In this interview, we dive into the mystical, heartfelt, and introspective world of “Wicca,” exploring its themes of resilience, symbolism, and the powerful influence of mysticism on the artist’s journey.
1.
“Wicca” is a deeply atmospheric track that weaves together heartbreak,
resilience, and mysticism. What inspired you to explore these themes through
this song?
The themes explored in this single, especially mysticism, have strongly influenced my life over the past few months. I've found myself increasingly captivated by mystical ideas, drawn into the symbolism and transformative power they represent. Mysticism, in particular, has become a lens through which I interpret many aspects of my life, lending a sense of mystery and depth to everyday experiences. This fascination has naturally woven itself into my creative process and serves as a key inspiration for the single.
2. The lyrics of “Wicca” are rich with symbolism, such as “smoke-filled
lungs” and “crystal souls.” Can you share the story or imagery behind these
powerful phrases?
The lyrics are intentionally symbolic, drawing inspiration from the modern concept of a witch. I wanted to depict a character embodying typical Wiccan traits, not as clichés or stereotypes, but as a mirror through which listeners might envision themselves as part of this mystical world. It’s a character that serves more as an invitation for introspection, allowing listeners to explore the mystery, resilience, and magic associated with the Wiccan path, without rigid definitions.
3. How did your personal experiences or background in alternative rock
influence the darker, magical vibe of this track?
For this
single, as with my last release Midnight Hour, I experimented with a 2000s
alt-punk style. I find that this genre resonates well with the emotions and
message I aim to communicate— raw, intense, and unapologetically direct.
Alt-rock has always been a comfort genre for me; it's a place I return to for
inspiration and solace. Many alt-rock bands are part of my regular listening,
and tapping into this sound feels like a natural expression of my creative
energy.
4. You mention a tension between vulnerability and rejection in “Wicca.” How did you approach expressing these intense emotions through music?
I focused on capturing the tension between intense emotions through shifts in rhythm and mood, which I believe adds to the song’s impact. This is especially evident in the transition from the prechorus to the chorus, where rapid changes in tempo mirror the emotional swings the character might feel. These shifts give the listener a visceral sense of the highs and lows, creating a dynamic experience that mirrors real emotional conflict.
5. There’s a mystical and almost cinematic quality to the sound. What
production choices helped you achieve this otherworldly atmosphere?
I work with very minimal equipment in my home studio, but I enjoy the challenge of experimenting with different instruments and plugins to build the specific vibe I envision. There’s a certain rawness and authenticity in crafting a sound from scratch with limited tools; it forces creativity and innovation. I enjoy blending various elements to construct an immersive atmosphere, despite the constraints.
6. Your sound blends alternative rock with experimental dynamics. What are
some musical influences or artists who have shaped your approach to creating
songs like “Wicca”?
Some of my
musical influences for this track include Cigarettes After Sex, London After
Midnight, lovelytheband, and Our Last Night. Each of these artists brings a
unique style and emotion that resonates with me, whether it’s the haunting
quality of London After Midnight or the raw, introspective edge of
lovelytheband. Their sounds inspired me to explore my own emotional depths and
channel that energy into this single.
7. In “Wicca,” you delve into themes of spiritual protection and resilience. How do you connect these ideas to the practice or allure of Wiccan magic?
The themes of spiritual protection and resilience are deeply interlinked in this song. In Wiccan teachings, particularly those rooted in Gardnerian tradition, the concept of magic often revolves around harnessing personal energy to shield oneself from negative forces. I wanted to capture this aspect of self-empowerment, drawing upon one’s inner strength and resilience as a form of spiritual armor. It’s a theme that speaks to personal growth and fortitude.
8. The song feels like a journey through heartbreak and healing. Was there a
specific emotional or spiritual journey that inspired “Wicca”?
It’s interesting that listeners have connected with the spiritual journey portrayed in the song. Personally, I haven’t experienced such a journey myself, but I imagined the character enduring a traumatic experience. I tried to immerse myself in that emotional landscape—asking myself what someone in that situation might feel and express. This approach allowed me to create a vivid narrative that, though fictional, feels authentic.
9. With Halloween and witch-themed playlists in mind, what atmosphere were
you hoping to evoke for listeners, and how did you want them to feel while
listening?
In this
song, I aimed to evoke a mystical atmosphere filled with layers of emotion.
Through the soundscape and lyrics, I hope to awaken similar feelings in
listeners—a sense of mystery, introspection, and perhaps even a touch of
otherworldliness. My goal was to immerse them in a world that feels both
familiar and magical, capturing the beauty and intensity of the mystical themes
explored.
10. As a multi-instrumentalist, how did you use different instruments to contribute to the haunting, layered quality of the track?
In the verses, I incorporated a folk-sounding acoustic guitar to evoke a campfire-like mood, grounding the song in an earthy, almost ritualistic atmosphere. The subtle synths in the background add volume and mystery, enhancing the mystical quality. To maintain this vibe, I produced the drums acoustically, emphasizing the folky tone. When the chorus arrives, there’s a deliberate shift; the electric guitar and powerful drums amplify the lyrics' energy, especially in the latter half of the chorus, where scream vocals convey the emotional crescendo.
11. You describe “Wicca” as an exploration of the thin line between love,
mysticism, and darkness. How did you balance these themes to create a cohesive
story in the song?
The themes of love, mysticism, and darkness interplay throughout the song, with each line carrying elements of all three. These themes flow together naturally for me, like ingredients in a cauldron, mixing to create a unique essence. Love softens, mysticism intrigues, and darkness adds depth—each element enhances the others, resulting in a song that feels cohesive yet multifaceted.
12. Finally, what message or feeling do you hope listeners take away after
experiencing “Wicca,” and are there any other mystical or thematic directions
you’re excited to explore in future projects?
I hope
listeners walk away with a sense of inspiration and a greater understanding of
others— principles that align with the Wiccan way of life, which values
compassion and empathy. As I look ahead to my next project, I plan to return to
my musical roots with a fresh pop track that’s catchy yet meaningful. It’s
exciting to explore new styles while staying true to the core messages I want
to share.
🖤
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