Mothica–the LA-based singer, performer, and visual artist McKenzie Ellis–today released her new EP and debut for SharpTone Records, Somewhere In Between. Praise and support from Kerrang! (cover story) She also shared “WEAPON,” the EP’s new gloomy, industrial anthem. “I wrote the verses for ‘WEAPON‘ the day before I went to rehab, it was my last night I was truly intoxicated and self-reflecting on the uglier sides of myself. It’s painful to be so self aware but not change anything. I used to think I used drugs because I wanted to lose control, but as I learned more, it’s actually a way for me to control my surroundings. If I control the state of mind I’m in, then I’m in charge. When I left rehab, I got to finish the track with Curt Martin, Matty Beats and Trever Stewart. At the end of my shows, I tell people that ‘being sensitive is a superpower’ so this song is how I brandish the powers of having a heavy heart.”
Somewhere in Between represents a return to self for Mckenzie, and a chance to open up her sound in new ways. “Getting sober again opened my heart up to feeling all the things I had been numbing. Looking at myself from an honest lens, no matter how unflattering, unveiled an intense urge to write more music,” she explains. “Heavier guitars, punchier vocals, cinematic synths. It was tricky figuring out what ‘flavour’ of rock that’d feel true to me, creating this combination of dark pop and rock and metal. I worked with new collaborators, with songs produced by Elliot Polokoff (Drop Dead Gorgeous), Curt Martin (Catch Your Breath), Zach Jones (The Home Team, Scene Queen, Fever 333) and some co-production by me.”
SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN TRACKLIST
Evergreen Misery
Weapon
Save Your Roses
BULLET
Somewhere In Between
RELEASES NEW EP
SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN VIA SHARPTONE RECORDS
Photo credit: Max Durante