By: ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
Bolstered by cinematic visuals, lush vocals, and social media fervor, Mojave Grey is doing it on its own terms.
To prove that one needs to be more than just a musician to make an indelible mark on the scene, the California-based Mojave Grey recently teamed up with a local film maker to co-create and act in “Mojave Grey Origins,” a sci-fi thriller about the band’s origins. “Pozzi and I both have a deep interest in telling stories,” explained Mojave Grey’s vocalist Zander Bleck. “We decided to create a saga that depicts the many sides of us.” The quirky plot tells a story of L.A. “dudes” who stumble upon a portal that takes them to a desert wonderland, where magical musical powers are bestowed upon them.
This project is yet another example of the kind of “out of the box” thinking responsible for Mojave Grey’s creative journey that witnessed an evolution of an industry and birthed several iterations of their collaboration. “Technology has created so many opportunities for artists. This ever-changing musical landscape has empowered musicians, thanks to streaming and technology,” Bleck explains. “But in a hyper-competitive space where every musician has access to the same tools that almost guarantee the same reach possibilities, artists only have a moment to impress a world of fleeting listeners.”
Thanks to a staunch social media fan base and “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” kind of spirit, Mojave Grey’s stock is on the rise, even if the old formula for musical success and audiences’ attention span is footloose. “A few years ago, you had to have the right team to launch,” added Bleck, who was once signed by Jimmy Iovine to Interscope Records and toured with Lady Gaga. “Today, you’ve got to be quick out of the gate to grab attention. That changes how you present the material.”
Strategy aside, one can argue that Mojave Grey’s new musical chapter is, to some degree, a Petri dish of sonic experimentation that dissects music down to a science of adds and takeaways. This approach is not entirely new, considering music labels always have test-driven material before release. The difference is the exasperated pace of delivery and reaction, thanks to Metaverse, which offers little space for speculation. Yet, despite this engineered approach, Mojave Grey’s music feels bona fide and soulful. “We are pushing beyond the conventions of a typical EDM show by combining live performance elements with dynamic beats and desert-inspired visuals,” explains Michael Pozzi, the guitarist. Inspired by the duo’s fascination with the moonscapes, evocative imagery, and EDM’s footprint, the collection of singles (currently on a tour) is anchored by chilled vim and Bleck’s singing chops. Those earned him praise from GRAMMY award-winning producer RedOne, who called Zander’s voice “a mixture of Jim Morrison, Bono, and Freddie Mercury,” adding, “there’s no male singer like that right now.”
Speaking of new, Mojave Grey is planning to continue stomping on unchartered territories. With episodic art films, touring, and new single releases, the creative Elysium is wide open for this dynamic duo. “It’s such a fun place,” Bleck adds. “And the energy is just… beautiful.”