Creating music with authenticity: An interview with MOLØ on her debut album ‘Aqua Lull’

MOLØ quickly gained recognition when melodic house artist Jeremy Olander invited her to open his sold-out Vivrant label showcase, leading to a residency at his hometown shows. Their collaboration resulted in the single ‘Vanadis,’ with over one million Spotify streams. MOLØ’s solo debut EP ‘Luma’ reached #3 on Beatport and received media coverage and DJ support from prominent artists. Her remix of Duccio’s ‘What If?’ on Disco Halal and of Eli & Fur’s ‘Wild Skies’ on Anjunadeep, which premiered on BBC Radio 1’s ‘Chillest Show,’ further elevated her status.

MOLØ released music on Marc Romboy’s Systematic Recordings as part of the Music From Space project, and her single ‘Vemode’ on Vivrant was featured on BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix by WhoMadeWho. Her original EP on Anjunadeep, Vivrant India tour with Jeremy Olander, and EU tour supporting Finnish star Yotto have established MOLØ as a sought-after artist, performing at renowned venues like Printworks and Fabric.

Here’s our latest chat with MOLØ ahead of the release of her debut album, ‘Aqua Lull’ via  Vivrant. You can download and stream it here.

Photo by Hedvig Moberg

EG: Hi, MOLØ, and welcome to EG! Where are you right now?

MOLØ: Thanks for having me! Right now I’m in my flat in Berlin.

EG: We’re excited to chat about your debut album, ‘Aqua Lull’. What can you tell us about it?

MOLØ: So this album is a collection of songs I’ve made over the past year. I initially started making club music when I first started producing, but lately, I’ve found myself creating something entirely different in the studio. And rather than feeling tied to a specific genre, I embraced the freedom that drew me to electronic music in the first place. This album is a reminder to simply create whatever resonates with you.

EG: Could you describe your creative process for the making of ‘Aqua Lull’? How did you approach each track and collaboration?

MOLØ: It’s difficult to answer. I think I felt a strong urge to explore new creative territories and experiment with different sounds when I started. Once I let go of any pressure and trusted my instincts, the songs came quite naturally.

During the process, I felt two of the tracks were missing something, so I reached out to Running Pine and boerd. Two talents I admire very much. The versions they came back with were beyond my expectations, and I felt like the songs had finally hit the spot.

As for ‘Idyll’, atish actually sent me the foundation. I immediately felt a connection to it, but I also knew it would be challenging to work on because his production sounded different from anything I had done before. I was fascinated by his playfulness and felt that my atmospheric side could complement it. I’m so glad I finally found a place for that song on this album. It feels like a perfect fit.

EG: How did your experiences with smaller clubs closing down and changing the music scene influence your approach to your debut album?

MOLØ: It might not be the best moment to start creating music for any setting beyond the dance floor right now, and I’m not really sure how or where it should be presented. But I tried not to worry about that, I chose to trust my instincts and create music that aligns with my own artistic vision rather than for the sake of others. Regardless of how trends may evolve within the scene, staying true to my artistic integrity will remain my top priority. I also think this makes me more passionate about creating more spaces, broadening perspectives, and showcasing the endless possibilities within electronic music.

EG: Collaborations feature prominently on ‘Aqua Lull,’ such as with atish, Running Pine, and boerd. What was it like working with these artists, and how did their styles contribute to the album?

MOLØ: Overall, these collaborations not only enriched the album but also pushed me creatively, challenging me to explore new sonic territories and approaches to music-making.

EG: What role has Vivrant played in your artistic journey, and how does it feel to return to the label for your debut album?

MOLØ: It feels truly amazing. Vivrant has been super important to me during my career. From the moment they took me under their wings and now give me the space to release this album, it says a lot about what they mean to me. Having a label behind me that values my voice and believes in me really builds a sense of peace and confidence as I create music. It gave me the courage to share whatever I came up with in the studio.

“If I were to create music for others, I would rely on guessing what they might enjoy. However, when I create music for myself, I trust my own judgment because I know what resonates with me”

EG: How do you envision the listener’s experience with ‘Aqua Lull’? What do you hope they take away from the album?

MOLØ: I hope it will leave a lasting impression of tranquility and maybe a bit of hope.

EG: You mention that creating art to please anyone but yourself doesn’t feel authentic. How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision with considerations for audience expectations?

MOLØ: If I were to create music for others, I would rely on guessing what they might enjoy. However, when I create music for myself, I trust my own judgment because I know what resonates with me. Hopefully, others will feel the same.

EG: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the production of ‘Aqua Lull,’ and how did you overcome it?

MOLØ: As my sound has evolved in a different direction, I sometimes feel fear of potentially disappointing people. I understand that not everyone will agree with my choices, and that’s just part of the journey. I think accepting that has helped me move past it.

EG: What lessons have you learned from your previous releases and collaborations that you applied to the creation of your debut album?

MOLØ: I’ve come to understand the value of patience and allowing situations and music to unfold naturally. Trusting the process is my plan from here on out.

EG: Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about, either with Vivrant or other artists, now that ‘Aqua Lull’ has been released?

MOLØ: I’m currently collaborating with Slacking Beats on an exciting project. I’m also looking forward to an upcoming solo EP release.

EG: As a female artist in the electronic music scene, what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them to achieve your success?

MOLØ: I prefer not to answer any gender-related questions. I don’t see myself as a “female” artist, just an artist.

EG: Representation and inclusivity are important topics in today’s world. How do you think the industry can better support and empower female artists and other underrepresented groups?

MOLØ: Do you ask male DJs that question as well?

EG: Thanks for your time, and all the best.

MOLØ: Thank you for having me!

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