Q&A: Gloom Girl MFG Navigates 'Polycrisis' Through Sonic Rebellion
GLOOM GIRL MFG EMERGES FROM THE DEPTHS OF NASHVILLE’S MUSIC SCENE with their latest EP, Polycrisis, a compelling blend of riotous energy and introspective depth. Exploring themes of self-discovery and societal turmoil, Gloom Girl MFG channels raw emotion into their music, offering listeners a cathartic journey through the highs and lows of human experience. With tracks ranging from the aggressive "Crimes" to the tender ballad "I Love You," the band crafts a diverse soundscape that reflects the complexity of modern life.
Collaborating with Brad Shultz brought a new dimension to Gloom Girl MFG's sound, infusing their music with depth and variety while maintaining their signature intensity. As the band prepares to embark on a new chapter, they reflect on their journey thus far and share their aspirations for the future, including upcoming tour dates and studio sessions.
In our exclusive interview, the band delves into the inspirations behind their music, the transformative collaboration with producer Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant, and their bold vision for the future.
LUNA: Polycrisis tackles many heavy themes. What inspired you to use music to explore these emotions?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: Everyone in the band feels most free when creating music - and the most honest. Sometimes, that results in a deeper understanding of a moment or a feeling. Music has brought us "through" the heavy themes we explore in Polycrisis - Plus, there's nothing more cathartic than smashing the hell out of these songs live. All of it's an attempt to harmonize with a world in crisis—personal or otherwise. That takes both heavy and lighthearted work.
LUNA: The EP is produced by Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant. How did this collaboration come about, and how did it impact the sound of Polycrisis?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: A mutual friend connected us with Brad. He had heard our first DIY recording of "Bougie Girl" and expressed interest in learning more about the band. We wound up re-recording "Bougie Girl" together, and it's the lead track on Polycrisis. Hanging out over tiki drinks in East Nashville, we all immediately clicked as friends first. Brad's passion and encouragement are infectious in and outside the studio; we felt like we could make something with depth while having a blast and trust to learn from Brad, who knows firsthand what it's like to develop as a band. From the onset together, our goal was to craft Polycrisis as an EP that showed our depth and variety. We build each song, whether a ballad or banger, layer by layer - either by taking a pre existing composition apart to put it back together or starting from a core idea someone was developing on their own but hadn't brought to the table just yet. That comfort and freedom allowed us to be at play with each ideat, tone, lyric, etc. Brad has an incredible ear for composition and intuitive processes to help bring out the best in each of us. It's a joy being a student of that process.
LUNA: You've gained a loyal following in Nashville, but your music feels like it could resonate anywhere. Are there specific artists outside the Nashville scene who have influenced your sound?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: Many great things are happening in Nashville, including punk and indie, of which we're lucky to be a part. We're obsessed with so many things that it's hard to do everything justice! Outside of Nashville, what's top of mind at the moment: Sleater Kinney, Courtney Barnett, The Strokes, The Stooges, IDLES, Viagra Boys, Amyl and The Sniffers, Radiohead, and Arctic Monkeys. Nirvana and The Beatles carry a lot of weight subliminally. Fontaines, D.C., is on endlessly.
LUNA: Polycrisis ranges from aggressive tracks like "Bougie Girl" to the tender ballad "I Love You." How do you approach building such a diverse soundscape within a single EP?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: Being at play and trying things, trusting each other, and allowing ourselves to feel through a song or emotion without preconception is the best way I can articulate some approach. If you can feel pissed off, romantic, nostalgic, heady, anxious, or in love all within a single day as a person, why not allow yourself to explore those experiences within a single EP?
LUNA: Your music blends punk, grunge, and indie rock with influences from icons like PJ Harvey. How do you balance staying fresh while paying homage to those who came before you?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: I think we try to be and express ourselves first and foremost as best we can, which is an endless pursuit in itself. We all consume a lot of different music and art just because we love it. Whether it's fresh or a homage to something isn't for us to decide or pursue outright. It's flattering and honorable to draw comparisons to a fantastic artist like PJ Harvey. It makes us want to grow more into ourselves as deeply and thoroughly as possible.
LUNA: With growing press attention and support from industry veterans like Mike Grimes, what are your biggest aspirations as a band?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: Our biggest aspiration is to create and perform art and music continuously and honestly. We all found each other in Nashville because of that. If we stay true to that love, we'll stay true to each other. If we can help a few people feel connected and less alone in the heavy things they hide and carry, maybe see outside themselves along the way, that would be a well-lived life. Grimey's been a blessing to our band. We're thankful for him and The Basement crew.
LUNA: "Crimes" and "Batshitlorette" both have music videos out now. Can you tell us about the creative vision behind these visuals?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: Crime's "whiplash" vision was spontaneous. We worked with a cool videographer at the time who wanted to give the footage rapid swish-pan motion as the "Crimes that You Can't Get Away From." The recording has so much energy we just wanted to play our hearts out. "Batshitlorette" is a satirical PSA about the toxic bachelorette culture in Nashville. We decided to have a few drinks, go undercover in pink Broadway cowgirl gear, "kidnap" a few visiting bachelorettes (all staged), and show what real fun looks like via rock and roll. It was a lighthearted way to get the point across. Everyone on earth is trying to have a good time and not grow up too much - heck, we play in a rock band, for god sake - but for the sake of Nashville, don't be a "Batshitlorette" about it.
LUNA: You've been described as a "riot grrrl" band with a modern edge. How does that term resonate with you and your music?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: Fuck yeah, it resonates! I don't know what a "modern edge" means, but if you're not into empowering women and challenging societal norms and expectations through music, art, and writing right now, you're not into making a difference in today's world! No apologies!
LUNA: Gloom Girl MFG has been spreading like wildfire in the underground scene. What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a band so far?
GLOOM GIRL MFG: The biggest challenges are always the ones you haven't experienced yet. We're learning to find balance in this brave new world. It's a roller coaster of emotion, passion, and new circumstances, but we believe in each other as people and friends to tackle them together.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the rest of the spring season
GLOOM GIRL MFG: We have several tour dates (and festival dates!) to announce! Our EP release show is at The Basement East on May 2nd in Nashville. It's our biggest headliner yet. We've already broken ground recording our next record with Brad, so more to come there. ᐧ
