Q&A: Close To Monday Challenges Digital Conformity with Bold New Single "Different" and Announces First U.S. Tour Dates
EUROPEAN SYNTH POP DUO CLOSE TO MODNAY is making a powerful statement against digital conformity with their latest single, "Different." The track tackles the growing dominance of virtual interactions over real-life connections, urging listeners to reclaim their individuality amidst the constant pressure to fit in. Released today, "Different" encapsulates the band's unique ability to blend darkwave pop with modern techno elements, all while delivering a compelling message about authenticity in the digital age.
As the single drops, Close To Monday is also gearing up for their first-ever U.S. tour this September, with stops planned in New York City, Seattle, Minneapolis, Santa Monica, and more. This tour marks a major milestone for the duo, comprised of singer/songwriter Ann and producer Alexander, as they bring their captivating sound and dynamic live performances to American audiences for the first time. Known for their atmospheric shows, Close To Monday promises to deliver a compelling experience that stays true to their distinct musical identity, even in more intimate venues.
With "Different," Close To Monday continues to defy categorization, drawing on influences from 80s synth icons like New Order and modern acts such as CHVRCHES and Boy Harsher, while crafting a sound that is unmistakably their own. The single invites listeners to pause and reflect on their relationship with digital culture, challenging the growing trend of self-erasure in the pursuit of online validation.
As they prepare to share their music and message across the U.S., Close To Monday hopes to inspire fans to embrace their true selves and build more meaningful, offline connections.
LUNA: "Different" is a bold statement about the growing dominance of virtual interactions over real-life connections. What inspired you to tackle this theme, and how does the song reflect your views on modern digital culture?
ALEXANDER: Digital culture is something we’re all deeply immersed in, so it’s not really about how we feel about it—it’s just the reality we live in. The dehumanization that’s happening now in digital culture has occurred before in the 20th and 19th centuries as well. We’re not against digital culture itself; we’re against the loss of individuality and self-erasure, where people willingly give up their inner world just to fit in. It’s like that old saying, “Don’t put someone on a pedestal.”
LUNA: Your music often explores internal experiences like hopes, anxieties, and joys. How does "Different" fit into that narrative, and what specific emotions or experiences were you channeling when creating this track?
ANNA: There’s always a mix of emotions in our work—a bit of sadness, a bit of irony. "Different" is no exception; it’s a blend of those feelings.
LUNA: You’ve mentioned concerns about people losing their individuality by conforming to social media trends. How do you hope "Different" will inspire listeners to embrace their true selves rather than seeking digital validation?
ANNA: That’s exactly what we’re hoping for. Even if we can just plant a small seed of doubt in someone’s mind, something that later grows into a stronger sense of self and a recognition of their own unique world, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.
LUNA: Can you share a bit about your creative process and how you arrived at this unique sound for the single?
ALEXANDER: Thank you for calling our sound unique! I use a lot of analog instruments and modular synthesizers, which probably contributes to that distinct sound. I like that we have a sound that doesn’t resemble anyone else’s.
LUNA: Close to Monday has been compared to iconic 80s electronic artists and contemporary acts like CHVRCHES and Boy Harsher. How do you balance these influences while crafting your own distinctive musical identity?
ALEXANDER: I have to disagree with that comparison—we’re not like anyone else. We’re completely unique. We don’t try to create individuality; we already have it.
LUNA: This September marks your first set of U.S. tour dates. How does it feel to finally bring your music to American audiences, and what are you most looking forward to on this tour?
ANNA: We’ve been looking for the opportunity to perform in the U.S., and as soon as it came up—we jumped on it! We’re so excited to share our world, our music, our thoughts, and emotions with the American audience. It’s a thrilling experience!
LUNA: Your live performances are known for creating a captivating atmosphere. What can fans expect from your upcoming shows?
ALEXANDER: Unfortunately, our dancers won’t be with us this time, as we’re performing in smaller venues. But we’ll do our best to convey everything we want to share—our emotions, our music, and Anna’s amazing voice. It really needs to be heard! But next time, we’ll bring the choreography too, making the performance even more immersive.
LUNA: How does this track connect with your previous releases, and what can fans expect from your future music?
ANNA: We definitely have a release plan, but when we’re creating, there’s no set agenda for what to create. We just live our lives alongside you and share our music and moods as they come. That’s what brings us joy.
