By BRUCE DENNILL
Musician Jacques Moolman has reinvented himself as a blues-rooted crooner under his own name. His first single, break-up ballad “Into The Rain”, features Moolman’s trademark vocals and storytelling abilities – focusing on a heartbroken protagonist who’s looking for a fresh start.
The song is a good indication of the type of anthems that make up The Great Marico Redemption, mixed by Brian Lucey (Green Day, Royal Blood, The Black Keys). [Note: just before publication of this interview, Moolman released second single Bedtime Sweater.]
“Influence” is a loaded, often misunderstood concept. An artist may sound similar to another but have no knowledge of them, or be a super-fan of someone whose output is completely different to their own. Who or what was the artist, album, song, era or scene that initially mapped out the road to you becoming a musician?
The Nineties. Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. In Utero and Nevermind.
Has that changed over the years? If so, how and why, and what are you currently exploring?
Absolutely. Change is a part of growing up and developing as an artist. It’s the only constant in this game and you have to embrace it to avoid getting stuck in a comfort zone. Right now I’m exploring extremely dirty Icelandic techno.
Name one song you wish you’d written or, if you’re not a writer, one you’d like to be known as the definitive interpreter of. What makes that song so important?
John Lee Hooker – No Shoes. Simply because it’s beautiful.
In production and arrangement terms, what are facets of your music and the music you love most by others that you feel are crucially important in terms of creating the mood you’re after or supporting the message of your song?
I try to be as honest with myself as humanly possible. I’m trying to communicate with my audience in a deep, archaic, cosmic, transformative way. I have to honestly, and without fear, feel the emotions in the message I’m conveying. Honesty. That’s an important facet.
Which aspects of your music do you prioritise? For you, would you rather have that your lyrics, your melodies, or your vocals or instrumental work are the are the most memorable parts of your songs?
They’re all equally important to me. If they’re not working together, I keep fighting until they are.
What’s your favourite piece of gear?
My Italia Modena. It’s a resoglass electric guitar. And hell, my own voice can make me happy too sometimes, just singing in the shower or humming and walking.
What is the story behind Into The Rain – the genesis of the song, the people involved, the muse behind its creation?
It’s about freeing yourself from the pain of lost love and washing your tears away in the rain. And in retrospect, I guess she was no muse at all – just a necessary temporary travel companion on the road that is life.
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