Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Moonset Sunrise
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory connected to music was the acoustic gigs my dad always used to play when I was a kid. This never got me into music, though; I always just thought, “oh yeah, this is Dad’s niche, whatever”—that’s why I don’t consider it my first memory. What really got me into music, though, was one night my dad brought a record player home as well as some records he grew up with as a kid—really old, like ’80s pressed vinyls. We sat down together, and he put in Tears For Fears – The Big Chair, skipped to “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” and my love for music took off. We cried together that night. I still think this is my favorite moment of all time.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My family always really wanted me to play; every day, I’d get the question, “When are you gonna start playing?” It was quite annoying, actually. I got this every holiday since I was in elementary school. After my newly found love in listening to music, though, I began seeing why my dad loved to play so much. It was staggering to me how live music could move a crowd. As I listened to more music, I started imagining myself as that face playing the song. It was this buildup of “oh my god, I need to do this” until Thanksgiving came around one year where I was asked that question again. I didn’t hold back this time; I just embraced it. My uncle gave me a bass to borrow, and that’s when I started learning. From there, I wanted to start learning every instrument I could get my hands on, and soon after, I started producing.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The name “Moonset Sunrise” actually came into mind during my astrophotography phase. I was just so obsessed with the fact that both masses can both rise and set, and they do so at different times, often during the same day, and that the time of these events will change every single day. Everyone is so used to talking about the sunset and sunrise, but I hardly hear anyone talk about the moon in the same way. I see this project as a product of change: it’s about embracing what is going on now, because it could change tomorrow, just like how the moon sets and the sun rises at different times every day. They won’t set and rise forever either, we all reach the end out of time, which is why it’s important to embrace the moment.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s hard to describe what my music sounds like since I’ve never heard it for the first time. I would describe my music as a new beginning. There are chapters of life within chapters, and I feel my music completely captures that feeling. Every song is intended to sound like you’re starting something new, which is exactly what happens in the writing process. In my friends eyes, my music is generally described to be dreamy, atmospheric, and…great.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned to stop forcing myself to be limited. I always thought I needed limits because I feared I would create products totally separate from themselves. I forced myself to have these unrealistic limits—like only using a certain number of tracks, or making sure I used the exact same set of synth patches for every song. That completely destroys the fun of art, and I noticed I didn’t like what I was making. Once I broke out of that habit and gave myself the freedom to do whatever I felt the song needed, everything changed.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I use about every single thing in my studio. I use Logic Pro on my MacBook Air—which tends to overheat—for production, and since I run a lot of processing, I always make sure the undercooler for it is on. Most importantly, I have a couple of dbx compressors and an 8-track reel-to-reel that I run my drums and mixes through, which is essential for adding that glue that I love. I would like to get some real analog synthesizers in the future, but for now, I just stick to software synths for my projects.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I am absolutely loving the new Tame Impala album. I don’t get the hate around it; Kevin always is—and always has been—changing his sound, and I think the work he was able to do on this one is beautiful. I was honestly unsure of what else he was capable of creating in terms of sound design, but this has proved to me that he still has a lot more in him. “No Reply” has been on repeat for me all week.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences are the foundation of my artistic vision. I always imagine my instrumentation as how I’m feeling, and the words explain why I feel that way. When I make a song, I usually always start with the instrumentation first—very rarely do I sing a melody first. So, when I’m in a mood, I just naturally turn to creating something that sonically captivates that feeling, whether it’s love, intense sadness, or fear. My music becomes the true diary of my life.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Like what was previously asked and answered, I want my feelings and my own experiences to be perfectly replicated in my music. I usually always write about a real experience, so I make sure and hope that every part of my music puts the listener exactly where I was at that time. I hope they feel that moment of vulnerability.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
This doesn’t just go for music, but for everything in life. I started learning and growing at the same time I started playing. I started at 14—I’m 18 now—so I feel like music has grown up with me. I’ve learned to have a lot of patience and to never give up on something if it truly is your dream. Just because you aren’t the best at something in the moment, it doesn’t mean you’ll never be good. If I sat in my chair when I was 14, doubting I’d ever make it and gave up, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The passion was so high that I didn’t care if I was bad or not; I still enjoyed the process, and that persistence paid off.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Honestly, right now my dream is to just play for people that love my music. I’d be lucky to even get a gig now as I build the project. In the late future though, I would absolutely love to play at Lollapalooza. That would be an incredible milestone and an amazing way to share Moonset Sunrise with a huge audience.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
This choice is purely because my dad absolutely loves him, but I would love a collaboration with Michael McDonald. He has such an iconic voice, and I do feel like some of his vocal phrasing could sound great mixed into a psychedelic pop track. If I ever felt like I needed to win my dad over, this is exactly how I would do so.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Moonset Sunrise on all streaming platforms. I can be found as @themoonsetsunrise on Tiktok and Instagram. Not an official site but all links can be found at moonsetsunrise.bio.link
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Honeymoon is just the beginning to something bigger. I’m working on something I think a lot of people will love if they enjoyed my debut single. It’s incredibly scary but it shares a massive and vulnerable part of my life. My dream is to see success out of something I made with my heart. I know everyone is humble, saying “its not about the money” but I think theres something so special about sharing something that means so much to you, and having it succeed—thats my dream.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I honestly hope listeners discover everything about me the same time I discover these things as well. I’ve only just started this journey as Moonset Sunrise, so I am learning the whole process out for the first time—from my own creative limits to my biggest strengths. I want the listeners to feel like they are growing and discovering the artist alongside the art.
