In a society that often shies away from conversations about mortality, MOTHICA boldly embraces the topic, transforming her personal struggles into compelling art. Her latest album, “Kissing Death,” is an innovative audio/visual journey that delves into her intricate relationship with life, loss, and mental health.
Originally from Oklahoma and now based in Los Angeles, MOTHICA has cultivated a distinctive hybrid rock sound that has more than enough catchy and melodious elements to interest even the most orthodox pop listener. Her music acts as a cathartic exploration of her experiences, blending somber melodies with energetic guitar riffs.
Reflecting on her lifelong fascination with mortality, MOTHICA shares, “For my whole life, I’ve romanticized death,” she states. “In the back of my mind, suicide seemed like a natural and easy solution. When my thoughts get dark, I remind myself that we have an infinite amount of time to ‘not exist.’ For the small sliver I’m here, it’s important to soak up every second and make the most of it. It’s scary to surrender to the unknown, but it’s powerful to not give into my toxic vices anymore” she adds, highlighting her journey toward resilience and self-acceptance.
“Kissing Death” marks MOTHICA’s third studio album, released under her own label, Heavy Heart Records, in partnership with Rise Records/BMG. This stunning project features 12 tracks, each accompanied by visually striking music videos that weave a surreal narrative. In a creative twist, she portrays the Grim Reaper as a romantic figure in a darkly comedic storyline, exploring themes of love, grief, and the shadows that linger in our lives.
The album is nothing short of a rich tapestry, brimming with textures galore that keep you guessing about what might unfold next in its brooding rock/pop depths. It masterfully weaves operatic pop elements into its fabric, amplifying the powerful riffs that define its sound. This is especially evident in tracks like “Curiosity Killed The Moth,” where soaring synths collide with the haunting twang of dark Americana guitars, creating an exhilarating sonic experience.
Another standout is the borderline danceable “The Reaper,” which plunges headfirst into the realm of dark synth-pop, blending infectious rhythms with a moody and inviting atmosphere. Among the album’s many other highlights, the gritty riffs of “Oblivion for Two” leave a lasting impression, while the crowning jewel, the titular “Kissing Death,” emerges as a crescendoing hard rock ballad. This track is drenched in ethereal organ lines that not only elevate the spirit but also serve as a poignant farewell, encapsulating the essence of what is truly an extraordinary album.
Through her music, MOTHICA hopes to resonate with those who have faced similar battles with mental health. “If you have struggled with depression, anxiety, or addiction, you can listen to this and maybe find pieces of your own story,” she expresses, underscoring her desire to foster understanding and healing.
Having recently toured across North America and Europe with renowned bands such as Coheed & Cambria and Halestorm, MOTHICA brings the same raw emotion to her live performances that define her recorded work, creating a powerful connection with her audience.
With “Kissing Death,” MOTHICA not only confronts her fears but also encourages others to embrace their complexities. In a world that often avoids uncomfortable truths, her music serves as a poignant reminder that life, with all its challenges, is worth celebrating. Catch MOTHICA in her upcoming tour:
US TOUR DATES
November 4th- Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix, AZ
November 6th- Antone’s, Austin, TX
November 7th- Club Dada, Dallas, TX
November 9th- Masquerade Purgatory, Atlanta, GA (SOLD OUT)
November 11th- A&R Bar, Columbus, OH
November 13th- The Sinclair, Boston, MA
November 14th- The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
November 15th- Songbyrd, Washington, DC (SOLD OUT)
November 17th- Gramercy Theater, New York City, NY
November 20th- Loving Touch, Detroit, MI
November 22nd- Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
November 23rd- Delmar Hall, St. Louis, MO
November 24th- Beer City Music Hall, Oklahoma City, OK
November 26th- Meow Wolf, Denver, CO
November 27th- Soundwell, Salt Lake City, UT
November 29th- Mission Theater, Portland, OR
November 30th- Neumos, Seattle, WA
December 3rd- Goldfield Trading Post, Sacramento, CA
December 4th- Bottom Of The Hill, San Francisco, CA
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