Wonderland.

MLBACARDI

We connected with the industry newcomer to discuss her debut EP, “I LOVE TO DO MY OWN STUNTS”, artistic inspirations, and what’s next in her career ladder.

Photography by Kid Circus

Photography by Kid Circus

Mlbacard¡ is making quite the entrance as she steps into the music industry with her debut EP, “I Love To Do My Own Stunts.” The 7-track record is a perfect taste of the on-the-rise songwriter’s vulnerable remarks on struggling in her teens, as we hear her reflections on the pollution of our minds, sadness, and the bittersweetness of love. “It’s been extremely therapeutic to write, compose, produce, collaborate to now give this part of my life a life of its own, as well as a subsequent end. I’m excited to put the past in the past and continue to evolve emotionally, physically, and especially musically,” she says.

The EP features her energetic brand new single “Guinea Pig,” which is her commentary on her experiences of social conditioning and comes complete with an official video that really nails her thoughts in a wholeheartedly tongue-in-cheek way.

Here, we connect with Mlbacardi to discuss the new musical project, career inspirations, and what’s coming next.

Listen to “I Love To Do My Own Stunts”…

EP embed –

Read the full interview…

Congrats on your debut EP! Can you tell us the story and inspirations behind the tracks?
Thank you, I can’t believe it’s finally out! The main inspirations behind the tracks were due to a tumult and confusing teenage times. It highlights my progression from teenage to adult life.

For instance, “Butterfly” and “Claustrophobic” were both written in close proximity to each other. I was 15 and felt trapped by my surroundings and mind. I felt like the world was crumbling (I, very clearly, was a drama queen)… but interestingly enough, these two songs have this already mature outer perspective of me trying to comfort myself in both songs – in “Butterfly”, it’s the fact of acknowledging only being human, and subsequently being okay with that. We live, and we learn. Whereas “Claustrophobic” is about realising that overcomplicating everything in my head won’t bring me anywhere, that I can be my best friend and worst enemy – the first step at helping yourself is realising those two things simultaneously.

When I was 16, I was gaining more confidence in myself – which also (for some reason) consisted of listening to a lot of techno. That is when I produced the machete and wrote the lyrics for girl5 rul3. It marks a time when a teenage girl starts to flourish into adulthood; what better way to do that than with a fun, sexy song? Fun and sexy isn’t something that has been ultimately prevailing in the entirety of the EP.

“Ketchup” came to me at a dark time in my life, a few years later – 19, depressed and consumed by the ugliness of the world that can prevail sometimes more than others. I eventually found a way out, and this song was definitely a means of humongous catharsis.

“Guinea Pig” I wrote within the same year when I became aware of eyes fixated on my TV screen, I realised that I was wasting my life, aimlessly consuming information that doesn’t serve me, or anyone for that matter -writing about social conditioning and attempting to make a positive impact by highlighting the importance of lucidity and simplicity.
In an attempt to be less of a GUINEA PIG, by defying the big corporations, media, marketing strategies… by having a mind of our own. An attempt at getting out of this numb state.

“Real” came to me in a dream. I had fallen deeply in-love with someone in my dream. When I woke up, that feeling that was ultimately REAL wasn’t actually tangible in the real world… therefore the irony of the title showcased by this experience being considered ‘fake’.
It highlights the power of love in any context and what people do to keep it.

Can you talk us through your upbringing and how it influenced you as an artist?
My parents loved music, although they had, unfortunately, no tangible talent in the realm of music. I always knew I wanted to do music; it was this inexplicable force that had always inclined me to do music.

I asked for a guitar at the age of 4 years old, clearly already having an interest in the instrument… I started writing and composing inaudible songs from as early as 11. My first show consisted of covering “Wonderwall” by singing and playing the guitar at the age of 12 on my own. Composing and writing music thankfully developed into something more listenable at the age of 14/15.

How do you approach the creative process when writing and producing your music?
It depends on the day, my mood, the weather. Everything I do on that day can catalyze what is created. When writing, I often strum on my guitar and find melodies; sometimes, the melodies and words come instantly, and other times, it takes countless hours. When figuring out a fun production Idea, it can stem from an idea I’ve had or being relatively experimental until I create something I like. I can only build a machete. It’s all I need to get an idea through.

How would you describe your artistic essence today?
I would describe my artistic essence today as an indie pop sub-genre… the sub-genre partakes in the ethereal drum&bass of the likes of: REAL and the seemingly random, but not so random techno sounds of: girl5 rul3. My style varies depending on what I listen to; I have a very eclectic music taste… that is what subsequently inspires me on a daily. Long story short, I don’t believe I’m tied to one genre, nor would I want to be.

What excites you the most about this new project?
I think the most exciting thing of all is that I get to live doing what I’m most passionate about… doing what I love most in the world is beyond what I could’ve ever asked for. That definitely is exciting.

I’m also most excited about finally giving this project a life of its own, as well as the connection it can have with people, knowing that we are not alone, that we are all human and experience similar things for the better or, the worse in each of our respective ways.

How did you find your sense of sound and master it into your own?
It’s interesting, as I believe that my voice is the defining aspect of my sound and not necessarily my sound itself. Although there are more prevailing Indie ‘hybrid’ tonalities in most of my songs – I believe that some songs differ entirely in style, and I love that!

Looking ahead, where do you envision yourself taking your artistry?
Looking ahead, I want to develop my sound: watch it evolve while I grow with the different experiences I’m bound to have.

I’m excited for the opportunity to experiment within my artistic universe. For people that surround me, fans to watch me progress simultaneously. I envision accumulating all the tools to become the experimental, badass artist I aspire to be, moreover connecting with people who feel similar things and understand my vision worldwide.

What are your aspirations and goals as a musician?
As a musician, I aspire to improve my guitar skills because there is ALWAYS room for improvement. I would also love to learn new instruments; I always thought the saxophone and violin were sick.

I also aspire to connect with as many people as possible through my love of music. I want to help all moments as the backdrop of one’s continuous passage through life.

Do you have any dream collaborations? Who or what inspires your art today?
My dream collaboration would definitely be 070 Shake – she’s so sick!
So many artists inspire me. I’ve been listening to Deki Alem, The Strokes, Radiohead, Brockhampton. I can’t choose a specific artist who inspires me today; there are too many that inspire me every day.

Are there any other new projects in the pipeline that you could share with us? What are you most excited about in 2024?
There are indeed a lot of songs coming for 2024! I’m so excited to perform live and meet people passionate about music. I’m excited to be able to show people my universe and have that effect on individuals positively. Last but not least, I’m most excited to show the evolution of mlbacard¡. It’s been a long time coming!