Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Audio Engineer, there is very little that m8riarchy hasn’t mastered in the way of the musical craft and this has only been reinforced with the release of her latest song ‘Body’. Before m8riarchy heads off to join Shouse at Meo Sudoeste in Portugal next month we sat down to have a chat about the beauty she finds in Synthesis, the new single, and the collaboration process she adores.

For those that haven’t heard your music before , how do you describe the m8riarchy sound?

The m8riarchy sound is uplifting, energising and joyful. When composing, I’m drawn to deep bass lines, sizzling synths and big vocal layers.

You have just released your song 'Body', Tell us about the new song? What does the song mean to you?

‘Body’ explores pleasure and connection. I wanted to create a euphoric symphony that invites listeners to celebrate the joys of sensuality, sexuality, playfulness and self-expression.

I’d almost given up on ever releasing ‘Body’ until Matthew Hadley (Total Giovanni) reached out to collaborate and ‘Body’ resonated so we made it happen!

Will there be m8riarchy album out soon?

There is a full-length album in the works!

It’s a salute to classic 90s dance, tech-house & disco. Loads of soaring vocals, filthy bass lines and catchy pop-melodies.

Unlike the ‘Never Drop’ EP, the album is not a personal project. Instead, we’re taking you to the club, kick ons and back to mine!

*Watch this space*

Are you planning to tour or jump on the festival circuit going forward?

Absolutely! I’ll be playing at Meo Sudoeste in Portugal next month with Shouse, and looking forward to what’s in store for the Australian summer circuit.

How did you get your start in music?

I started out as a singer-songwriter and was signed to a major record label at a young age.

The experience helped direct my interests in collaboration, music production and synthesis.

Working with Simona Castricum and completing the MESS Professional Development course in 2019 were the turning points that lead to m8riarchy.

“I’m creating sounds with movement and emotion…it’s dissolved this self-imposed binary between singer and producer for me..”

— m8riarcy

What does the creative process of writing your music look like?

Writing is a grounding process for me…Using my voice is a huge part of that.

It starts with a hook or a lyric that stays with me. I’ll tinkle away on the synth and find a sound that moves me, then it builds organically from there.

I’ve been singing for a long time, but in the past few years, I’ve loved delving into synthesis because it feels like singing. Synthesis is dynamic and there’s a flow to it, I’m creating sounds with movement and emotion…it’s dissolved this self-imposed binary between singer and producer for me.

You're a highly acclaimed producer, is it easier to work on your own material as opposed to working on other peoples music or is there an extra layer of pressure when it's so personal?

It’s entirely dependent on the content and nature of the project. Catharsis, grief, love, pain and joy can hugely impact the speed and delivery of production processes. Sometimes it feels like therapy, other times it’s pure unadulterated fun!

Collaboration is a really important part of my process. When producing for m8riarchy it’s essential that I seek feedback, as I want to gauge how the songs resonate with others. I calibrate the input and then decide when a song is ready for release.

That being said, I’m evolving as m8riarchy.

The album is helping me step into the realm as both teacher and student. As I mentor and encourage my collaborators, we share concepts, tools and influences with an intentional vision.

Who do you credit as your musical influences?

As a vocalist Mariah Carey is number one. Late 90’s/early noughties rnb-pop influenced my songwriting from an early age. Club culture led me to electronic music production - the visceral, euphoric experience of the dancefloor is always guiding me as a producer.

What was the first album or song you remember buying ? Who's music changed your life forever?

I bought the Destiny’s Child single ‘Say My Name’ and would sing along to the instrumental track incessantly as a tween. I performed ‘Say My Name’ for my music class at primary school that year and the positive feedback from that performance gave me the confidence to pursue music.

If you weren’t a musician what else would you be doing now?

I’m actually doing it now! I’m an audio engineer at ABC Radio and I also do freelance work. I record & mix live events and do sound design for podcasts. It’s really nourishing work, there’s so much creativity and thoughtful storytelling that I get to be a part of.

“We would love to collaborate with Robyn and Calvin Harris one day, these artists are the gold standard of pop writing and dance music production.”

— m8riarchyt

Are collaborations something you're interested in doing in the future? Who would be your ultimate Collab Partner?

I've always collaborated, but writing my EP (Never Drop) was a much more insular process and I’m less interested in that for future m8riarchy releases. I find there is an ease and joy that comes from the shared experience of collaboration.

My best friend is my ultimate collab partner. Her and I have produced something special for release later this year. We would love to collaborate with Robyn and Calvin Harris one day, these artists are the gold standard of pop writing and dance music production.

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?

Georgia Madden, my manager. I’ve been in this business for a long time and it is so important to have a support that understands you and has your best interests at heart. Georgia understands the dynamic and evolving nature of being an artist so in our working relationship I feel completely free to dream and strive in alignment with my values and needs.

What can we look forward to from m8riarchy? What's in the works?

My next live show is in Naarm-Melbourne on July 16th at the John Curtin Hotel and I’ve been collaborating on some exciting new releases so watch this space ;)

The uplifting sound of m8riarchy