Oklahoma born/bred and now Los Angeles based artist and creator MOTHICA is set to release her highly anticipated third album August 23rd. Entitled KISSING DEATH, the 12 track musical collection is a mesmerizing audio/visual masterpiece taking listeners on an immersive and cathartic journey through her own personal struggles with depression, addiction, suicidal ideation, and grief. The album also touches on themes including hope, self love and acceptance. She confides, "It’s scary to surrender to the unknown, but it’s powerful to not give into my toxic vices anymore." Sonically, KISSING DEATH is a genre-defying musical explosion filled with dark atmospheric pop, electronic, synthwave, shoegaze, and alt rock.
The album opens with "Doomed", a raw and emotional ballad touching on painful childhood experiences and not feeling like one is enough. She confides, "I’ve heard people talk about gifted child syndrome, or about feeling like a disappointment compared to the accolades they were given as a young kid and I didn’t know other people felt the same way." The song showcases MOTHICA's uncanny ability to turn personal struggles into universal anthems. Her powerful and candid lyrics tell stories that need to be told. Musically, "Doomed" features layered slow-burning electric guitars and soul-baring vocals. Then there is "The Void", a haunting dark-lite synth pop banger featuring an industrial tinge. The short song ushers the listener into "Exit Plan", a song chronicling the artist's own struggles with depression, and anxiety. She sings, "How do you live when you don't wanna die anymore? / How do you not self-destruct?" An anthemic chorus filled with hard-hitting shimmery synths and colorful guitars entice with every note.
On "Another High", MOTHICA talks about her masochistic day dreams with dark humor and an honesty that is deeply penetrating. An infectious chorus filled with hard-hitting drums, thrashing synths and evocative rhythms are hallmarks of this electro pop hit. Other standouts include "The Reaper", a synth pop club track all about her infatuation with the grim reaper, aka death. With the title track "Kissing Death", MOTHICA sings confessional lyrics over funereal keys and hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. It's a perfect conclusion to the fearless musical collection.
What makes this album truly special is the unique, storied music videos that coincide with the releases. The cinematic videos create another layer and take listeners deeper into MOTHICA's vivid and creative world. She shares, "I decided to make the Grim Reaper a love interest in a dark rom-com-style tale. Throughout the visuals, I’m seen in a therapist's office explaining this complicated relationship as if describing a scorned lover. The videos unfold a surrealist version of my life story.”
MOTHICA's artistry is a testament to her emotional depth and creative vision, making her a compelling force. Death is such an important part of life and it influences our decisions and actions. MOTHICA is brave enough to confront the subject, as well as share her own story of healing from the mental health issues that have plagued her. KISSING DEATH is a must listen to album filled with stories that cut straight to the heart.
Connect with MOTHICA: INSTAGRAM
