Q&A: Maria Somerville is Exploring Evolution with Brand New Single “Garden”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANY MIRELES ☆
“THERE’S ALWAYS A NORTH STAR GUIDING THE THING, BUT EVERYONE INVOLVED BRINGS SOMETHING NEW” —Realising her first album since 2019, Maria Somerville radiates artistic growth and an incredible spirit. From experimenting with new instruments and different vocal recording techniques to create unique sounds that represent intimate memories. This record marks a fresh and new journey for Maria and The Luna Collective had a chance to chat about this brand new record, her brand new song “Garden” and more!
LUNA: Luster marks your first release since 2019, how has your artistic vision evolved over the years since then?
SOMERVILLE: There’s a lot more collaboration on this record compared to the last, and by default, that naturally changes things. I experimented with different instruments and in the early stages I had access to some studios and gear I wouldn’t normally have access to. It was also nice to explore different vocal recording techniques.
LUNA: I love how you decided to expand and get more innovative with this record. How do you want listeners to feel when they hear Luster from start to finish?
SOMERVILLE: Once you release something, it’s beyond you how people will experience it !
LUNA: Definitely! I think everyone will find a different way to relate to each song and their perception of them is different. Is there a track on the album that you feel especially close to, and why?
SOMERVILLE: “Corrib” - some songs, I remember exactly how I felt the day I wrote it in a visceral way and, even though it's very short, that one was definitely one of them.
LUNA: I am looking forward to hearing that song then! It sounds like it means a lot to you. What was the most challenging track to create on Luster, and why?
SOMERVILLE: There are a few songs that have a few versions.
LUNA: The first single ”Projections” has been described as strikingly fresh and woozy. What was the story or mood you wanted to convey with this track? And in creating its delicate blend of folk and ambient edges, did you experiment with the production to find the right balance?
SOMERVILLE: My friends Henry Earnest and Finn Carraher McDonald really brought the tune to life in a recording session at their house in Dublin. Henry, Finn, and I worked off an iPhone voice memo of me playing this version in a rehearsal room. The sound of it is so bad but so good, so we used it as the foundation.
LUNA: What role do visuals like album art or music videos play in complementing your music?
SOMERVILLE: It’s a nice opportunity to work with others on things I couldn’t have done on my own, whether it’s art or videos. There’s always a north star guiding the thing, but everyone involved brings something new and that’s lovely!
LUNA: I agree! There is something always guiding us towards something, and I love how collaborative you were in this record. Looking beyond, what’s next for you, creatively and otherwise that you’re looking forward to?
SOMERVILLE: Looking forward to playing the songs live on tour this spring/summer!
