- Words Notion Staff
To celebrate the forthcoming release of ‘TV Bliss’, we got acquainted with MRCH, talking the power of prog-metal, living dual lives and making music with moody undertones.
With an attitude for musical exploration, MRCH are a two-piece alt-rock duo making a buzz thanks to their joyous and playful tones. Since they signed a record deal to esteemed label The Vertex, the band have gone from strength to strength, unwilling to be bound by the conventions of modern music. Previewing their new EP, ‘TV Bliss’, new single “Stars Align” is another meticulously crafted masterpiece, which will undoubtedly propel them to new commercial heights. Playing shows with the likes of CHVRCHES, and Foster The People, MRCH have won fans in some of the world’s most esteemed artists.
Accompanied by a dexterously-produced video, which shows off MRCH’s eye for visual aesthetics, “Stars Align” is an ode to the situations you can’t control, but the ones that you learn the most from. Filled with sleek synth-pop and fuzzy guitar work, the track feels both cathartic and slightly unsettling: two contrasting emotions that show off the duality encaptured in the band’s work.
To celebrate the forthcoming release of ‘TV Bliss’, we got acquainted with MRCH, talking the power of prog-metal, living dual lives and making music with moody undertones.
Let’s start from the beginning… How did you meet and when did you start making music together?
A: We met in Prescott at a mom+pop music store called AZ Music Pro. Jesse was in a prog-metal band and I was a singer-songwriter. We moved to Phoenix and went to school to study jazz performance. Then we bought Ableton Live and started an alt-pop band.
What makes you a good team? How do your skills, personality traits and music tastes gel together?
A: Jesse was a baseball coach at around 16 yrs old and has been a manager at a bookstore or a coffee company ever since. He’s good at logistics, is generally level-headed and loves getting experimental with music. I wear my bleeding heart on my sleeve and have too deep a need to connect with people. I want to evoke emotion and meet the people that relates to.
You’ve really embraced this in-depth way of collaborating on upcoming EP ‘TV Bliss’ – can you talk us through the initial roots of the project and how it grew? What’s stayed consistent with your initial ideas and in what ways has it been shaped in unexpected ways?
A: The pandemic reminds me of a time when I felt isolated and sad. When I was growing up, my mum moved me from Tennessee through a bunch of states. We landed in AZ as she was hiding from my often imprisoned father. I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone where we were from and even had to lie about my name. I never felt like I could let anybody close, and in turn, I never felt known. TV, movies and radio were my escape into a world where I could feel some sense of normality. I read about a lot of artists and their strange lives. I thought maybe this was a crew I could belong in. I still don’t know if I do, but it’s the closest I’ve gotten.
What other collaborations or conversations significantly shaped the project?
A: After all our plans for 2020 got canceled, we were left with the question, ‘What now?’. During that time, My mum had a heart attack and almost died and my stepdad had a stroke. I had to commit a close family member to an emergency psychiatric care facility. Signing the papers, I was broken and I really thought there wasn’t a point to any of it, let alone art. After some regrouping and realising music wasn’t something I couldn’t stop making, I decided I wanted to grow and be challenged as an artist. Jess was on the same page. We wanted to explore new ways of going about it all. So in a bid to have a bit of a mentor and someone whose artistry I respected, I reached out to Jim Adkins. He used to be a regular at the coffee shop where I was a barista. He’s a cool guy, and was down to work on demos with us. So that was a real encouragement. Kind of some accountability to keep going too.
Sonically you seem to float between different genres, what sounds do you mainly draw from on this project? Would you say it fits within any genre?
A: It all depends on the mood and the day. For better or for worse, it always has a tinge of melancholy, even the happy songs. I think alternative is a safe umbrella. Most of the TV shows that had our songs are slightly strange in a way. Is strange a genre?
Recent single “Stars Align” explores some really nuanced but themes, balancing both a sense of surrender to situations beyond our control and a sense of agency in accepting that. What does the song mean to you both personally?
A: That the only real power we do have is letting go. Trying our best is important, but not letting outside circumstances completely define us is a strength. And fighting against that outside pressure for compliance with kindness. It’s all important. Even if it’s easier said than done. Maybe singing about it makes it a little easier to live out.
What other themes do you explore lyrically on the project?
A: Breakdowns and buildups, and finding beauty in the midst.
The video concept really adds another dimension to the vision creatively (for “Stars Align”), can you talk us through the process for that and your evolving relationship with television / escapism / music?
A: We’ve always been excited to have immersive shows. Programming lights and automating through Ableton along with our set was something we started out doing. We ran into trouble trying to set all that up before a gig with a 15 minute turnover, after short line check while touring up and down the west coast as a duo though. It got a tad problematic. But we tried! Now we’re pivoting more to letting the videos scratch that visual art itch because we aren’t at the level live where all that set-up is possible. This “Stars” video was a partnership with our buddy Montag Media. There were loads of green screen and miniatures in ode to the likes of Michel Gondry. We want that weirdness.
Have music and visuals always done hand-in-hand for you both?
A: More Jesse than I, but he’s come around and totally gets into it now.
What other visual references are you incorporating into the EP (whether it’s for artwork, videos, stage design)?
A: TRL circa 2000, grimy thriller flick, Wong Kar-wai shots.
Where do you envision fans listening to the project in full?
A: At a show. Then immediately after, as they spin their newly acquired vinyl coming out this fall.
Looking forward, what are you manifesting for the second half of the year?
A: A real tour and maybe a song in a movie, it’s TV Bliss after all.