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For complete tour and ticketing details, visit: livenation.com.au, livenation.co.nz
or mothermothersite.com

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Photo – Mackenzie Walker

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Interview with
RYAN GULDEMOND
of
MOTHER MOTHER

(26th August 2024)

Interview with Audrey Songvilay

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Listen to the whole interview here

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Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother Discusses Their Bold New Album, *Grief Chapter*

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Hello Amnplify readers!

I’m Audrey Songvilay from Amnplify. We’re thrilled to share an exclusive conversation with Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother. As fans eagerly dive into their latest release, *Grief Chapter*, we caught up with Ryan to explore the album’s deeper themes, its sonic evolution, and what’s next for the band. From the Gold Coast, where I am based, let’s take a closer look at what Ryan had to say about their exciting new chapter.

#### **Celebrating the Release of *Grief Chapter***

The release of *Grief Chapter* marks a significant milestone for Mother Mother. Ryan expressed his excitement about the album’s launch, noting how rewarding it is to finally share their new music with fans. “It’s sort of like the reward after hiding away with the material,” Ryan explained. “Once it’s done, you get to share it and kind of party with the people that enjoy it.” The transition from the private process of music-making to the communal experience of performing live is something Ryan clearly cherishes.

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#### **A New Era: Thematic and Sonic Shifts**

*Grief Chapter* represents a profound shift for Mother Mother both thematically and sonically. Unlike previous records such as *Touch Up* or *Inside*, this album delves into themes of death, spirituality, and the existential aspects of life. “It’s so clearly about death and how life interacts with the concept of death,” Ryan said. “We’ve never tackled this subject so head-on.” He also described the album’s sound as their “most muscular” and “confident” to date, highlighting a bold and punchy sonic direction.

#### **Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places**

One of the most intriguing aspects of the album’s creation involved an unexpected source of inspiration. Ryan shared a fascinating story about the title track: “There was a conversation I had with a friend via text about his grief over his father’s passing. I said, ‘It sounds like you’re in a Grief Chapter,’ and my friend suggested it as a song title.” This personal and emotional exchange transformed into the powerful song *Grief Chapter*, illustrating how deeply personal experiences can shape and enrich their music.

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#### **Key Tracks and Live Favorites**

For those new to the album, Ryan recommends *Grief Chapter* as the key track to understand the album’s overarching theme. However, he also pointed to *Explode!* as a great introduction due to its existential angst and energetic vibe. On stage, Ryan highlighted a few fan favorites, including *Explode!*, *The Matrix*, and *Nobody Escapes*. These songs are known for their high energy and strong audience engagement.

#### **Pre-Show Rituals and Performance Nerves**

When it comes to preparing for live shows, Ryan and his bandmates keep things relaxed and straightforward. “We chill, crack jokes, do our little vocal warm-up, and then hit the stage,” Ryan revealed. Despite the importance and intensity of live performances, he shared that he no longer experiences the nerve-wracking pre-show jitters he once did. Instead, he’s fully immersed in the moment, focusing on delivering a great show.

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#### **Cherishing Fan Connections**

Fan interactions hold a special place in Ryan’s heart. The band frequently receives touching letters and sees fans expressing their connection to the music through tattoos and other personal gestures. “The Mother Mother fan base is some of the sweetest people we’ve ever come across,” Ryan said. This strong bond between the band and their fans enhances their live shows and makes every performance even more meaningful.

#### **Dream Collaborations and Australian Tour**

Looking ahead, Ryan mentioned their recent collaboration with Cavetown and expressed admiration for Bjork as a potential dream collaborator. “Bjork would be a cool person to work with,” he noted, citing her artistic and avant-garde style as a perfect match for their creative vision.

Mother Mother’s upcoming tour in Australia has Ryan particularly excited. “The culture in Australia is amazing,” he said. “People are just out and about, enjoying life. The shows we had there last time were crazy, and we’re excited to reconnect with fans and put on some great performances.” While he’s not a fan of Vegemite, Ryan enjoyed Tim Tams and fondly remembers seeing kangaroos and koalas during their previous visit.

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#### **Wrapping Up**

As we await Mother Mother’s return to Australia and continue to enjoy *Grief Chapter*, it’s clear that this album is a significant and exciting development in their musical journey. With its profound themes, bold sound, and the band’s commitment to connecting with their fans, *Grief Chapter* promises to be a standout record.

Thank you for joining us for this insightful conversation with Ryan Guldemond. Stay tuned to Amnplify for more artist features and music news!

**Until next time,**

**Audrey and the Amnplify Team**

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Listen to the whole interview here

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Follow MOTHER MOTHER
Official Site – Facebook – X-Twitter
 Instagram – YouTube – Spotify

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For complete tour and ticketing details, visit: livenation.com.au, livenation.co.nz
or mothermothersite.com

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Photo – Mackenzie Walker

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AMNPLIFY – DB