Los Angeles based musician, artist and singer-songwriter Mistine has just unleashed her new album i guess this is where we're at, a sonic embrace filled with rock drenched indie pop bangers. The artist is known for her impactful music that is filled with the important narrative of environmentalism and sustainability as well as love, loss and hope. Leading single "changing the weather" is about global warming and environmental disasters which act as a metaphor to the upheaval and dramatic changes Mistine has experienced in her 20s. The song features distorted guitars over vibrant synths and catchy hooks with lyrical depth. Then there is "lithium town" with its striking layered guitars, thumping bass, and hypnotic layered vocals, making for a captivating listen. "(of u)" is a modern romantic envelopment, filled with words of devotion, "I'll love you till the dawn / I'll let you talk about anything / I want to see all of you." Mistine touches upon heartache with "just for you", a shimmery meticulously curated blend of retro homage and pop futurism.
With i guess this is where we're at, Mistine has created a musical masterpiece. What’s especially compelling is how each song has a distinct sonic fingerprint while still fitting cohesively within the album’s framework. We chat with the artist all about her new album, tips for sustainability, touring and more.
Congrats Mistine on your new album i guess this is where we're at. The album is a 11 track collection of enthralling songs that tackle the topic of sustainability and environmentalism. Can you tell us more about this and why you wanted to make such an album?
So much has been changing in the world lately and this just became a phrase that I kept saying during the months that I wrote this album. There's only so much we can do to change what’s happening in the world. But I’ve always believed that if everyone takes small steps towards goodness, positive change will come. first we have to accept where we’re at.. even if it doesn’t make sense how we got here.
The music is a slight sonic departure with more rock throughout. What influenced this sound?
Probably just life moving forward – we all are changing constantly and so is my taste! I also drew up with all classic rock influences and I think it comes out more sometimes .. Aerosmith was always my fave!
Do you have a favorite song off of the album and if so what is it and why?
"Just for you" – it's just a fun and funny story to me – and overall was very healing for me to write.
What do you hope listeners take away from the album?
I hope that listeners feel seen and think more about the complex relationships we have with each other and our surrounding environments. Nothing is black and white – we live in a constant state of gray.
How can musicians become more sustainable in their career?
I would really love for musicians to encourage their fans to gain as much education on the topic as possible ..the more we know, the better we can be in our daily lives! It's easier to take action when you understand what’s really going on and what’s effective. Whether it be for live shows, merch, etc – try to find ways to incorporate environmentally friendly systems so we leave less of a footprint in our industry.
You have toured with the likes of Conan Gray, aespa, BiigPiig, Meg Smith, WiztheMC, Zeph, McKenna Grace, Haiden Henderson, INJI, and Sierra Spirit and more. Can you tell our readers a fun tour story?
hahah omg there’s so many! I don’t know why this is what I thought of, but I really loved eating in this random diner in Maine one morning with the band..it was so sweet and special and a lovely slow morning
If you could collaborate with any artist or band living or dead, who would that be and why?
oh my… Steven Tyler? Matty Healy? – I have always loved their music! There's just so much heart and it’s also so fun! Very rock n roll
For our readers who are looking to reduce their environmental impact, can you give them any tips?
Take public transit or carpool to concerts if you can! You save money and leave less of a footprint to do what you love. Try finding materials at concerts that can be reusable or recyclable once you're done (for example, avoid styrofoam cups). And thrift shopping is the best kind of shopping! We have way too much waste and need to be reusing the materials we have- it's also cheaper on your wallet and honestly, you find really fun and cute stuff!
What's next for Mistine?
More music! Playing more live shows is the dream! And Hopefully a tour! We have an album release party happening May 24th so roll through! You can find more info in my Instagram bio.
Connect with Mistine: INSTAGRAM
