More Mega Fäuna

14 Mar

Sydney band Mega Fäuna are preparing for the release of their new album ‘softmore’, which the group will officially unveil at a special show at new harbour city venue Heaps Normal on the 24th of April. We caught up with the all-female band to learn more about their creative process, the history of Mega Fäuna and how they dodged an international law suit.

Mega Fauna you are about to release your debut album ‘softmore’, how are the nerves holding up?

Nerves?? We’re so pumped! There were definitely nerves going into the studio but all the hard work has been done, and now it’s time to celebrate!!

How will you as a band be celebrating the release?

We have an album launch at Heaps Normal Health Club, on Gadigal Land, on the 24th of April and it's going to be a big romantic party! Come!

“They are a collection of songs that sit with womanhood and its contradictions”

Does the album have a theme?

The theme of the album directly ties in with the album title. The word softmore is a made-up word directly referencing the word Sophomore. I became interested in the meaning behind this word - which comes from the words “sophos” meaning wise, and “moros” meaning fool. It loosely translates to wise-fool, or, someone who is experiencing something not for the very first time, but still new at it.
The album explores themes around the softness and secondness of femininity. They are a collection of songs that sit with womanhood and its contradictions, a defiant reimagining of the female experience, and the realisation that there is sometimes more strength in softness.

Are there any songs from ‘softmore’ that stand out for you, either for their subject matter or their creation process?

The title track, softmore - we wrote this song from the ground up - starting with a drum beat, adding bass and then the dreamy guitar line, with lyrics last. Not our usual process! It's an ode to staying up all night, throwing caution to the wind, feeling completely carefree and letting go of your inhibitions. We wanted to reference the time between midnight and the sunrise where time feels expansive & you don’t want it to ever end. Imagined in a warm summer field, with music & dancing & the best company, new friends, and nature, with the sky slowly revealing a new day. We also made an incredible music video for it dreamt up and produced by our very own lead singer Freyja.

“We’re proud as hell to be out here inspiring the next gen of female rockstars. ”

Are there any funny stories from the recording studio?

We had a few visitors in the studio, ranging from friends, to pups, to little kids. On day three, Tom, a friend of the band bought his kids in.
His eldest daughter, who was about 6, was absolutely cutting sick, headbanging and spinning on the studio desk chair as Lucy shredded on the bass while recording unheld. His other daughter was not impressed in the slightest. She spent the entirety of her time in the studio covering her ears & complaining about the ruckus. We’re proud as hell to be out here inspiring the next gen of female rockstars.

What can fans expect from the new release?

This is a record that moves with the quiet power and confidence of Mega Fauna - songs that feel uplifting, some more poetic or playful, some darker and emotional. It picks up from where we left off on our EP Fibonacci Sequins, but it is a more mature and realised sound.

Are there plans to tour after ‘softmore’ is unveiled?

Absolutely! We’ve been focusing on the release and Eora album launch but keen to book some interstate and rural shows next up.

“We reckon it’s cute as hell & not to mention, a helluva story. ”

What is the history of Mega Fäuna? How did the band come together and where did the name come from?

Tess: Mega Fäuna began with a desire to build something new, from the edges of the local music scene. Freyja and I set out to connect with women who didn’t already play in bands — or even play instruments at all — and who weren’t already orbiting the same familiar friendship circles that so often shape independent music scenes. We have all been learning together, becoming friends first, musicians in parallel.

The name Megafauna was a back pocket band name that Freyja had in mind. It fit perfectly because the lyrics she was writing were very much themed around celebrating the natural world.
The umlaut came along a bit later because a Texas based band of the same name sent us a cease and desist claiming copyright infringement. They threatened to sue us - It was kinda crazy cause we were both such tiny bands. Cut to 6 months later & we learnt that they don't have the rights to the name in Australia but things were getting confusing on socials so we landed on the ä. We reckon it’s cute as hell & not to mention, a helluva story.

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?

Freyja for always providing the snacks, matcha and wine that keep us going through rehearsals and recording! She senses your hunger and before you know it there's a snack in your paws.

Where would you like to see Mega Fauna in a year's time and five years down the road? What do you hope the band has achieved?

Continued strong friendships and creativity, space to explore the weirdness of life and hopefully share it with audiences on some Aussie tours.

softmore Album Launch Show - Heaps Normal 24th of April