If I told you that music could transport you to the green hills of Donegal and at the same time to the vibrant metropolis of Glasgow, you might wonder what kind of magical melody this could be. Enter mokusla, who seems to have taken this magical recipe and blended it into her debut EP, you don’t know what you’re missing. Her music is like a time capsule where ancient Irish melodies meet modern electronic rhythms, and a gentle breeze from the Atlantic shores brings her songs straight to your heart. The name mokusla is derived from the Gaelic “Mo Chuisle,” which literally translates to “my darling.” And honestly, you’ll feel as though each of her tracks is a personal message meant just for you. Since releasing her debut EP in October 2022, mokusla has managed to captivate even the most discerning music lovers, including titans like BBC Introducing Scotland. Both local and national radio stations have already recognized the quality of her music, and it’s safe to say—this is just the beginning. Her new single “ghost” is the first track from her upcoming EP lovely people here, but it’s just not the same, which is set to be released in October. If her previous release could be considered a kind of introduction, then “ghost” is a step to the next level. In this song, mokusla shares her experience of long-distance friendships, that sweet and bitter nostalgia we all know so well. In this exclusive interview with her, we delve deeper into her music, inspirations, new single, and much more.

photo by Zoe Sheehy

Hey mokusla, listening to ‘ghost’ feels like getting wrapped up in a big, warm audio hug, especially for those of us with pals scattered all over the globe. Could you take us back to the beginning—what was the spark or specific experience that set you off on the journey of creating this song?

Thank you! The idea for the song began when a friend of mine was going through a difficult time and not being treated well. It was really hard to see her struggle, especially from far away. ‘ghost’ began as some simple piano chords years ago to try and process my frustration.

‘ghost,’ is this incredible mash-up of modern electronic vibes with touches of traditional folklore—it’s like the future and the past having a dance party. In the studio, how do you juggle these different sonic worlds to keep everything so harmonious?

I usually begin every song on the piano, gradually add textures and sounds and then beats. I enjoyed keeping the piano a focal point throughout ‘ghost’, which I think keeps it intimate. 

Producing, mixing, and mastering—looks like you wear a lot of hats! What was the biggest challenge you faced in bringing ‘ghost’ to life, and how did you overcome it?”

At the moment I’m only producing! I only started learning how to produce in 2020 and so I still feel very new to it, and I’m constantly learning. ‘ghost’ was mixed by Ronan Fay and mastered by Samuel J. Smith in Green Door studio in Glasgow, who both have been such a support in bringing the EP to life. I wrote ghost years ago and it sat as a voice recording on my phone until I finally brought it into Ableton, but I think the biggest challenge was finding the right sound for the second half of the song as I imagined in my head. I really wanted it to be upbeat and strong and to be reflective of how strength could be regained.

The title of your upcoming EP, ‘lovely people here, but it’s just not the same,’ really hits home. Are there specific stories or emotions tied to each song that echo this central theme?

Yes, each song from the EP explores the ebb and flow of long distance friendship. Each song is either based on a friend helping me or me helping a friend, and I like to think of this movement in friendship like the tide – which is a big visual theme in the project. When I had gathered these songs and was looking for an EP title, I came across that sentence written on my notes app from years ago and it really stood out to me. 

You’ve been involved in some really cool collaborations lately. How have these experiences influenced the music you’re making now? Any particular lessons or insights that have stuck with you?

Yes I was lucky to receive the Hen Hoose X PRS mentorship last year which was really transformative. Hen Hoose is a songwriting collective of award-winning female and non-binary artists. I was mentored by Tamara Schlesinger (MALKA) and Susan Bear and I feel the mentorship really helped me have confidence in my work and myself as a producer. I’ve also collaborated with Flos Collective which are a Glasgow-based organisation, promoting and connecting women and non-binary people in the arts. Through Flos, I’ve met many amazing artists such as Lisa Meech who I collaborated with when making the EP. As a solo artist, these experiences have really supported me and helped me have the confidence to collaborate not only in music but also in visual art and design.

photo by Zoe Sheehy

‘ghost’ clocks in at just over five minutes, which is definitely on the longer side for a track. When you’re creating music, do you think about the length of a song, or is it more about letting the track evolve naturally, no matter how long it ends up being?

Honestly I don’t think about the length at all! There is another track on the EP almost seven minutes long but it makes complete sense to me. I enjoy letting a track evolve naturally based on the overall narrative and emotion I’m trying to convey. I’m really influenced by tracks that build and grow into a crescendo like artists such as New Jackson, Underworld and Orbital.

When you’re performing live, I bet it’s a whole different vibe compared to being in the studio, especially with your unique blend of sounds. How do you adapt your music for the stage?

Yes it really is and it’s something I’m learning from each performance. I produced this EP in Ableton Live and so as Ableton naturally lends itself to performing live, I can easily pull out sections and sounds to play while I sing. Over the years I’ve enjoyed trying different arrangements with midi controllers and instruments, and my EP launch in October is going to be a blend of that and really establish what I want mokusla’s live experience to be. 

Your live shows are quite the experience! What’s coming up in your gig calendar, and is there anything special you’re planning for these shows?

Thank you! I am supporting the amazing Alas de Liona on her upcoming album launch tour in September which I am really excited about. And mokusla’s upcoming EP launch with Flos Collective will be in October in Glasgow. I am collaborating with designer Dalian Rynne to create live visuals for this immersive performance.

If you could change one thing about the way people interact with or perceive music today, what would it be and why?

I would love to see streaming platforms change their models to support artists more!

Do you have a favorite spot in Glasgow or anywhere else in the world that feels like a retreat or a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle?

The Metal Man, Ards Friary, Co. Donegal – the most peaceful place in the world for me. This particular place inspired my upcoming single ‘the metal man’ which releases on 18th September.

Connect with mokusla via Instagram

*This interview was made possible by BTD Sounds PR