What are your names?
My musical moniker is Maudie Michelle and my musical partner in crime and life goes by Jimmie Maneuva.
What is the band’s name?
Stonerpop
How did you come up with the band’s name?
Jimmie and I are always tossing ideas around to one another, and a number of years ago we found ourselves discussing the term, “Stonerpop,” and what it might mean. We loved the idea of pop for stoners – really, pop-esque music that subverts expectations (rather than the typical sludge-rock that the word “stoner” has come to indicate when applied to music). After doing a Google search, we saw that, at the time, it was a largely unused word, so we decided to utilize it as our band name.
What is your genre of music?
We create electronic pop and rock music. However, we are influenced by anything we hear and like, so it is best to not be surprised at anything we create.
Give us a little bio about you.
We are an American electronic duo who craft sounds as diverse as the cultures from which we formed. We discovered overlapping interests in subjects and sounds in 2015, when we bagan to compose music together. I am from the Pacific Northwest and Jimmie the Deep South, bringing varied perspectives to the project. We ultimately formed Stonerpop in 2016 and released our first, self-titled, EP. Before the follow-up, “Physical Business,” in 2017, we were nominated one of five finalists for Best Local Band in DeltaStyle Magazine’s “Best of The Delta.” In 2018, our music video for “Headglow” earned us an Official Selection in the African Smartphone International Film Festival. The end of 2018 saw another release, titled “Apollo,” after the name of our firstborn son. Currently, our next release, “American Dreams,” is scheduled to be out on January 1, 2020.
What made you go into music?
I have loved music for as long as I can remember. I was a band and choir kid throughout the entirety of primary and secondary school. However, it took me seeing other people continuing to create music into adulthood before I had the boost of confidence, I needed to keep walking down that path.
Are you signed?
Stonerpop is an independent music project.
You released your new single ‘Night Terrors’, tell us more about it.
“Night Terrors” is the first single from our forthcoming release, “American Dreams.” It was written and recorded by Jimmie and me in our home studio.
What is the meaning behind the Single?
“Night Terrors” is about the feeling of increasing anxiety while fighting against entropy. It’s about the struggle to stay sane while navigating society.
Describe the track in two words.
Existential Helplessness
What was the writing process like?
For us, the writing process is often like a game of catch: we toss the track back and forth, adding or changing elements until it is ready. When we either get stuck or past a certain point, we sit down together to work through writer’s block and/or to nail down lyrics.
What was the recording process like?
Our recording process often overlaps with the writing process. We create and add sounds in the studio. Although, we do get together and record vocals during specifically scheduled sessions.
You also released a music video for the single, what was the creative process like for you.
I am very excited about this music video (and others that will be coming out soon!). This release is the first time we have successfully sought out and hired animators to create our videos. For this track, I let the animator, Devon Higgins, have her way with the visuals. I just provided the track and a general feeling I wanted her to capture.
You also have a new album ‘American Dreams’ set to drop, tell us more about it.
‘American Dreams’ is a dystopian dreamscape composed of 10 tracks that take the listener through an ethereal journey about getting stuck in the cheese wheel. The album is about confidence and the lack thereof. It’s about impostors, both real and fake. It’s about failure and the illusion of victory. Ultimately, the album is meant to encourage the listener to both relax and take action.
Who did you work with on the album?
The album was created from the ground up by Jimmie and myself. I created the album artwork. The only outside collaboration we have is with the animators for our music videos.
Do you have any shows coming up?
Yep!
If so where will you be heading?
We will be heading to Monroe, Louisiana for our Album Release Party on December 28th. We plan to schedule more shows throughout 2020, as well.
What else can we expect in 2019?
We are scheduled to release two more singles and videos in November and December, preceding the January 1st release of the album, “American Dreams.”
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any artists?
I have nothing currently nailed down, so cannot confirm it here. However, we are working out some details (so keep your eyes peeled!).
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely! They should reach out to me (Maudie Michelle) via email (stonerpopmusic@gmail.com) – or send a dm to any of our social media pages.
Do you play any instruments?
I play the trumpet, ukulele, bass guitar, keys, and can dabble on any wind instrument. Jimmie is classically trained on the viola and also plays drums, keys, guitar, bass guitar, and really, he can make anything with strings sing.
Who are your influences?
There are too many to list, but off the top of my head, we love Massive Attack, U.N.K.L.E., Metric, Garbage, and Autolux.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Inspiration to write songs comes from many places. Sometimes we’ll be inspired by a situation within our social circle. Sometimes it’s by a story on the news. Other times it’ll be a weird dream. We try to stay open to inspiration and are always looking for the next thing.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
In 5 years, I see myself still making art in whatever format I am inspired to create.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
When I am not doing music, I am creating another form of art or playing with my son. As far as a “day job” is concerned, I am an educator at a college who teaches people how to effectively write.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
It wasn’t a single song, and I would have to say it was a series of events and thoughts throughout my life that have led me to where I am now. However, I can cite that watching Imogen Heap’s vlogs while she wrote her album, ‘Ellipse,’ really inspired me to begin making electronic sounds and songs.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Kindness and love is free. Pass it around!
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
We’re currently straddled across North Louisiana. In Monroe, I would say it’s imperative to stop at Enoch’s Irish Pub & Café for an out-of-this-world meal and drink. In Shreveport, a visitor should catch a film at the Robinson Film Centre.
You’re coming off tour:
1/ Where do you go first?
We haven’t toured again since the birth of our son, but I would think we would go wherever he is, first.
2/ Who do you see first?
Other than family, I would see some of my artist friends.
3/What do you eat first?
Honestly, probably a couple bean burritos from Taco Bell so I can collapse in my home and not have to go anywhere or cook anything the first day home.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1. Water
2. Lyrics
3. Merch
4. Credit Card Reader
5. Tip money for the bartender
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Soundcloud
Bandcamp
