Music Spotlight: Moonray
We’re closing out the year with a favorite new music discovery: synth-pop duo Moonray. The pair’s latest two releases Come Away + No Stranger to Love are the perfect new year’s soundtrack. The real-life newlyweds flawlessly encapsulate modern romance through their experimental, yet catchy production, vintage synthesizers + feel-good lyricism. Come Away + No Stranger to Love transport us through a whimsical soundscape depicting the story of their relationship, and we can’t get enough of the blissful world they’ve created. We caught up with the pair all about their sound + what’s to come in the new year.
photo by Taylor Prinsen
Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your recent releases! Can you tell us all about Come Away and No Stranger to Love?
Moonray: Come Away is a very special song, released on our wedding day and will always be our wedding song. For us, it’s an ultimate love song. The many things we’ve gone through together, the many things lovers go through together and continue to stay strong. It’s about being there in times of darkness and holding a light out for each other to make it back home. No Stranger to Love is a song about the beautiful disasters we were before we started dating and the beginnings of our relations and how they were strongly held by love. Together we overcame a lot.
AM: What was your favorite part about creating these songs?
M: One of our favorite parts about creating our songs is getting to play in our studio Moon Labs and the magic that comes from using each unique vintage synthesizer and drum machines.
AM: When writing a song what typically comes easiest for you, lyrics or a melody?
M: Typically melodies come the easiest; the lyrics are more of a process but no less enjoyable. They each deserve their own special time. But there are occasions where lyrics just fly out of our minds.
AM: Are there any consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
M: You could say our music is consistent with the theme of love and pulling out from the darkness into the light, as well as overcoming hardships and enjoying the bliss that life has to offer.
AM: For first time listeners, how do you like to describe your sound?
M: We like to describe it as a cosmic pop retro vibe. Some of our biggest influences include Prince, Madonna, The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, and Eurythmics amongst others.
AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
M: We've been listening to Depeche Mode, Erasure, Yaz, The Human League, Eurythmics, CHVRCHES and Pink Floyd amongst others.
photo by Taylor Prinsen
AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self and your music?
M: Although we feel in touch with our creative self and music wherever we go, including small airplane seats, some of our most inspiring spots include the Colorado mountains, Santa Monica, and Enchanted Rock.
AM: What can we expect to hear from you in the new year?
M: 2020 is the year we release our first official music video as part of our Honeymoon EP along with two more singles including Cotton Candy Disco Pie and When You’re Around. We’re also prepping our live set for more live shows in 2020.
// listen to No Stranger to Love:
// Listen to more Moonray on Spotify.
