MØ
Since her initial debut in 2006, Danish artist MØ has amassed a phenomenal cult following. Her roots in punk and the anti-fascist movements have continued to influence her style and song-writing, manifesting in a unique sound and image which has resonated with a tremendous global audience.
You have said previously that as a teenager you became interested in punk music and anti-fascist movements. Would you say that these interests still influence your music and creative process today?
Every life experience that makes a huge impact on you - especially those that last over a long period of time - will always be a part of your DNA. The punk scene and activism was an important part of my life for 9 years. I don’t demonstrate as much on the streets anymore, no, but that whole time in my life - from when I was 14 until around 23 - shaped me as an artist and as a human more than any other time. So yes, it’s still there in my music and in every creative process I go through.
You are very environmentally and ethically conscientious - how do you practice this in your life and your artistry?
I don't eat meat and I've recently joined forces with a local company that strives to bring down the production of plastic products and look for more sustainable options, especially in the water packaging industry. Also, I have a job where I undeniably have to fly a lot so for the time being my goal is to not ever fly when I travel for pleasure.
Your music seems to have a theme of female empowerment, love and empathy. Would you agree with this, and if so, how do these themes inspire you to create music?
I write about the stuff going on in my life - the thoughts in my head and the feelings that I feel, and yeah, these subjects are definitely part of that. I think female empowerment is a given. I’ve been celebrating female empowerment for as long as I remember, starting somewhere around the time of The Spice Girls because that was the first time I experienced someone put a word and a face to “Girl Power” in a way that I felt and understood as an 8 year old.
What is your creative process in making new music?
At the moment my songwriting process is very solitary and kind of DIY in a way. It’s more like it was on my first album, just me and a guitar loop, or a beat or some piano cords. I write the lyrics and melodies and then the producers I work with help me shape it all. It’s nice - a nice contrast to the way I was working on Forever Neverland, and I’m enjoying that kind of process at the moment.
Who are your role models?
Kim Gordon has always been a huge idol of mine. Her attitude, fashion and way of singing and performing has always appealed to me. I also hugely admire Michelle Obama, Lena Dunham, Patti Smith, Rupaul, Lizzo, and Beyonce, and so many others.
How would you ideally like your music to influence listeners? Do you aim to inspire, comfort, or simply give people something to chill out or dance to?
I aim to inspire for sure. For me growing up, music helped me to believe in myself and my dreams, to understand that I wasn’t alone with the feelings that I felt. It inspired and encouraged me to write music and to express myself and be the person that I wanted to be.
Have you found any particular challenges arising in being a young female artist? What advice would you give to young women starting out in creative industries or making their own art?
I would say believe in yourself and your vision. People will always try and change you and advise you about how to be and what to do in order to “make it”. They do this to help you, sure, so it’s not like there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s important to learn when to listen to other people and when to just trust your own gut. In my own experience, I’ve learned that it can be quite easy to get lost in the jungle of music industry vs artistry + personal goals and other peoples aspirations for you. Especially when you’re already under a lot of stress.
As many wise people have said over time - don’t be scared of failing. Failing is a natural part of life and can be good for an individual’s personal growth.
But if I’m going to fail, I want to fail at something I love and believe in. I don’t want to fail at trying to be or do what other people advised / expected me to do. How sad would that be? Life is too short for that. Go for your dream and do your best - at some point luck with be with you.
LISTEN TO MØ HERE / Words by Elizabeth Milstead, Images by Simone Taylor
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