Melbourne’s ENOLA caught the attention with single ‘Strange Comfort’. What was immediately striking were the lyrics:
“You’re not the only one, Hold on, Hold on
You’re not the only one, Hold on, Hold on”
“There’s a strange comfort in us all going through the same”
Open and honest the music of ENOLA is informed by personal exploration. They also share that music is where they put their joy as well as their pain. As with many artists it is where emotions can be exposed and can thus be served by them, not destroyed: “Whatever it is, I want to do it honestly. I don’t want to hide. You can’t connect when you’re not willing to be ugly and sweaty, I try to let go of any of that.” I wanted to find out more about this obviously talented artist.
I completely relate to the themes around the track ‘Strange Comfort‘‘. There is absolutely a strange comfort in acknowledging that so many of our challenges and difficulties are also experienced by others. Can you expand on how the track was created?
Initially I wrote the track within Ableton, and it was way more electronically focused. It sat on my hard drive for a good few years. I showed it to the band and we decided we would start to experiment with it a bit by including a lot more live elements. The track again then transformed when we went into the studio with Bonnie Knight. We made the song a lot shorter and really emphasised on the drums and bass. The song has taken many different forms over time though I am very happy with where it has landed.
I understand you have a background in electronic music production. Can you describe how you developed into a solo artist?
I am someone who has always played instruments, and have been paying guitar since very young. I got into electronic music due to loving the nightlife and dance culture but also to be honest, I never used to have a lot of self confidence or belief that I was good enough to be a part of a “band” so to speak. After releasing my first EP however, and starting to play songs live with instrumentation and my vocals, I really started to love that dynamic and as I practiced and immersed myself in that process more and more it allowed me to get rid of a lot of insecurities.
Reading that you use music to express emotions, can you describe what making music means to you?
For me I create out of necessity, I wrote most when I’m really in the thick of something – whether that is love, joy, turmoil, in a space of pain etc. it really allows me to pour a lot of that stuff out. I generally find it pretty hard to express myself in my day to day life, and so music is a way for me to practice that expression, rather than hold it in like a sponge. Music has been super liberating and freeing for me in that sense and I honestly don’t know what I would do without it.
You released your debut self-titled EP in 2019. Can you describe the impact of the pandemic on your creativity?
As I’m sure it was for everyone, the pandemic was a very difficult time. I found myself riding waves of frustration and disappointment throughout this period. I think I struggled most by not being able to play music with others and perform, I also struggled with a real lack of momentum, I’m someone who really struggles when I don’t have that forward movement. Though one thing it did give me was a chance to pause, reflect and really grow as an artist.
Here in the UK we are becoming more and more aware of Australian punk bands. There seems to be a very strong scene. Is that right?
The Melbourne music scene is so good, honestly whatever you are looking for you can probably find it here, the punk scene is super strong. I’d say I’d probably sit more in the post-punk scene, though as I said you can find anything you want here, from dance music to jazz etc. It’s a great city to be in.
What are your plans for 2022? Do you have plans to tour? Is there more new music on the way?
I’m playing a couple of single launch shows in early September (Friday, September 2nd @ The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne & Saturday, September 3rd @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney), and then we’re heading to BIGSOUND a couple days after which is very exciting. I’m also working on my debut album currently, which will be released next year.
If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find?
Vegan fetta, and some sad vegetables (I’m overdue a grocery shop).
For more information on ENOLA please check out their facebook and twitter.
