Frenetic and all-emcopassing as the digital worlds built by our techno-overlords, this new EP by Mun Sing cuts to the chase about how we deal with guilt. One more episode, a little more Scrolling. Mun Sing, Harry Wright’s project, has interpreted the classic children’s boogeyman to scare us into accountability in the form of Frolic EP’s blue scarecrow.
This EP isn’t quite as harshly industrial as some of Mun Sing’s other releases, like A War in Heaven, as swampy synths saturate tracks. Nonetheless Frolic leaves us breathless. Previously one half of hedonistic Giant Swan before they disbanded due to allegations of Robin Stewart’s abusive behaviour towards his ex-partner. Harry Wright has a deep knowledge of how to orchestrate thought provoking dance music. Mun Sing has got the Björk seal of approval who has remixed Harry’s music, specifically Gliding edited with a 1922 song The Laughing Policeman. They’ve also performed together in Reykjavik and NYC.
Mun Sing exchanges on his latest project with Tlya X An, another Bristol-based electronic artist making weird and wonderful tracks. They first met when Harry attended Tlya X An’s Spinny Nights gig a couple years ago at Crofter’s Rights. He later booked Tlya X An for his Illegal Data show with Babii, Stolen Velour and Iceboy Violet. The artists reflect on their shared meticulous approach to art, making alternative music in a mainstream world and how Harry’s outwardly serene personality masks a true intensity.
I love how detailed you are with each project you release. There are a lot of layers to your art. How did you come to be an artist who creates such intricate stories and worlds with each project? As opposed to just songs.
Thank you! For me, at the moment it's starting with questions. Questioning the world around you, then yourself and then struggling to get anywhere (laughs). So you change how you ask the question, shape it into something weird and fun and celebrate the idea of being able to ask an unanswerable question.
The idea of “just songs” can definitely have its place, however this is kind of why I only have one foot in the world of Dance Music™. There isn't really an expectation for the music to have any story, concept or even visual identity behind it. I really love engaging with these parts of a world an artist creates and I just don't really see that in a lot of club music at the moment. It's less about the characters and more about the functionality of the music. On the other hand though I think this can also be really important, perhaps not having a narrative forced down your throat allows things to be more open to interpretation. And this can be empowering and unifying in itself. But right now, the romantic and escapist in me is way more drawn to losing myself in a vision set out by the artist themselves.
The idea of “just songs” can definitely have its place, however this is kind of why I only have one foot in the world of Dance Music™. There isn't really an expectation for the music to have any story, concept or even visual identity behind it. I really love engaging with these parts of a world an artist creates and I just don't really see that in a lot of club music at the moment. It's less about the characters and more about the functionality of the music. On the other hand though I think this can also be really important, perhaps not having a narrative forced down your throat allows things to be more open to interpretation. And this can be empowering and unifying in itself. But right now, the romantic and escapist in me is way more drawn to losing myself in a vision set out by the artist themselves.
The message and story behind your music seems to mainly draw from ideas of state of mind, how we feel and experience life as humans. Is it something you’re doing continuously?
Well I think vulnerability in art is something that's really important. Some art can come across as quite impenetrable, and when you can't see the cracks or the mistakes I just don't think it's as engaging. Something that aims to be flawless or perfectly presented can never ask anything back from the audience. It just sits there waiting to be accepted but never challenged, or more importantly, misunderstood! Interpretation and misunderstanding, that’s where the magic is!
I believe an exchange of openness is how a conversation moves forward. That difference between a question mark and a full stop. For me, the artistic process starts and ends with, what if?
I believe an exchange of openness is how a conversation moves forward. That difference between a question mark and a full stop. For me, the artistic process starts and ends with, what if?
What do you feel is the main driving force for you when making your art?
I think being able to make art helps with processing difficulties in life, and also expressing those difficulties to the world too. It's a desire for connection, conversation and learning.
Oh and let's not forget, getting nice compliments 'cos I have a fragile ego and want everyone to like me. But also I don’t care, but also I do, but I don’t, OK! What a difficult life.
Oh and let's not forget, getting nice compliments 'cos I have a fragile ego and want everyone to like me. But also I don’t care, but also I do, but I don’t, OK! What a difficult life.
I am blown away by the fluidity and depth in your new EP. I would love to know more about your project ideation process. What did it look like for Frolic?
Well I wanted to create a record that follows the different stages of indulgence following on from grief, and the consequences that come with having too much fun as an adult! I created the blue faced scarecrow character as a sort of physical embodiment of guilt and shame, and thought it would be funny if it had the same role as a pantomime villain or bogeyman from children's stories.
Musically I really enjoyed exploring satisfaction and resolution, whether it's euphoric melodies, or big drops. I liked the idea of playing with reward.
Musically I really enjoyed exploring satisfaction and resolution, whether it's euphoric melodies, or big drops. I liked the idea of playing with reward.
You are responsible for so many aspects of your projects, from production to visual design and the worlds you create around them. You seem to be able to do it all so effortlessly. As someone who also does a lot of the work myself I can't help but ask. What’s your secret?
(Laughs) that's super kind. It does take me a while so I appreciate that! I am equally always so impressed by the intricacy of your vision and the dedication you bring to everything.
I don't know about you, but I often spend more time thinking about what I wanna say and how I wanna say it, compared to the time it takes to actually make it. Once I know what I'm doing I can do it pretty quickly. I also like creating my own parameters whether that's technological or conceptual. I find it especially helpful in electronic music, where you can have literally any sound at your finger tips, I like creating my own world within the vastness of it all.
I don't know about you, but I often spend more time thinking about what I wanna say and how I wanna say it, compared to the time it takes to actually make it. Once I know what I'm doing I can do it pretty quickly. I also like creating my own parameters whether that's technological or conceptual. I find it especially helpful in electronic music, where you can have literally any sound at your finger tips, I like creating my own world within the vastness of it all.
Your personality from what I’ve experienced is very chilled and serene vibes. However your music seems to hold a trippy explosive force to it. Can you expand on that contrast?
I was probably just playing it cool, showing off! I actually worry that I can be a little intense. I mean I definitely have quite intense thoughts around art and music so allowing myself to vent and go a bit crazy when performing or in the studio definitely helps restore the balance I think. It’s for the benefit of those around me. Christ I need to loosen the fuck up!
But, yes I'm super cool and chill and sick and cool and chill and funny and a great listener and very cool. So cool! What a guy!
But, yes I'm super cool and chill and sick and cool and chill and funny and a great listener and very cool. So cool! What a guy!
I find this EP’s theme of indulgence and consequence highly relatable. The concept of a scarecrow who “punishes you for having too much fun” feels helpful to me. Do you think we as artists, in today’s music industry, need the scarecrow in order to succeed?
I'm pleased you found it helpful! I'm not sure we need the scarecrow to succeed, no. It depends what success looks like to you though. But I think the scarecrow can help take the pressure off and serve as a mirror during times we feel a little lost down a path of indulgence. I mean the scarecrow is supposed to be kind of fun, but also I guess kind of scary too?
Do you have any advice for someone who’s making alternative music in a mainstream world?
Hmm I'd say: Respect your audience and don't dumb anything down for anyone. The world will catch up with you! Don't feel the need to express everything about yourself in one go, if there is a lot to express, you have a lot of art to make! Never subscribe to the idea that everything's been done before! Good luck with your Menty B!
