At the center of the stage there’s a microphone wrapped in a glowing strand of string lights. Behind the mic, a drum kit is draped with strands of plastic flowers and more glowing lights. It’s a Tuesday evening, the end of August, and despite the midweek heat, the room is already crowded.
It’s my first time seeing Molly O Malley play live and judging by the vibe of the room, I’ve been missing out.
Although Molly is accompanied on stage by bassist Paul Kupper and drummer David Burdette, she begins her set solo:
Molly O’Malley is dream pop powerhouse and a total sweetheart. I was beyond excited to chat with her about her solo project, the importance of using ones platform, and everything the future has in store.
When did you begin writing and performing music?
MM: I got started writing after I decided to cover random songs I enjoyed on piano. Piano was my first instrument and is my favorite instrument to play. I just started writing by playing stuff that sounded good and we went from there.
How did your current project form?
MM: My current project formed when all my other ones bit the dust, so to speak. I started writing all parts for a full band by myself and then I asked some friends to learn the parts and play with me and I couldn’t be more grateful for my friends to take time out of their day to learn stuff that I’ve written. It’s pretty dang sick.
Can you describe your song writing process? Where do your songs come from?
MM: My song writing process is always different. I’ll see or hear random words whether it be on TV or in a conversation I’m having with someone and something I heard someone say might spark something and I’ll just start writing and tune out of the conversation. Not something I mean to do, but heads up if I’m ever mid conversation with you and then I just pull out my phone and you see the notes app, you probably inspired something haha. Other times I’ll just pour my heart out and then rearrange it so it’s lyrics and then pick up my guitar and then I’ll write some bass, throw in some drums, and keys if need be. It’s honestly kind of all over the place.
Your performances feel very cathartic, and many of your songs seem to address heavy and emotional topics. As a performer, how does it feel to address these subjects in front of a crowd?
MM: Thank you! So much thank you. Thank you. It is EXTREMELY cathartic to write about things. That’s my outlet. They are definitely heavy topics for me, but writing about them helps my healing process. When I’m playing them, I honestly just speak my truth and I hope it resonates with someone or helps someone who is listening know they’re not alone. That’s why I initially started to play music was because I wanted to write music that would help others the same way music has done that for me. Speaking about these things is hard every time I do, and you’ll probably be able to tell how hard it is for me that night depending on how blunt I am about it. At the end of the day, I just hope my stuff hasn’t been written in vain and that someone gets something out of it. The whole crowd aspect doesn’t bother me too much. I know at the end of the day a crowd is just comprised of people like me who have gone through their own shit. We’re all only human. It’s nice to connect with people in that way.
At that same show, you mentioned the importance of using ones platform for good. Can you elaborate?
MM: Well, not all of us are privileged enough to have a platform. All of us have something to say, but not all of us have the privilege of having ears to hear it, and that will listen. On top of that, I am aware of my privileged as a white person and a cis person. I just know I’ve got a platform and ears paying attention that might not be aware of current things going on in today’s world or society for whatever reason. I believe if I have been given the privilege of having a platform, I should use it and acknowledge that and not take it for granted. I believe people should be aware of things going on considering today’s political and social climate and if something I say while I have the audience’s attention inspires someone to question something I said or even just google whatever I’m talking about, I’ve helped spread awareness.
What does the future hold? What can you tell us about your upcoming release and tour?
MM: Well, hopefully a lot!!! I’m releasing an EP here soon once I get all of it together. I’ve tried to route a few weekend runs here and there and once I find my footing with that I’m hoping to book a bit of a longer tour than just a weekend run. I know the EP will be out within the next two months, and I’m really really stoked on it. Couldn’t be more grateful to have all the resources and friends that I do that have helped me out with this
Catch Molly O Malley this Monday, September 2. 8PM at the Magbar