Interview: Moiii
It was a sonic journey of sorts. We come from differing music perspectives so finding the bridge that connected us took awhile.
Moiii is a new musical project that consists of Jason Butler (Thee Conductor with Bonnie “Prince” Billy) and Scott Shellhamer (American Heritage, Ghosts And Vodka) alongside collaborators Thor Harris (Swans) and Surachai (Trash_Audio collective/BL_K Noise) and the record marries contrasting sounds to create vast soundscapes that defy boundaries. Gavin Brown caught up with both Jason and Scott to hear all about Moiii and how this project started and what it holds for the future.
E&D: How did Moiii start as a project?
Scott: Jason and I met in the late 90’s. He put out one of my records on his label Sixgunlover and I did a lot of graphic work for him. He would come visit me in Chicago and I did some electronic stuff for one of his records. We tried multiple times to start a project but our musical worlds were vastly different. We finally let down some barriers and found some middle ground.
E&D: Your debut self titled album is out very soon. Can you tell us about the sound of the album and the creative process you went through making it?
Scott: I was staying with Jason as I transitioned from Chicago to Austin, and we spent nights listening to music he liked and some things I liked and it finally sort of “clicked” as to how we could work together. We both had no one in mind as an audience for it. It was for us.
Jason: It was a sonic journey of sorts. We come from differing music perspectives so finding the bridge that connected us took awhile.
E&D: What were the biggest influences on the sound of this record?
Scott: I can’t speak for Jason, but clearly I like Caspar Brötzmann, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Swans. I know we don’t really sound like any of them, but I recognize their influence on what I am drawn to.
Jason: I think we were both influenced by the idea of openness & inviting negotiation into the process. Rather than forcing what we wanted from a song individually, we allowed one another to steer the ship throughout the record.
E&D: Did you want to create soundscapes rather than songs with the music of Moiii?
Scott: I’ve never thought about it in those terms. I don’t really consider it. I’m a painter, and do evil skulls and hellscapes for metal bands. Does that mean I can’t make more abstract work? Nope.
Jason: There was no real intention or theme going into the making of the album. We honestly didn’t know what the outcome might be (song vs soundscape, etc).
E&D: Your music has been described as “dark-light, pink-black, soft-hard, sunny-stormy”. Are those contrast essential when it comes to the music of Moiii?
Scott: Yes. Jason and I have opposing musical leanings. It was important to us to make sure that we both felt okay with what we were doing together. Did I want it heavier? Yes. Did he want it lighter? Yes.
Jason: I’m not sure they are opposing so much as just differing. Our music tastes spill over in some areas (kinda like that meme that floats around with circles intersecting one another). And yes… I’m the pink, Scott’s the storm.
E&D: Both of the core members of the band come from differing musical landscapes, was this essential when it came to getting together in Moiii?
Scott: Yes. 100 percent yes. I’m metal, industrial, punk, ambient guy. He’s not. We valued our friendship enough to try to make a record together that represented us both.
Jason: A bridge was found. We met in the middle and held hands tightly.
E&D: Thor Harris and Surachai work on the album as well. What did they bring to the sound of the album?
Scott: With Thor, it was really just wanting someone we respected and thought was a rad human. He was a delight to work with and dealt with the fake drums I had programmed in a unique way that gave it life and made it feel less quantized and sterile. Surachai inspired writing. He would give me a few small loops and we would make a whole song out of it. He’s really special. We’ve known each other for years but he never ceases to surprise me.
Jason: Thor is a dynamic character. He brings a thunderous hit to the drums but is also capable of more delicacy. He brought an electrified wooden percussive toy he made which sounded interesting. His percussive perspective brought things to life. Surachai is incredible.
E&D: Were you fans of their work before they joined up with Moiii?
Scott: YES!
E&D: Can you tell us about music video for the album track ‘You Won’t Be Alive To Feel It’?
Scott: Once we hooked up with Someoddpilot Records, it was a no brainer. I’ve known them all since the late 90’s. I gave Chris Eichenseer carte blanche to do whatever he wanted as long as it adhered to our black and white, insect/animal aesthetic. He went full Eraserhead with it. I’m good with that.
E&D: Is the visual aspect of Moiii an important thing for you?
Scott: Yeah, aside from the album artwork. Everything is black and white and generally has our logo front and center. Antonio Bond did our album art and Someoddpilot did the layout with two back covers. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Jason: The album art depicts the juxtaposition of Scott and my musical perspectives. Professional florist, artist and old bud Antonio Bond is magical.
E&D: Have you had any thoughts about new Moiii music at all?
Scott: Distance is difficult… this record has been done for years and just coming out now. We really don’t know what the future holds. We might plan some downtime on Jason’s land to make the next one. It’s all up in the air.
Jason: 2025 should present itself with more time available to make record #2.
E&D: Have you got plans to take your music onto the live stage?
Scott: Eventually. Not now. The logistics aren’t in our favour.
Jason: It’s on my vision board.
E&D: What other music have you got coming out for the rest of this year?
Scott: I have a punk band called NIXD that is mixing another record at the moment. It’ll be out soonish.
Jason: My other project Thee Conductor is currently in hibernation.
E&D: What are your favourite pink and black record covers?
Scott: None come to mind. Oh, wait… Sabbath Bloody Sabbath!
Jason: I just googled ‘pink and black’ lp covers but nothing stuck out to me except a faded out Black Sabbath ‘paranoid’ album.
E&D: Who are your biggest influences as musicians?
Scott: Empathy, despair, treatment resistant depression, anxiety, and the concept of living a life accepting death. Memento Mori.
Jason: Andy Kaufman, Jim Varney.
