Hiya moreofthem, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.

Thank you so much for having me! This is a great brew by the way, I’m excited to be here, and hello to you reading this right now, yes you! hello!

So, please introduce us to you and your musical history.

I moved to London almost eight years ago to pursue my career in music recording and music production, after growing up in Malaysia and playing in the local scene quite a lot in different bands. Throughout the years, I had different projects under different names, whilst still trying to figure out my niche and my sound. It wasn’t until 2021, when I came out as non-binary, started to get more comfortable with myself as a person and my identity, and having the desire to create art to push boundaries and build a safe and welcoming community for others who feel like they need a voice. Hence, moreofthem was born and the rest is history. 

What made you decide that music is the thing for you?

I’ve always been quite creative, never really thought about anything else but music. I used to struggle academically in school and I always found it hard to focus but when it came to music, it was the one thing that I always loved, both playing and listening.  Grew up having MTV always running in the background (back when they used to play music videos), playing in bands and then once I torrented Logic for the first time when I was 14, I just knew that music was all I wanted to do. 

I hear you have some brand new music out, please tell us about it.

Yes! “i know you” has just released and it features the wonderful Maisi on it! It was a song that’s been in the vault for a while, way before my debut EP was even released and with it, I wanted to knuckle down on the energy of hyperpop and 2000s club bangers, something that people can listen to and lose themselves in the vibe. Lyrically, the track touches on the complexities of unrequited love, seeing someone you’re in love with talking endlessly about someone new in the life but at the same time, seeing the funny side of that situation and continuing to live your best life.

What was the recording process for “i know you” like? And what was it like working with Maisi?

This song was written early last year and originally the demo was a lot more ambient. Still bouncy, but a bit more hazy and atmospheric in comparison to the now energetic final version. When I was writing it, we already knew that going into 2024, I wanted to do loads of collabs and funny enough, Maisi was the artist I said I wanted to get on this record, just never thought it was possible! Naturally a session was planned and it was my very first session with her! We were both so nervous but we ended up clicking really well and this began the amazing working relationship I have with her now. 

You’ve been working with many up and coming artists on new music recently, what has that been like?

It’s been surreal, honestly. To think about this time last year, I had little to no friends in the industry and now I’m being asked by a bunch of amazing new artists to work together – I suppose, I really count my blessings. I primarily work with female and non-binary creatives, and it’s really important to me as a non-binary individual to continuously strive for greater opportunities and representation. 

What has been the biggest learning curve for you in writing new tunes?

Pushing myself and out of my usual comfort zones. I like to try and switch up my methods and go in with the mentality of starting from scratch again, so that I don’t burn myself out and the process starts to get stale. It’s easy to get in your own head and overthink a lot when you’re continuously creating. The other challenge, having such an ambitious soundscape, is translating my production into my live shows. The production is what defines me and my project, so it is important that every element is there in the live shows and the energy has to match the music, if not, even bigger. 

Speaking of live shows, can you tell us what the live music scene is like in London right now? Is there anyone we should be looking out for? (Bar you of course)

There are loads of different events and communities, it’s really cool to see the amount of creativity you can find in different spots in London. The coolest part though is how connected everything and everyone is and with that comes loads of support and love. Ines Rae has been killing it with how fast she’s growing and it’s been a pleasure for me to be involved with that, as her guitarist and musical director. I gotta give love to all my Loud LDN girlies as well! There is such an energy with that group, especially live, and they’ve all got bright paths ahead of them. 

What has been your best and your worst experience on stage?

Let’s get the worst out of the way. Definitely the first gig I’ve ever done. We didn’t get a soundcheck, the first song starts and my microphone isn’t turned on, the backing tracks weren’t loud enough, my in-ears stop working and I remember my synth stand breaking and the synth falling. But hey, these things happen, and it’s about getting through it and still putting on the best show you can and having the best time, and the night still turned out great. The best experience I’ve had and continue so far has just been interactions with fans on stage. To see them scream the words back to me, seeing some of them cry to some of my songs and go on Facetime with their friends that couldn’t make the gigs, it really puts into perspective the power that they have and the impact this project has already. 

Now, to finish our interview we have some fun questions for you. Please tell us two truths and a lie about you, and we’ll see if our readers can guess which one is the lie.

Readers, have a field day with these:

• I’ve never learnt how to ride a bike 
• I’m allergic to seafood 
• I threw up on stage broadcast on national TV

Do you sign-up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?

I don’t know if this would count as a conspiracy theory but I am such an advocate of mythological creatures and other life forms existing out there. Look at the ocean for example. 70% covers our planet and yet only 5% of it is fully explored or something like that? There HAS to be societies that live beneath the surface with their own governments and systems. Same goes with outer space. Think about it, when you look at adaptations of creatures in films/TV/books, of course it’s fiction but surely, there is truth behind the creations of these “myths”. 

I hear you love video games, what has been your favorite video game to play?

I’ve actually been diving back into the catalog of some of my favorite franchises growing up. 2024 is a bit of a slow gaming year, release wise, so recently I’ve been re-discovering games I’ve not played in ages. Just finished God of War 2, forgot how good that is and I’m currently grinding out Fallout 4, admittedly I’ve just clocked in at 100 hours of playtime hahah. Video games are my form of escape and comfort, so the love is always there and it’s been fulfilling to bring that passion into the project. 

Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.

I’m actually really quiet and awkward and massively introverted. People tend to be surprised when I say that because the moreofthem persona is quite bodacious and loud, especially on stage, I’m completely feral and unhinged but more often than not, I’m actually reserved and keep to myself quite a lot. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?

We’re only just getting started! Things are gonna get crazier and crazier, and more unhinged. If you’re searching for connection, please, come and join the open_world.

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The post RGM INTRODUCING – WE INTERVIEW MOREOFTHEM WHAT HAPPENED? first appeared on RGM : REYT GOOD MAGAZINE.