Interview: MOONSHIFT Chat About Their Upcoming Album Coping Skills-EP Out 9/18
Interview with Austin Moon of MOONSHIFT
What inspired the theme or concept behind this album?
I spent some time in a mental health facility, and coming out of that I really wanted to tap into my more metal-focused side artistically, especially after my last two EP’s being very pop, so I went through some old demos and kind of just picked these out, did some work and gradually found the orchestral metalcore style as I went on.
Were there any particular events or emotions that shaped the songwriting?
I mean, everything I write is pretty sad. So, the first song is about my experience in inpatient with depression and the long healing process I’ve been going through since then, same for the second song Angel as well. The last two are about other stuff, More Than What I Need is about depression and anxiety getting in the way, while Numb Me First is more about dealing with a breakup while also going through a very hard mental health period at the same time. The whole EP kind of is about healing and coping, so hopefully the songs all tie together for the listener as well.
Were there any challenges you faced during the recording process?
I mean, just going through and writing all the guitar parts as a non-guitarist was pretty tough. I’ve done that before, but combining those heavier elements with some of the more cinematic strings was harder than expected at some points. Also, I have a tendency to get a cold about halfway through the recording process, so trying to record vocals on the back end of that has been tough
Which track was the most fun to create, and why?
More Than What I Need. I got to do so much new stuff in this, it’s almost all screams and breakdowns. I also got a friend of mine to help me write a guitar solo for it which was pretty cool. And the breakdown has some random samples in it that were having me just laughing in the studio listening to it, it’s a fun song.
Did any collaborations influence the sound or direction of this project?
I write, record and produce everything myself, but this time I brought in my friend Mike to help me go over the guitar MIDI, just figuring out how to play it all and adding in different articulations to make it more interesting.
Did you experiment with any new techniques, instruments, or styles on this record?
This is the first metal focused project I’ve released, but that’s also how I started out making music was hardcore metal and thrash stuff. So, it was kind of a new style to learn how to blend that with my more pop/orchestral cinematic stuff I like doing.
How do you feel this album represents your evolution as a band?
If anybody thought I was a one-genre artist before this, they sure won’t think that afterwards.
What do you hope your fans take away from this album?
I hope this EP really finds other people going through a hard time and helps them, gives them some catharsis. It certainly did that for me.
Have fans influenced the direction of your music or this album in any way?
Not particularly. Still a very new artist, so my fans are few and far between. Hopefully this grows my fan base and shows folks who might’ve heard me before and passed a different side of my music they might enjoy.
What can fans expect from your upcoming tour or album release events?
Oh, I got a band now, and we’ll be playing some shows soon. The Setlist is pretty eclectic, especially with some of my cover choices I think might surprise people some. But you better be damn sure that if we’re coming on stage, we will put on a good fucking show.
Do you have any music videos planned for the album? What can you share about them?
Not really, unfortunately. Maybe some live acoustic videos, but we’ll see what pans out.
If you could describe this album in three words, what would they be?
Heavy, emotional, hopeful.
Is there a specific moment during the album’s creation that you’ll always remember?
Mike playing guitar in the background while I was working on More Than What I Need, and me just being like oh hell yeah, we gotta add a solo now!
Do you have a tour booked or is one being booked to promote the album?
We’ll see. Probably just some local shows here and there, but if we could go on tour I’d love to. It’s definitely hard to navigate that and school and sports, but if other folks can do it I’m sure we can too.
Anything Else That You'd Like the Fans to Know.
I am so thankful for anyone and everyone who takes the time to listen to my music, and if you love it, I’m so glad, and if you hate it, wait and see I’m sure something will come out and change your mind. Like I said, I make music in a lot of styles, so there’s kind’ve a little something for everyone, even on this EP.
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