August 12, 2022 |
An otherworldly, pop-punk, cathartic soundscape and sonic universe: this is how one might describe the acoustics that Danish superstar Mø creates. With the lyrical prowess of an 18th century poet and an extensive canon rife with supernatural sounds, the 33-year-old is a fantastical force to be reckoned with. Best known for her previous link-ups with Diplo, Snakehips and Major Lazer the melody maker burst into the mainstream with a series of chart-topping tracks at the helm of a burgeoning new genre-blending format for pop music: high-altitude EDM-inspired tracks, fronted by a DJ and a peerless female vocalist. Now, Mø has released an extended edition of her latest album, Motordrome – the title has just grown a leg too under the sweeping denomination: Motordrome: The Dødsdrom Edition.
While Motordrome first made waves back in January, The Dødsdrom Edition adds four freshly composed dreamlike tunes to the already intoxicating alternative-pop album. Now a 14-track-strong record, Motordrome: The Dødsdrom Edition is a sublime body of work that leans into a darker tenor than ever before, transcending any notion of simplicity and inciting a sense of rapture. In many ways, it feels like an indie coming-of-age soundtrack, predominantly in the overarching ambiance and the echoes of Mø’s grunge and punk roots that prevail. Simply put, to listen to Mø’s music is to immerse yourself in her psyche and visceral intelect.
Her most vulnerable album to date, the raw, ethereal soundscape of Motordrome: The Dødsdrom Edition blends seamlessly into the singer’s alien aesthetics and carefree disposition that she embodies so well.
Coming out of Copenhagen’s pristine streets, with the assistance of long-time collaborators Caroline Ailin and Noonie Bao – both of which are good friends of the musician – Mø’s dynamic vocal capabilities and poignant lyrics are not to be missed.
Here, we get to know the girl behind the galactic sounds.
- Who is MØ?
“A sweet, scared, funny, dumb, dreamer, weirdo.”
- If you could describe your sound in three words, what would it be?
“Alternative pop with (hints of) raw, punk energy.”
- If you weren’t making music, what else would you be doing?
“I have a fine arts degree, so maybe art, but realistically, I’d probably be a ranger or professional hiker in a national park in Norway.”
- What single on Motordrome was the funnest to make and why?
“”Live To Survive” was really fun to make. I made it in the summer with two of my friends – Caroline Ailin and Sly – and it was just one of those songs that came easily, once the foundation stones were set. I was so passionate about the title, which was originally “Live to Survive Another Heartache” – it was just exactly the title that I needed in my life at that time, like: “Hey girl, you will get through this shit, it’s not the end of the world”. So writing it felt like a release of energy.”
- You mentioned that ‘True Romance’ took some years to write, why is this?
“Yes! Well, I started writing it in 2015, but that was a crazy busy and just life changing year for me, due to the success of Lean On, so I kinda left it, but started touring live with the draft I had. Then in 2017 (I think) I started working on it again, but still we couldn’t quite finish it. But then earlier this year, my drummer and artist friend School of X, decided to give it a go, and out of the blue we arrived at a finished version (!!!) which I was so happy about!
“I love it when songs come easily, because that’s usually a sign of passion and creativity. But some songs are just interrupted for some reason, but can absolutely still be worth fighting for.”
- What lyric from the album means the most to you?
“The “Goosebumps” lyrics mean a great deal to me. It was one of the first songs I wrote for this album, and the song really sums up what was going on in my mind at the time, in this mystical lyrical language, which I really love. One of the lines I really like: “Beautiful dreams / when we were teens / all of them swim in the river | Go make a splash / wash out the past / tell the misses you forgive her.””
- Who’s one artist you’d love to work with and why?
“Ashnikko. Cause’ I’m obsessed.”
- What’s your go-to karaoke song?
““Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.”
- What does your post-performance wind-down routine look like?
“Take a shower. Say low “mmmmmm” sounds with my tongue out. Maybe – if I’m good and I remember – stretching my body.”
- What can we expect from MØ for the rest of 2022?
“More music. More shows, but not a ton. I’ll be winding down after releasing and touring Motordrome, and then writing new music which I’m super hyped about!”
Photography courtesy of RCA Label Group UK and Sony Music. Mø’s ‘Motordrome: The Dødsdrom Edition’ is available on all major streaming platforms now. Listen here.
