He drew inspiration for “Wicked Ways” from a variety of musical eras and styles in an effort to capture a specific mood and vibe. The production and instrumentation of the track are understated. He wants the audience to have a great listening experience as a result of the vocals, the narrative, the setting, and the delivery. Lyrically, the song talks about how “this crazy little thing called love” can easily spiral out of control. He hopes everyone doing well, “Wicked Ways.” Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
MONO MARTIAN: I’m from Bergen, a city on the west coast of Norway. As the youngest in a family with 6 kids I was introduced to music really early. I loved playing music on the family’s tape deck. Soon picked up one string guitar licks on a half broken guitar we had laying around in the house and played on pots and pans until I got a drum kit. Music became a lifelong passion from the start really.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
MONO MARTIAN:I had this really cool snare drum teacher when I was about 9 or 10. He was in his sixties and really passionate about music, drumming and life. I got lessons from him for about two years. That is all the formal training I’ve had. I always had a strong belief that I would learn the most from being in bands and exploring that route. I’ve later realized I could have benefitted from knowing more theory and formal training as such, but there’s pros and cons in everything.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘MONO MARTIAN’?
MONO MARTIAN: As a child I remember T-Rex fronted by Marc Bolan being the band that had the biggest impact on me. In our family home we listened to a lot of different music. Everything from Jim Reeves to heavy metal. Since there were many of us, the tastes in music were diverse. Later when I started Mono Martian the stuff I listened to was Vampire Weekend, The Shins, The Postal Service and many more. Mono Martian sounds like a timeless name to me. It sounds interesting. Us humans interpret things very differently. For me Mono Martian means something that is in change and can keep changing. Just like how I feel about myself. Nothing is set in stone. The future is open.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
MONO MARTIAN: The key elements in my music that I believe resonate with the listener are the melodies, the atmosphere, the lyrics and the variation in the songs. I try to capture a certain vibe and mood with my songs to create a great listening experience for the audience. I’m Inspired by music from the last 80 years and a rebellious attitude towards having too many rules. I wanna create memorable music that people can sing along to. Something interesting with a twist. I describe my music as alternative melody focussed pop.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as alternative pop?
MONO MARTIAN:
When you are starting out learning an instrument or writing your first songs I guess you will always try to copy your heroes. Natural progress especially as a youngster. If I press forward to today I would say I’m always learning. I listen to a lot of music everyday. I get inspired by other musicians and artists in a constant flow. It’s not like I try to emulate them, but for sure feel inspired when I listen to great work. In 2023 It is hard to be ground-breaking and innovative, but as a songwriter my goal is to create something that has its own identity and sound.
6. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
MONO MARTIAN: Everybody has their opinions on most subjects really. Also on music. I’m no different I guess. I don’t pay too much attention to what people think or say. I mean, it’s great to get good feedback, constructive criticism is valuable too. It’s all a balance. You gotta have some faith in yourself to keep at it.
7. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
MONO MARTIAN:
I use my music as a way to naturally express how I feel about things. Sometimes it is a lot easier to sing or use an instrument to express how you feel. I believe music is all of the above, political, cultural, spiritual, a social vehicle and also entertainment. We have a wide variety of bands and artists who are super valuable because they use their music and art to share important messages. Their music is what created that platform for them.
8. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
MONO MARTIAN:
Yeah for sure. It is super rewarding to have a strong passion for music. I mean I have bad days when I hardly get anything done. Next chance I get I’m on it again so there’s nothing stopping me or making me wanna quit. I wanna reach more people with my music but happy creating and seeing where “I” go from here.
9. Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
MONO MARTIAN:
I usually start with a song idea and a melody. Sometimes I have words written. Other times I’m singing things that don’t make any sense. I start layering things. At this stage I’m already producing the song. I get a strong idea for how I want it to sound. Sometimes happy accidents change the direction which is cool and exciting. Super fun process. At some point I get bored of myself and my ideas. Then I will contact a handful of great people whom I ask to contribute. That really helps the song, the vibe and getting the song over the finish line.
10. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
MONO MARTIAN: I think the industry around music has changed so much. It is so different from when I started out. First you make and record the music. Then you gotta put a different hat on and follow up press and get your music out there. This can be challenging for sure. I would have happily just done the music part like I was used to in the older business model, but things gotta get done. In terms of my personal life I guess I would have to say having my daughter living on the other side of the world from me. Also here there’s been amazing things coming from that. Travel, friendships and the bond I have with my daughter, but if I could choose I would have had my sidekick right here beside me.
11. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
MONO MARTIAN: There are so many moments that I cherish in my time doing music. Being in a band experiencing small and big steps in terms of success is amazing. The fact that you get to experience it with your best friends is so fulfilling. Proud moments are happening quite often. Fun to achieve what you want or exceed your own expectations in the music that is being made.
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
MONO MARTIAN: These days I spend most of my time in the studio and a lot less live. I would definitely have to say both. In the studio it’s about creating and making. You have these moments where you are blown away by the music you are making. A very strong experience. Interaction with a live audience is more of an energy boost when it goes well. It is so immediate. It is something you get to share with a larger group of people. Makes you feel alive there and then. Love both experiences.
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
MONO MARTIAN: I believe the listener or the audience should feel completely free to interpret my songs in their own personal way. That’s the beauty of art and music. If someone feels the urge to know the real story and message that’s great too. It is their way of connecting to the music.
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