FUCK NO TO LIVING IN THE MATRIX
A CONVERSATION WITH RYAN GULDEMOND OF MOTHER MOTHER
We had the privilege of sitting down with Ryan Guldemond, the creative force behind Mother Mother, to delve into their latest masterpiece, Grief Chapter, and discussing the exciting journey of their current tour. Since its release on February 16, it has captivated fans and solidified its place as a beloved gem in their discography.
Grief Chapter delves into themes of death, mortality, and grief, drawing inspiration from the inherent fragility of life itself. Guldemond eloquently expresses how life’s richness is inevitably shadowed by the reminder of its impermanence.
In the creative process behind the album, Guldemond immerses himself in a space where intellectuality takes a back seat, allowing creativity to flow freely. It’s within this realm that the theme of death emerged, offering a compelling subject matter that the band had not explored deeply before. βWe’ve made eight records; we’ve talked a lot about a lot of different stuff. But never that specifically. So, it definitely felt alluring and viable as a theme to center a whole album around.β
Grief Chapter pays homage to Mother Mother’s roots while simultaneously breaking free from them. This album boldly pushes the boundaries of sound and production, showcasing the band’s evolution and newfound confidence in their craft. While it embraces the band’s acoustic essence with stripped-down tracks, it also fearlessly explores new territories, enhancing their musical sound and enriching their artistic identity.
It’s undeniable that Grief Chapter has garnered immense fan adoration. What sets Mother Mother apart is their unparalleled songwriting and unmistakable sound, instantly recognizable from the first note. Remarkably, they maintain their signature style while continually evolving, and Grief Chapter stands as a testament to this balance. Guldemond elaborates on the notion that creativity thrives in naivety, emphasizing the band’s joy in hearing that the album has become someone’s new favourite, a sentiment they wholeheartedly share.
βThe Matrixβ, a standout single from the album, has gained significant traction, particularly on Toronto radio stations. Interestingly, its emergence as a radio hit is somewhat ironic, given its inclusion of profanity and the compromised nature of the radio edit compared to the original version. Nevertheless, its popularity remains undeniable, solidifying its status as one of the album’s most recognizable tracks.
GRIEF CHAPTER ALBUM REVIEW
Guldemond reflects on the song’s genesis, noting how the band’s experience opening for Imagine Dragons on a massive stadium tour in the summer of 2022 infused him with a potent energy upon returning to Vancouver. This inspired him to craft a monumental anthem capable of filling the expansive space of a stadium, capturing the infectious and intoxicating essence of that larger-than-life experience.
Prior to the album’s release, they released four captivating singles that served as perfect previews of what awaited upon its unveiling. “Normalize,” the album’s lead single, served as a heartfelt homage to the band’s dedicated fanbase, a poignant gesture of gratitude to those who have stood by them since the beginning. Following suit, “To My Heart,” deliberately strayed away from the conventional radio-friendly formula, an intentional choice by Guldemond and the band to offer fans a glimpse into the album’s depth and eccentricity. Guldemond articulated the band’s intention to defy expectations by not leading with a radio-friendly track, emphasizing their desire to showcase their artistry authentically.
Subsequently, the momentum of the singles gained traction with more upbeat tracks such as “Nobody Escapes”, “The Matrix”, and “Explode”, each adding their own dynamic flair to the single lineup.
Coinciding with the album release, Mother Mother embarked on a tour the same week, a whirlwind of excitement and chaos. Despite the hectic nature of it all, Guldemond describes the experience as thrilling, as it allows them to witness the album’s impact on fans firsthand, unlike releasing an album and retreating into isolation as it circulates.
The tour’s setlist encompasses a blend of Mother Mother’s classic hits alongside fresh tracks from Grief Chapter. With a thoughtful curation, the band ensures a balanced repertoire that pays homage to both their new material and the beloved songs that have shaped their journey to date.
A favourite song that Guldemond is liking to play right now is the title track βGrief Chapterβ. βWe open our encore with it. It’s quite a heartfelt moment, kind of dedicated to people who might be going through that process of having lost someone. You can just stand there and play a song and it’s totally emotionally penetrating. Yeah. And yeah, I find that very gratifying.β
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