Artist Interview: Moonrust
Meet Moonrust, the up and coming Welsh musician making an impact. In this interview Moonrust delves into the creative process behind their latest EP, "four dreams, one day." From the inspirations behind the title to the unique blend of sounds and the deeply personal nature of their songwriting, Moonrust shares insights on their musical journey and what's next.
Tori: Congratulations on the release of "four dreams, one day." What's the story behind the EP's title? Does each song represent a different "dream"?
Moonrust: Thank you! I actually got really inspired by hearing the Japanese idiom, '日三秋,' which means that even one day can feel like many seasons. That really stuck with me, and it planted the seed for my EP title. The title four dreams, one day came from this idea of how much we experience in a short amount of time—even just one day. Each song does kind of act like its own little dream, a different mood, memory, or version of someone. They weren't written to be part of one story, but when I looked at them together, they felt like they could belong to the same quiet "day." Each song carries its own headspace, almost like different kinds of dreams you'd wake up trying to remember, reflecting the name choice!
Tori: You've said that songwriting is a vital form of expression for you. Could you walk us through the journey of creating this EP? Were there specific experiences or feelings that you wanted to capture?
Moonrust: Pieces of music were born in the middle of friends' company, sharing ideas, experimenting, and letting the music grow organically, which brought a unique energy to the music. Everything felt so spontaneous, and it was kind of just like me journaling. There were also a lot more moments when I retreated to my own space, just me, to explore thoughts that felt too personal to share right away. I think that balance is what makes the EP feel nice to me. It's both lively and reflective. I really love how those two extremes coexist on the EP.
Tori: The EP has been described as a mix of pop, folk, and alternative influences. Can you tell us about the sonic landscape of the new EP and how you approached the production to achieve that sound?
Moonrust: Production is my favorite part of the process; it's where I feel most at home when making tunes. I've noticed it's also where I feel most consistent. I was really quite intentional about balance with my production ideas, so two songs on the EP use acoustic guitars to feel more intimate, and two songs use electric guitars for a more edgy/atmospheric feel. Once again, it's different moods coexisting in one project!
Tori: How does it feel to put such intimate parts of yourself out into the world for people to hear?
Moonrust: It is quite freeing. I felt this weird sense of relief, like I'm not carrying it anymore, and I can make space for whatever comes next. It's scary, but it's also healing. Once they were out there, I felt lighter. I try not to overthink it once the music is out. When I'm writing, it's deeply personal, but once it's released, it becomes something else. I'm more interested in how other people hear it than staying attached to my own meaning. That helps me keep creating without getting stuck in self-consciousness.
Tori: You're based between Swansea and Bristol. How do these two distinct locations influence your music and your creative process?
Moonrust: Well, on the second track, "Jive," I try to reflect that feeling of living between two places like Swansea and Bristol a little bit on the first verse. The first verse lyrics have these contrasting images of nature on one side and the rush of the city on the other. In Swansea, particularly where I live, I'm surrounded by nature, trees, and stillness. Then in Bristol, I feel it's quite the opposite, in a good way. That constant shift between the two definitely shaped those lyrics, and I think that contrast runs through the whole song and, honestly, through a lot of the EP.
Tori: People have compared your sound to Clairo and Mac DeMarco. How do you feel about these comparisons, and who are some other artists—or even filmmakers and writers—that you consider major influences on your work?
Moonrust: I love their music, honestly. I've listened to both Clairo and Mac DeMarco for years, and I still do. Outside of music, I watch a lot of films, especially David Lynch films during the making of the EP. I love how he builds these strange, dreamy feels into his films. That kind of surreal atmosphere really inspires me when I'm thinking about tone or production nowadays. His films don't rely on clear answers, but they have this emotion you can't quite explain. I really respond to that. Nowadays, when I approach a song, I'm less interested in everything being "worked out," and I want to create a world that you can feel!
Tori: You mentioned that making music brings you joy and happiness, and that's what you hope it does for others. How do you maintain that feeling when facing the pressures and business side of the music industry?
Moonrust: It's definitely something I think about a lot—how to protect the joy in what I'm doing, especially when there are so many outside pressures in music. The numbers side of music can definitely be discouraging—streams, followers—and it's easy to get caught up in that. For me, the key is staying connected to why I started in the first place. I'm just a big fan of music, all of it. Video game soundtracks, film scores... there's an overwhelming amount of talent everywhere. Humans can be so creative. I also try not to let everything be about music. Having my space away from it all is just as important too. It keeps me more grounded and reminds me that my creativity isn't everything I am. Having a life outside of music really helps!
Tori: Can you talk about your approach to vocal arrangements and why that's such an important element in your music?
Moonrust: I used to "belt out" a lot more with my vocals, but lately, I've been drawn to a softer, whispery falsetto style. I think I just like it more at the moment, especially listening to more music in that vein. I record a couple of takes of these whispery lines and layer them up together. It's a style that feels really personal and immersive to me right now.
Tori: Tell us a bit more about the films you love. Are there any particular genres or directors that have inspired your music?
Moonrust: Since I've already mentioned my passion for David Lynch, I'll mention another one of my recent fascinations. I've been getting into Powell and Pressburger films from the 40s, specifically The Red Shoes from 1948. It's absolutely breathtaking to watch, and the way it blends music, dance, and visuals is incredible. Every scene feels alive. In terms of the story, it's tragic and beautiful. The ballerina is caught between her love for dance and her personal life. I relate to that idea of balancing "creating" with other parts of life.
Tori: What does a typical creative session look like for you? Is it a solitary process, or do you find yourself collaborating with others?
Moonrust: It can go a few different ways. I like working alone; it gives me a proper space to explore ideas without distractions. But I also really value collaborating with others. I love learning from the people I work with—their approach or even just how they think about a melody can open up directions I wouldn't have found on my own. Everyone's different, and it keeps me on my toes!
Tori: What's one of the most memorable or surprising moments you've had in your journey as a musician so far, whether it was in the studio, at a gig, or through a fan's reaction?
Moonrust: There hasn't really been one big moment; it's more like a bunch of little ones that have added up. It's been so pleasantly overwhelming, honestly. Just seeing people connect with these silly little tunes I put out—that's what sticks with me. Whether it be a message from someone or a friend sharing a song without me asking, it all means more than I can really explain.
Tori: What's the story behind the name Moonrust?
Moonrust: Well, we came up with the name back in college when Moonrust was originally a duo. We were just playing around with words that felt kind of worn-in and nostalgic. We liked the way it sounded. Honestly, I think we just wanted something that sounded mysterious and cool... even though it's just me now, the name has stuck!
Tori: For someone who is just discovering Moonrust with "four dreams, one day," what's the one thing you'd want them to take away from listening to your music?
Moonrust: I think if someone's just discovering me through this EP, I'd love for it to simply feel like a nice, warm place to stay—come in for a tea and a chat. Whether they're on a bus with their headphones in, walking home, or just trying to take their mind off something, it's there for that. I don't need it to be life-changing, but if it can keep someone company or give them a little escape, that means a lot to me!
Tori: What's next for Moonrust? Any plans for a tour, or other projects you're excited to share?
Moonrust: I'm always writing, always recording little things here and there, so I imagine something new will creep out before too long. I'll be heading back to uni soon. It's nice to be in a space where I can keep learning while still exploring what I want to make as an artist. Music doesn't really pause. As for live stuff, I'd love to do more shows if people will have me!
Comments
Post a Comment