ENOLA // METAL BODY
You began this project after making more electronica-infused music, but it retains a sparseness that also allows this physicality to really bloom. Feels very grounded in the present/”in the thick of it” as you’ve previously described. How do you approach the live show given all of this?
I feel like there’s many textures in the recordings, particularly with the guitar tones. Josh (my bandmate) and I are very into our pedals. There’s quite a few layers and dynamics to the music but as you mentioned there’s definitely a sparseness that remains. I like to keep things simple, though that simplicity is undoubtedly an intentional and thought out decision, and allows me to really cut through with what i’m saying.
I don’t know what the experience is like for the audience per say, but for me, there’s definitely a level of urgency and intensity with how I perform and what I am singing/saying. I think there’s definitely a bit of a dichotomy between the sparseness that you hear in the recordings to the energy that is witnessed live, and I think that the sparseness in the recordings really allows for that, as in a live setting it can be maneuvered into quite an intense and chaotic live show.
There’s almost a mythology you build from within each song. Is there a specific universe (real or imaginary) you draw from when contextualizing your work?
The “Universe” is definitely my own. I have drawn on occasion from imagery through from Greek mythology, as well as a lot of religious undertones as well.
Some of the imagery though comes from my own dreams and I also look to surrealism and other art movements quite a bit, and all of this combined really shapes the universe of mine that was aforementioned.
ENOLA
MIX
The vocals front and center really lend themselves to the vulnerability and strength of the project. How important is your voice as a primary instrument?
I think there is a lot of irony in now recognising my vocals as a distinct quality of ENOLA. Up until this point I would have never considered myself a vocalist and would have shied away from that role. Now I am creating music where my voice is so front and centre, and that experience has been really liberating for me. I’ve never really been outspoken, even in my general life, but learning to grasp and utilise my own voice this medium and project has been incredibly strange but also incredibly liberating.
There’s a sense of both desolation and hope that runs counterpoint through your music, like shouting into the void only to see yourself. Do you feel like as you continue to create within this new project there’s an ongoing sense of self-discovery that comes from starting with a blank slate?
The music i’ve made so far, felt quite reflective to me, and was more a sense of looking back and gaining an understanding of periods in my life through music as a medium. I find myself currently writing more in the context of the present moment, and the people and experiences i’m having now rather than looking back on past experience. So I guess in the sense of “Self-discovery” It is a gradual process, that requires forward thinking.
Tell us more about the recording process/inspiration behind this new track!
We recorded the song as part of 10 tracks that we recorded over a 10 day period, in a momentary lapse of freedom during COVID lockdowns. It was engineered by Daniel Caswell and initially was not one of my favourites really. Though once we came out of the recording process I had a bit of a new perspective and it turned out to be one of my favourite tracks that we did, so I’m glad I was convinced to not scrap it lol.
Sonically, I really wanted to lean into my shoegaze and grunge influences on the track.
Metal Body really explores the subject of failing healthcare systems and entities, and my own experiences in witnessing loved ones fall victim to their failures and in turn feeling my own frustration of bearing witness to such.
Any under the radar musical peers we need to know?
Definitely. Body Maintenance, Dexy Oscillator, Dark Water, Enclave, V & Bitumen are all some fantastic acts from over here.
What’s special about the mix you’ve made?
I think i’ve curated it in a way where the selection of tracks and the succession of such creates a story which has very definite arcs and moments. Starting quite sullen and then moving into what would be considered more demanding, ending with a sense of breaking through the other side to something that is more tranquil.
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