Surprise Cast #80 Molly

Have you heard the album Picturesque by Molly? If you have not, you are in for a very special treat. Lars Andersson is here(singer/guitarist), shall we say, to talk about life as a musician in Innsbruck, Austria, life as Molly. We're going to tackle and dive into a few songs from the album, Picturesque. In addition, Lars is going to share his thoughts and feelings on upcoming work, concerts, a well-known label called Sonic Cathedral, and his musical influences. 

Lars shares insights about his role in the band, the origin of the band's name("We just made a list...we were thinking maybe a short name"), and his journey from childhood to becoming a musician. He reflects on his middle-class upbringing in Austria and how it influenced his perspective on music. He also discusses his academic background in history and philosophy ("it's the history of thinking"), explaining how these disciplines shape his songwriting and thematic choices.

The episode delves into Lars's musical influences, from Karel Gott, Nirvana("it just blew me away the first time I listened to it"), to Radiohead, and how these bands shaped his approach to music. He talks about the emotional complexity and simplicity of Nirvana's music and the diverse stylistic changes within Radiohead's discography. Lars also touches on the importance of nature and landscapes in inspiring his music, drawing parallels to bands like Sigur Rós.

Lars discusses the pivotal moments in Molly's career, including the band's formation and key individuals who helped them along the way. He highlights the role of Sonic Cathedral ("it was a huge huge step for us"), a label known for its passion for shoegaze, dreampop, and post-rock music, in supporting and promoting Molly's work. Lars appreciates the love and dedication that Nate, who runs Sonic Cathedral, brings to the label and its artists. (He's well connected in the UK...how my God, you're with Sonic Cathedral?...he was a big part of the whole shoegaze revival")

The conversation also explores the challenges and joys of touring, with Lars sharing insights on the mental and physical demands of performing live. He offers advice on the importance of getting into a rhythm during tours and the unique dynamics of performing as a duo.

In the third part of the episode, Lars discusses the creative process behind Molly's music, particularly the album Picturesque. He explains the thematic inspiration from the Romantic era and the influence of fairy tales on his songwriting. Lars highlights specific tracks like "Ballerina" and "The Golden Age," sharing the stories and personal experiences that shaped these songs.

The episode concludes with Lars reflecting on his perfectionist approach to music and the importance of crafting and production. He shares his thoughts on the evolving music industry, the role of streaming platforms, and the significance of physical formats like vinyl. Lars also recommends some of his favorite albums, blending well-known classics with obscure gems and contemporary works.

Join us for this in-depth conversation with Lars Andersson of Molly, as he takes us on a sonic journey through his musical influences, creative process, and the future of the band. Move over Sigur Rós!!!