Q+A: 5 Minutes with ena mori
Award-winning singer ena mori shares her thoughts on society and encourages her listeners to step out of their comfort zone with her new feel-good song ‘SOS’. Released via Offshore Music Ph, this synth pop-infused single shares sentiments of owning who you are without regret and letting yourself shine with your beautifully unique differences. As a child, the singer would gravitate toward the iconic and distinctly classic works of Mozart and Chopin, this foundation of rich and varied textures would lead her to discover other out-of-the-box acts which now inspire her sound today. We dive deeper into the world and mind of the innovative musician in this exclusive interview with her.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Art is the easier way for me to express myself.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
The sound comes first definitely. I start with the chords and build up the melodies first.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
The song is produced by my partner Timothy Run.
What’s on your current playlist?
Many genres, but right now a lot of brit-pop.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I love it when I smile at my fans from the stage when they’re dancing to the song and suddenly they get a little shy. It is not usual to see my fans being themselves while we are performing.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I try to listen to different genres of songs. It doesn’t become necessarily my favorite songs, but it is nice to study songs that are out of my comfort zone from time to time.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Me and my producer Tim will go into the studio with the demo we created, and from there we start recording the main and the backup vocals. I tend to make a little space for a new idea when it comes to vocals, because often when I record, I get inspired to add a new element.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
I go through that moment all the time. Still do and still will do I think. Creating art is one thing and making it a living is another. The pressure and the responsibility to be an artist is something that is different for each and every artist, but for me, I doubt my decision from time to time.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
I focus on vulnerability. It is hard for me to be raw and honest but I believe that people truly feel something when the artist is vulnerable.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
One Click Straight is an exciting band that I have been supporting from the beginning. Their sound is so sophisticated and advanced, and their writing is so raw and honest. I think they have a huge potential to make it big not just in the Philippines but internationally as well.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Going out!
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Tim uses reason as a DAW to produce most of my songs. I use my good old Nectar Panorama P4 keys for the show and also for writing.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Not at the moment.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I think by performing and meeting people, sharing my art, and experiencing myself as an artist has made me the artist that I am today.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I am working on a new album. I am excited to share what I’ve been working on for the past two years.
Famous last words?
You only live once.
Follow ena mori:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Image credit: Telle Ramos
