost. A bewitching force within the alt-R&B scene, Moonchild has toured with Kamasi Washington and The Internet. The trio has launched into a 30+ US headlining tour in support of Little Ghost.
Check out the Q&A bellow with Moonchild, and find tickets for their tour in your city here!
The "What You're Doing" music video is absolutely hilarious. What was it like working with Shawheen Keyani? Where did the conception of the alien idea come from?
Amber Navran: Shawheen actually came to us with the alien idea, and we thought it was a really fun take on the lyrics. We had a blast working with Shawheen-- he is an excellent director and an amazing guy. The cats in that video were just to die for, and they were so sweet. Also, the girls were dancing along with us within one minute of the music playing. It was such a positive environment that he built. He and his team did a great job of turning the vision into a reality.
What are some of your favorite blues and soul artist who have perhaps inspired your sound?
Max Bryk: One of our favorite artists and a huge influence on our sounds is D'Angelo. We bonded over his music before we formed the band, he's the artist that really brought us together and inspired us to create the music we make. We also love the music of Dilla, Badu, Bon Iver, Stevie, and Roy Hargrove, just to name a few.
How has your sound evolved or been altered since your last album Voyager?
Andris Mattson: Since Voyager, we've grown a lot as musicians and producers. During a post-tour camping trip, I ended up teaching myself guitar. I was always drawn to the sound of acoustic guitar, especially on this Bon Iver album "22 A Million". The album's production featured a lot of acoustic instruments (like guitars and banjos) playing alongside electronic synths and drums. It definitely felt like goal of mine to add some of those elements into a Moonchild song.
AN: other than the new guitar and uke sounds on the album, Little Ghost just represents a continuation of our sound with new influences from the music we've had on repeat the last year and new plugins or programs we've spent time getting to know.
Does Little Ghost have an underlying philosophy or theme you aimed to touch on?
AN: Lyrically, it's a mix of songs about love and songs about finding your strength, overcoming obstacles, reaching for your dreams even when you feel uncomfortable or unable. The lyrics come from the heart. Though there isn't one underlying theme, we put a lot of time into the flow of the album and making sure the songs were connected with transitions, so it felt like one whole project instead of 14 songs.
What was the most memorable part of opening up for The Internet?
MB: It was really amazing just getting to hear their set every night. We've been big fans since the Ego-Death album, and we were super excited when they asked us to play horns on Hive Mind. Every element of their show was amazing - the stage design, light show, performance, and audience interaction; it was so inspiring to watch.
Is there a song on the new album that was the most difficult for you to complete?
AN: The last thing we wrote for the album was the bridge to What You're Doing. We often write the bridges last; it can be hard to hear a new direction for a song you've worked on/listened to so much. But when Max sat down at the piano during our final recording retreat, it came together quickly. What's great about working in a trio is whenever you get writer's block, you can pass the track along to the next person. So, for the most part, the writing comes together pretty seamlessly. We often sit with ideas for a while before we fully commit, but overall having three minds on it is a huge advantage and makes the writing process more fluid.
How do you know when a song is finished?
AN: It's an earthing. Every song is different, and sometimes we chose an unconventional form, sometimes we add horns after the song is fully written, sometimes the horns come first. Sometimes we add things and then take them out because it's too busy. But overall, it's done by feel.
MB: Yeah, it's funny... so often I try to redo takes, but the original just has the right vibe, and it doesn't sound right when replaced.
What upcoming projects or shows can we look forward to from you?
MB: Right now, we're in the middle of a USA tour, coming up on a bunch of shows in the south and west coast, and then early next year we are heading to Europe for another string of shows there. Asia after that. But usually, as soon as we have some time off at home, we'll be right back at writing and recording for future projects.