ENOLA
Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp
Non-binary, Naarm/Melbourne based musician ENOLA is a fresh face delivering a unique, raw edge to our local music scene. Their blend of post-punk, grunge and shoe gaze results in songs that are equally hard-hitting and catchy. We were lucky enough to have a chat to ENOLA about their recent single ‘Strange Comfort’, where they find their inspo and what’s next on the horizon for them.
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Let’s start off with your history! How did you get started in music?
I've been playing music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a very creative household and have always been encouraged to create music. I think my first guitar was given to me when I was about 4 years old.
Who would you say your major inspirations are?
I take inspiration from a lot of different musicians, writers, painters, dreams that I have, everyday life, my surroundings etc. though if I were to list off a few names I'd say Patti Smith, Rowland S. Howard, Joy Division, Nirvana
Where did the idea for ‘Strange Comfort’ come from?
"There is a comfort in knowing that suffering can be a universal experience. We are alone yet we are together in our aloneness."
Although the track sounds somewhat disillusioned and chaotic, what I would want people to take away from it mostly would be a sense of hope and endurance. That no matter what you're going through or how bad things may seem, to hold on, because you don't know what's around the corner—the end remains untold.
Do you have a go-to method for writing music?
I have no particular structure when it comes to writing music. Though I would say it's generally lyrics first, then move to guitar or piano and write/structure the song around that. Although there are definitely occasions where I'll write the music first.
You’ve said making music is where you put your joy and pain, could you elaborate on this? Is making music a therapeutic experience for you?
Writing and performing is a very cathartic experience for me. I actually find it quite hard to express myself in certain areas of my life, and so music has really become a place where I can explore those feelings in a safe arena, By doing so, I feel like I have less to hold on to and carry around, there's been a lot of liberation and freedom found in that sense through music for me.
Where do you want to be in five years? What are your goals?
Honestly I try to take my life a day at a time, and just be present where I am at the moment. In saying that there are many things I would like to achieve, and in 5 years, I'd still want to be creating music that is meaningful to me and others.
What can we expect next for you? Any big plans for the rest of this year?
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.
