Even though she only has two singles to her name, Moyka is on a long list of posters this year. And for good reason. On Saturday, the pop producer from Hallingdal invites you to dance during the Øya Festival. – Don't believe the weather forecast, I'll conjure up the rain!
/ 09/08/2019 / Kristian DugstadName: Monika Engeseth
Age: 22
Current with: Performed at Øya Festival, Saturday August 10th.
TONO member since: 2015
Who is Moyka?
Moyka is an electronic pop producer and artist from Hallingdal, soon to release his debut EP.
What is your musical background?
I've always loved singing, and started writing songs in elementary school. I quickly realized that this was something I wanted to continue doing, so I did.
What made you start writing music?
There was something inside me that had to come out, I think. It felt really good. It's when I'm making music that I feel most alive. It means a lot. I don't really know what I would have come up with if I hadn't done it.
What was the very first song you wrote?
A very sad song about a friend who was moving away. It was very bad, but that doesn't matter.
Where and how do you write?
It really depends. Sometimes you're fed by inspiration, and it can come anywhere and at any time. But I tend to stitch lyrics together when I'm either at home or in the studio.
What inspires you?
A lot of it comes from my own experiences in life, but I also get inspired by stories and tales from friends, books, series and films. There is a lot of inspiration everywhere!
What comes first, lyrics or melody?
Often it comes together. But it's often that we write melodies and create sound images first, so it's often easiest to have the melody first. It really depends from time to time.
"A wall of analog synths" is among the descriptions of your soundscape. Are you interested in music equipment?
Yes! I think it's fun with synths and boxes that create sound and plug-ins!!!
Do you have any equipment or tools that are indispensable in the writing process?
Actually, I just have to write with something I understand a little, preferably something with keys or a guitar. But I really like producing while I'm writing. Then you create the world the song will live in right away in a meeting.
You've released two singles so far. Tell us about Bones and Colder?
They are both songs that come on the EP and are in a way part of a journey. If you listen to the EP from start to finish, you might understand that.
Bones is about the love I have for music and the fear of losing it, in a way? Whereas Colder is about a process. It can be in a relationship you have with anything that is dear.
You're playing on Saturday at Øya Festival this year. What does that mean to you?
IT'S AWESOME. It means an incredible amount. It's a dream!
What can the audience expect?
Don't believe the weather forecast, I'll conjure up the rain!!!! Otherwise I promise I'll make you dance with me <3
What are you working on now? When will we get more music?
YES!!! I'm really looking forward to showing what I'm working on. It's coming.
What is your career highlight so far?
Festival summer! It's been absolutely amazing playing festivals all over the place. I've seen so many beautiful places and met so many great people.
Can you share your greatest music experience – as a listener?
One of my greatest musical experiences was when Paramore released their latest album, "After Laughter." I went through a lot of stuff myself and felt like they were able to put it into words perfectly.
