Q&A with Motez!

Embraced for his unique ability to create “dance music with purpose", Australian/Iraqi producer Motez has always taken a considered approach to the concepts and production behind his various works. Today releasing the intimate five track EP titled ‘Soulitude’, alongside a breathtaking live set, never before has this sentiment rung so true. Composed in response to the global mindset of isolation, the project is a raw, minimal and emotive ambient work, encompassing his own experiences and the natural human responses to seclusion. The stunning Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, known for its rugged coastlines and vineyards, serves as the backdrop to the cinematic live performance that accompanies the record, elevating the beauty and vastness of the surroundings, culminating in an emotive and truly immersive experience. In partnership with United We Stream Australia and launching it's national series of live-streamed electronic events, Motez will be using his global platform to raise awareness for the challenges of his community following the pandemic and the devastating bushfires by aligning with local Aussie initiative Support Act, to help raise funds for crisis relief to artists, crew and music workers across the industry.

1. You’ve just released a really inspiring 5 track EP called ‘Soulitude! The EP is incredibly raw! Can you tell us the mindset you were in when you went into this project and have you learnt anything from it? 

I think because the world around us was experiencing something totally new and everybody was going through some level of apprehension, sadness and anxiety I thought I wanted to deal with these emotions in a cathartic way, a form of therapy through music with the least amount of barriers between myself and the listener. I moved my studio home and wanted to deal with this change in a new environment. No clubs were open and so it didn’t make sense to channel the usual dance-music oriented output, and that’s how Soulitude was born. I’ve learned this time, more than ever, that if you bring honest and meaningful music into people’s lives that they understand it and connect with it on a deeper level than anything else you make, I’ve never felt more connected to my fan-base (old and new) as much as I did with Soulitude.

 2. Have you had any challenges mentality with the move away from producing club orientated tracks to your Soulitude EP and will we be expecting more of this sound? 

In all honesty, I did not, I grew up listening to music like this and I still do to this day, it was natural for me to express myself in this form of music. Because circumstances were different and so was the music so I am not sure if this music will be something I’d do again any time soon, I think what made it special is the contrast to what I normally make, but who knows? We’re only halfway through 2020 and it’s already proving to be the “annus horribilis” so there might be more challenging times, but I truly hope I’m wrong. 

3. You’ve recently finished a collaboration with the talented Qrion releasing ’Slow Down’ on Lane 8’s label 'This Never Happened’. How did you meet and what was it like collaborating with her? 

I was on a lengthy writing trip to LA and I met Momiji, she flew in from SF where she’s based. It’s a common occurrence that music sessions don’t take off immediately but in this instance, we immediately got along so well, plus we both have a fair bit of focus on melody and chords so that was the backbone to what we started. We both knew the result was going to be special, I worked on the song a day or two after and it was done, this was a sign that it was great from the get-go.

4. With the shutdown of live shows and nightclubs, you’ve partnered with United We Stream Australia and delivered a spectacular live show on Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. What was that experience like and are there any spots from your beautiful state that you have in mind for another live show if/when the time calls? 

It was quite the process to organise and think out but I had a great team of local mates on the ground who have helped me put it all together. Every organisation from the local council to the local government were very supportive as they thought it was important for music in South Australia and the country, they believed in the idea and so that made many logistical issues (including the location) much easier to organise. There are so many spectacular spots in SA that I would love to do something with at some point; the entire coast here is gorgeous.

5. Besides producing, have you taken up any other hobbies or interests with the extra time many of us have had in the recent months and is there anything that you’d like to do before 2021 comes knocking? 

Like most people, I have been cooking lots and I realised how much I enjoy it, I've been making a lot of Laksa (which is my favourite dish) and so I was obsessing with making it better every time, let’s see if I master it by the end of the year. My aim is to start making traditional Iraqi dishes by the end of the year. 

6. Who are your biggest musical influences and are there any artists you’ve become a fan of lately? 

I’ve always loved acts like Boards of Canada, Mogwai and Vangelis but with Soulitude I’ve channelled some Johann Johannsson, Max Richter and Rival Consoles. I’ve also been listening to lots of “coldwave” music coming out of Eastern Europe like Molchat Doma and Utro, it works really well with what I’m working on at the moment.

7. You grew up in Baghdad, when did you move to Adelaide and how has that shift in lifestyle and cultures shaped you personally and musically? 

I’ve always said that the culture shift for me happened gradually, there are incidences on the way that left their mark and made me realise the differences in cultures e.g. how people process grief, express themselves etc. I always thought I made music in a more Arabic-centric way, the “call and response” is a big thing in that sort of music which I’ve tried to emphasise on while making my own.

Quick 5!

Last album you listened to? – latest 6lack EP

Guilty Pleasure – Spending way too much time on TikTok

Midnight Snack – Sunflower Seeds (a big Arab thing)

Netflix or Audiobook Recommendation – Dark, the best series ever made

Dream Gig – Kappa FuturFestival