Do you see... Mal de Mer
Photo Credit Sarah Gelmi
Perth six-piece, Mal de Mer are inspired by a wide range of genres, so their music can also cross ‘funk, disco, pop and jazz’ divide. Their new single ‘Do You See Me?’, is a perfect example of their unique sound. The eclectic song that conveys the tough and often dramatic reclaiming of personal power that occurs when a toxic relationship ends. We got to ask band member, Saskia Fleming about the new song and it’s Spotlight inspired video and her hopes of featuring on a Parcels track one day.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how would you describe your sound?
We are inspired by a wide range of genres, so each track we release tends to lean toward a different set of influences. We enjoy funk, disco, pop and jazz, and we love sprinkling some brass and 80s style synths into our songs. Our sound has certain distinctive qualities that we hope people will recognise as quintessentially Mal.
We like a good build, unexpected melodies, and a cheeky change of pace to keep listeners on their toes. Our rhythm section is also a key feature of our sound, and strong but vulnerable lyrics are a constant. I’d urge people to always listen to the end- we love layering our instrumentation and vocal harmonies, so by the end there is always a heap of fun stuff going on!
Tell us about your new song, Do You See Me?
It’s a track we are all hugely proud of, and I think it shows yet another angle to our genre-blending music. It came about after I started playing synth half way through this year, and it’s the first song I wrote on it! The subject matter is pretty dark, but I really like to let the lyrics speak for themselves, especially these ones given the serious subject matter. We had recently brought Ashton and Bella on board when I showed the band this one, and everyone’s parts fell into place perfectly.
What does the song mean to you?
For the band, this song marks a new chapter- it’s the first track Ashton, and Bella have played on, and we’re feeling really lucky to have them on board! The lyrics are a raw insight into a really debilitating time in my life, and when I wrote them I didn’t think anyone would hear them. So releasing this song was scary, but it also makes me feel really brave.
“I’d urge people to always listen to the end- we love layering our instrumentation and vocal harmonies, so by the end there is always a heap of fun stuff going on!”
What can fans expect from the new release?
Think: shimmery guitar hooks, 80s style synths, a funky rhythm section, and distinctive vocals!
You worked with the photographer, Mare Elzinga, on the video. What was this experience like?
It was a dream. I co-produced the video with Mare who then shot it and brought my vision to life so perfectly, I couldn’t imagine working with anyone else on it. It helps that she is one of my closest friends so she was insanely dedicated and worked to (honestly ridiculous) deadlines.
Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
I came up with the video concept after my housemate came home with mismatched beads from Spotlight and offered to make me a necklace out of them. When they asked me what I wanted on it, I blurted out ‘don’t call my mum again!’ which is a line from our latest single. That then spiraled into creating a stop motion lyric video for the track using the same mismatched bead theme throughout.
Will the initial Jewelry Merch be going ahead?
Definitely! We just wrapped up a competition to win the first ‘Don’t Call My Mum Again’ necklace, and we’re looking at putting them online soon. Each one is handmade, completely one of a kind, and made to order.
“most of the time it ends up being self-reflective, acerbic and quite pointed.”
You have a great affinity with the ocean, Mal de Mer being a French term for seasickness, and a family connection of water based occupations, so can fans anticipate an album dedicated to the element in the future?
Honestly, no I don’t think so! I just follow where my mind takes me lyrically, and most of the time it ends up being self-reflective, acerbic and quite pointed. I don’t set myself tasks or try to write about specific themes for bodies of work, so although I definitely foresee some ocean metaphors being littered through my lyricism, I wouldn’t say fans can expect an entire album dedicated to water! I’ll just let us take us wherever we’re going next!
Are there any tour plans now things are starting to open up across the country?
We’re in the very, very early stages of looking at grants for touring over east, but there are no solid plans in place as of yet. I’m honestly nervous to even look into it, with Covid everything still feels so up in the air when it comes to the music scene and getting across the border and back.
How did you get your start in music?
My first ‘oh crap, I wanna do THIS’ moment was when I was 14 and my mum and I were traveling and stayed with her best friend and her husband Monty. Monty is this super cool muso in London who produces and is a killer drummer. When he heard I was into songwriting he asked if I had any songs to record, and from there I basically spent the entire trip up in their attic recording my music. Once I stepped in front of the mic for the first time I had the lightbulb moment and basically from that day I’ve been addicted.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Oof that’s a big question! When it comes to writing in Mal I’ve definitely been heavily influenced by Parcels, L’imperatrice &TOPS, but it changes with every release.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
Our first show was at The Corner Gallery with Great Gable and Cooper & The Cats! We somehow managed to score our first show playing to a sold out crowd, so I’d say it was definitely a success!
Who would your ultimate Collab Partner be?
Featuring on a Parcels track would be the ultimate dream collab for me!
“Playing Wave Rock Weekender Festival this year was a huge highlight for me”
What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
Playing Wave Rock Weekender Festival this year was a huge highlight for me- I’ve been to the festival previously and absolutely fell in love with everything about it. It has been on the bucket list since day one, so it was a pretty huge moment when we got the offer!
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
Our booking agent Vienna is an absolute legend! She deals with me constantly panic-texting her late at night, gives management advice when I need it, and is always rearranging/rescheduling shows when I decide to shuffle our release timeline for the millionth time!
What's can we look forward to from Mal de Mer in 2022?
New music, more visuals, and possibly a national tour! Buckle your seatbelts, it’s gonna be a big one!
Interview by Michelle Symes
December 2021