In Conversation With #229 - Mauvey
Transatlantic maverick Mauvey has just released his latest offering in the form of new EP - ‘BEFORE THE ALBUM: A love letter to the moons of Mars’.
Born in Ghana, and raised across the UK and Canada, Mauvey’s upbringing inoculates his rich palette of unique alternative pop music, taking inspiration from the likes of Oumou Sangaré, Prince and Labrinth. Known to be an emotional wreck both on and off stage, Mauvey endeavours to showcase raw sentiment through his songwriting, intertwining striking melodies and hypnotic beats with his distinctive and resonant vocals.
He took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Mauvey - how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hi, I'm doing really well. Thank you for asking. Having the EP out is equal parts the best feeling in the world and absolute tortue. It's mind numbingly nerve wracking sharing something so personal.
It is called ‘Before The Album’ - what is the meaning behind that?
One day, I will release my debut album, then hopefully many more after that. Before The Album is the beginnings of a world I am building, preparing you for what's to come.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
I recorded the EP in a few special places with some people who mean the world to me. I recorded in my hometown of Southampton, in London, in Vancouver, and worked with some amazing artists (who I'm so lucky to have as features on the EP) from Vancouver and Los Angeles.
The titles from the EP make up a poetic love letter. The same titles are chapters to a longer love letter that will also be released alongside the EP.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
The EP is the dissection of a fractured relationship, and the exploration of various facets of love. These are my true sometimes devastating stories dressed in pop music. I really hope people listen.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Peter and Wendy, or any Neverland related film. I think Neverland is the greatest love story ever told. Not just Peter and Wendy. Every character has a beautiful and tragic and hopeful love story. It's a masterpiece.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
"Toodles got lost, coz he was desperate for reality and couldn't bare to live it inside his dreams" - from the opening song on the EP 1+1=THR33
Now the EP is out there - what next?
2023 plans are well under way. I'm working on a special, evolving live show for 2023, wish me luck.
