by Diving into a flourishing sea of sensation, Ian Munro has proven to be one of the most diverse and unified artists in the industry. His long and hard working journey has taken him through many different places throughout his life. Soul searching every step of the way while sharing an everlasting touch of riches. And with his recent Solipsism EP, the musician managed to create a whole new and colorful world for not only himself, but for his listeners as well.
Time and time again, he’s shared nothing but pure healing remedies for the broken and the lost. Curing different shades of negativity with every release. Poetic masterpieces are what you’ll find throughout his discography. Speaking to you in a vast and meaningful fashion. Shedding tears with a star-striking smile on your face. And now, it is with our utmost excitement to present our next guest mix + interview with nonother, than the legend himself! With this interview, we talked with him about an array of topics to really pick his brain and explore the true side of his vision and presence. As for the mix, he’s blessed our auras with enormous amounts of emotion with a couple of treats in store.
In regards to the mix, what can the listeners expect from this journey? Pure emotion or some callbacks to your heavier vibe from before?
I think a part of my sound will always be rooted in my previous work – but to me, nothing speaks to me quite as much as that emotional depth. Expect the unexpected I guess, but know everything has a place emotionally in the journey!
What inspired you to take the creative route in life? Is anyone else in your family experienced in the arts?
My upbringing always facilitated creativity and I’m forever grateful for that. My Dad works as an Art Director, and my step-mum is a photographer, so I guess I’ve always been submerged in the visual side of things. That being said, my Mum’s been the biggest driving force for my music. She’s always exposed me to new music, practically raising me on punk haha. I think it all kinda played a part, but without her driving me to all my guitar & drum lessons I definitely wouldn’t be where I am.
Your melodies and sense of storytelling always blow us away. Were you trained by someone when you were younger? Or self-taught?
Thank you, that means the world! I was taught guitar and drums very informally — learnt a lot about playing, but not a lot about music theory. For the most part, the theory and songwriting side is all self-taught!
If you could describe your life so far in a couple of words, what would they be?
Work in progress.
It felt fake, and so inauthentically me. I guess, I just wanted to make art that fulfilled me, not just as a creative, but as an individual.
You’ve gone through some interesting changes within your vision over the years. Can you explain how your experiences in life have shaped your sound into what it is today?
I think for me, it was a part of some big musical coming of age. I’ve always struggled with my mental health, granted, I’ve only really understood the gravity of it all over the last few years since beginning my recovery — but part of this process has really redefined my music’s expression. Music with depth has always resonated with me more, and I think previously, I was stuck in this loop of making and releasing music in order to ‘exist’ in the business. It felt fake, and so inauthentically me. I guess, I just wanted to make art that fulfilled me, not just as a creative, but as an individual.
Recently you released a song with jediwill1999. How was stepping into the alternative rock realm with your own style?
I’ve always been a massive fan of emo music — and the merging of that culture with hip hop, and now, more electronic elements has felt so natural to me as a listener. I’m a huge fan of Jed and what others within this scene are doing, and it’s incredible to be able to write something a little different from what I’m used to, and to be a part of something so refreshing and unique.
I guess I believe in a certain degree of chaos.
If you could go back in time and talk to your past self, what advice would you bestow upon yourself?
Nothing! I guess I believe in a certain degree of chaos. If things didn’t happen the way they did, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Of course I have ‘regrets’, but I’m trying to learn to just take them as they are and move on!
Through this whole pandemic, what were some activities you’d do to keep your mentality and creativity at ease?
I’ve started doing yoga and meditation daily, which really helped me have some semblance of a routine haha. I’ve been cooking a lot, and have started learning how to ferment/pickle too (my sauerkraut recipe goes crazy). My method for writing has always been ‘don’t force it’ — so I try not to get in the studio unless I really want to!
Any specific places you travel to in order to clear your mind and soul?
Grab a coffee and hit the dog park 100000%. Love watching those little idiots run around, it’s weirdly meditative haha.
I’ve got a real love-hate relationship with collaborating, but I’m trying to get better at it!
Who are some artists you can see yourself collaborating with in the future?
Oooooh this is a tough one. I’ve got a real love-hate relationship with collaborating, but I’m trying to get better at it! I’d love to do more prod. — people like Glaive and Lewis Grant are definitely on my list. In the electronic world, I’d love to see what Moore Kismet and I would make — AWAY and I have been talking for way too long about doing something too.
Thinking of the past, what were some of your favorite shows you’ve played?
My Liminal Release Party was hands down one of the best nights of my life — so special to have so many friends playing and so many friends in the crowd. Playing Logan Campbell Centre in Auckland with Quix, Montell2099 and Yvng Jalapeño was definitely another incredibly memorable night!
For what the future holds — who knows? I’ll still be here though, doing my thing.
Where do you see the Ian Munro project in a couple of years?
I really want to focus more on highlighting my voice, so expect a lot more of that. For what the future holds — who knows? I’ll still be here though, doing my thing.
Tracklist
Ian Munro –– Tourniquet
Flume + Eprom –– Spring w/ Bring Me The Horizon –– Can You Feel My Heart (Acapella)
MICA + Skarboy –– I’m Not Alone
Brakence + HÉRISSÉ –– Aquafier2 (Ian Munro Edit)
Galyax + dobi — To Be Defensive
Untrust Us –– Facade w/ Paramore –– All I Wanted Was You (Acapella)
Whethan –– Hurting on Purpose (feat. K.Flay)
Message North –– Blank Slate
Ian Munro –– Fault (feat. Dabl)
Ian Munro –– Not There
morimori + Hex Cougar –– Washed in Grey
Ian Munro –– Alone, For Now (feat. Amethyst) (unreleased)
Ian Munro + Bijou Violet + Bring Me The Horizon + BRVMES –– Occam’s Feelings (Ian Munro Edit)
CORTR + MICA –– ID (feat. BLVDE RUNNER) w/ Ian Munro –– Hurts (Like Hell) [Acapella]
UZ –– Trinity
Ian Munro –– Fever Dream (VIP) (Unreleased) w/ Kanye West –– Ghost Town (Acapella)
Chet Porter –– Bummed (feat. Alison Wonderland) [Ian Munro Flip] (Unreleased)
