INTERVIEW: Ambient Pop from Mary Knoblock

Portland-based artist Mary Knoblock brings us her latest release with her new single titled “Mustang Runners”, a musical journey that showcases her artistic vision and her unique style. The track starts with atmospheric synth textures that immediately captures the listener’s attention, and then builds gradually to include haunting vocal leads and intricate instrumental tones that add a new layer of complexity to the song.

The song’s use of electronic and neo-classical elements creates an interesting and dynamic contrast, with the vocal melodies weaving seamlessly in and out of the track’s deep sonic fabric. But what really sets “Mustang Runners” apart is its emotional depth. Mary Knoblock’s vocals are ethereal and heartfelt, conveying a sense of longing and melancholy which is at once beautiful and haunting.

The song is a testament to her creative genius and eclectic tastes, showcasing her ability to blend different genres and styles in a way that’s innovative and accessible, resulting in a highly original sound. Her willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territory is what sets her apart from other artists, and it’s clear that she is a true trailblazer in the music industry.

Overall, “Mustang Runners” is an impressive and captivating single that showcases Mary Knoblock’s unique talents as a neo-classical composer and singer-songwriter. The track’s haunting melodic writing and immersive soundscapes make it a must-listen for anyone looking for something new and exciting in the world of avant-garde music. We can’t wait to see what Mary Knoblock will accomplish next, both as an artist and as a champion for women in the industry.

We caught up with Mary to find out more about her inspirations, her new single “Mustang Runners” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out out interview with Mary Knoblock below.

Hey Mary, how’s things?

It’s a beautiful day, and just immersed in the studio for next album, thanks for asking!

How did you first get into making your own music?

I was immersed in all genres of music from a very young age. Classical, Baroque, Jazz, Rock, Classic Rock, Folk, Blues, really the whole arena of music. My parents were very encouraging of exposing me to as much music as they could so my music education started young. I studied the piano a bit, classical guitar and flute throughout my youth and college years. After college, I really enjoyed electronic music and wanted to produce it so learned a bit from a friend about electronic music production and dove in on my own on a DAW I found online and the rest is history really. After I became self taught in music production, I found I had a super deep passion for composing music. So I’d spend hours upon hours in the studio working out instrumental symphonies if you will. They were very raw and experimental 8 or so years ago.

Nowadays we hear more experimental neo classical work outside the typical cinematic composers but it was really really niche and I’m glad I started composing before the trend of avante garde production caught on. It’s still new don’t get me wrong. But, the pieces I composed a decade ago, it’s harder to revisit that newness in composition. Your ear changes, you hear more, and question more in the composition. You listen back and think oh, I need to watch and change this in the next track. I try to let each composition unwind as a painting would and treat each song as a new work of art with its own unique boundaries and expression.

After 250 compositional works or so, I felt something was left to explore and so added in my vocals and started experimenting with poetry I was working on. Combining all three forms of art practice have led me into this really fun space in music again and I’m just super grateful the listeners are finding the works accessible and enjoyable. I definitely did not expect to end up an artist in music and songwriting. The music industry just kinda found me one day after Robot Gold, a super old song of mine, and I’m grateful the industry has been so welcoming. As an artist, I started as a painter when I was young so moving into music formally was for me an extension of the artists practice of discovery of new forms to express yourself. I’ll be making music and writing forever. And I feel really blessed to have wandered into the music industry formally, later on in my 20’s, unexpectedly.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Mozart

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Lately: Alfonso Peduto, Bjork, Cat Power, Cospe, Mozart and Beethoven

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I love painting and often return to my painting and art practice to get inspiration to make music. It gives me time to think about life and often songs or lyrics will come up when I’m making art.

What do you love about the Portland music scene?

Portland is super accepting of all music genres and there’s a lot of appreciation for artists who try something new. So it’s inspired me to just experiment a lot with producing and composing. It’s a fantastic city for smaller indie artists trying to break into the music scene for sure!

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Definitely when they’re chilling, walking, working out, biking, or just working on projects or cooking. You know living life and multitasking.

How do you find drawing on your classical music background when making modern experimental music?

With my classical guitar background, I often think the melodies can be more complex in modern experimental music so there’s definitely influence there of following a more experimental melody. I also like to build around a piano composition per se rather than make a melody of chords for a song. It challenges me to think about the writing structure differently and also think about how the piano composition can carry a song.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I used to build multilayered songs that almost sounded like two conflicting melodies were interweaving with each other. Over time and experience I’ve learned the nuances of bringing in two different styles of music for example but arranging them in a way that isn’t jarring on the ear. It took 7 years for me to get really comfortable with where I’ve evolved to stylistically.

How did you find making your new single “Mustang Runners”?

It was a song that started a year ago and reformed this year so the evolution of the lyrics took some time. The melody came much later but when I sat down to bring everything together it happened very quickly. Within an hour. The song was pretty effortless in composing. The lyrics took the longest to form.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

It’s ok to sit with a memory and not rush through it. It’s ok to process grief and loss and wonder about the experience. You’ll heal in time and use that experience to help others.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Cospe. Also, Jacob Clollier and Alfonso Pudoto.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

A sense of self reflection, healing, and wonder of the human experience, to get lost in a world of sound for a bit and leave their worries behind.

What’s been your favourite live show so far?

The Shins played a show in Portland downtown in the square, it was super informal and just amazing to have them out there sharing their cool music with the town. I love when musicians play outside in a natural environment and include the community and just really focus on the music and being with the fans in a more intimate setting.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

The Gorge Amphitheater: Alfonso Peduto, Jacob Collier, RL Grimes, and Moby.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Start experimenting with music when you’re young. Stick with the lessons, you’ll be grateful when you’re older. Find a community in music to support you. Collaborate with others. And always stay true to your own musical sound and voice. It will stand out more that way.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

I’m working on my latest album Emerald Vain due out 9/8/2023!

Listen to Mustang Runners below