Singer-songwriter and producer Mokita writes from the heart, and that much is obvious from listening to his latest single, “Love Alone.” The song, which was written in the course of just one night, finds Mokita in an honest, vulnerable place, opening himself to listeners while he discusses the fear of opening himself up in a relationship and the risk of getting hurt. “Love Alone,” which can be heard now below, is a perfect snapshot of Mokita’s sound, and just a taste test of what’s to come. With new music on the way, including a new EP this winter, this certainly won’t be the last time you hear Mokita’s name this year. Get to know a little bit more about him and listen to “Love Alone” now below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for anyone who might not be familiar?
Well, Im a singer / songwriter / producer from western North Carolina that now lives in Nashville, TN. I took classical piano lessons for 12 years starting when I was 6 years old, taught myself guitar at age 12, started writing songs at around the same age and then started producing after I moved to Nashville to become a songwriter.
On top of writing and performing your own music, you’ve also written and produced quite a few other artists as well. When you’re working on your own personal music, does your mindset change? Is it more challenging writing for yourself than for others, or does it feel fairly similar?
Yeah I think there’s two different mindsets. When I’m writing for someone else or producing for someone else I really want to let person have the creative control, and really try and tap into their vision and their sound. I like to sit back and little and let them take the driver seat. My goal with other artists is simply to try and help make something that represents them. On the other hand when I’m working on my own music, its obviously going to be much more personal, and there is a lot more freedom in production and lyrics. I start most of the ideas for my project by myself and then once I feel like I have a grip on what I want to say I bring someone else in to maybe, help me finish writing it or finish producing it etc.
I want to chat a little bit about your new single, “Love Alone.” What inspired this track?
‘Love Alone’ honestly just came out of nowhere one night. I was just playing piano in my studio and the chorus melody just got in my head and then about 45 minutes later I had written the whole song. I had never written a song that fast before so it was hard to tell in that moment if I really liked it. I revisited it the next day and produced out the whole thing out in a few hours. I think the reason it moved so quickly is because I wrote it out of an honest place. I think everyone thats ever been in a relationship can relate to the fear of being vulnerable, especially because there is always a chance that those feelings won’t be reciprocated. Being transparent and honest is always worth it, buts a scary thing, and thats really what the song is about.
What goals did you have in mind when you first started working on “Love Alone”?
I think the only goal I really had when creating Love Alone was that I just wanted to make something that was honest. I don’t really have the desire to necessarily fit into a lane or feel like I have to make my music sound a certain way, so for me, creating that was just about feeling; if it felt good, I just went with it.
On top of releasing “Love Alone” this year, you also released a stripped version of the track and before that, released your single, “When I See You.” What would you like listeners to take away from these recent releases?
The biggest compliment I can ever get about my music is that it’s relatable. One of my best friends texted me recently about the last two songs Ive put out, ‘Love Alone’ & ‘When I See You’, and just tole me they really helped him get through a tough time in his life. That meant the world to me , and those type of responses to my music is what keeps me motivated and excited about creating.
With “Love Alone” out now, can fans expect to hear any more new music coming soon? Potentially an EP or album release?
I have a lot of new music on the way. I have a new single out in October and then planning on an EP this winter. A lot of music to come. This new music is my favorite Ive ever creating so I’m beyond excited to finally release it.
Do you have any other big plans for the rest of 2018? Any shows in the works?
I’m constantly creating new music and trying to get better as a writer and a producer so thats the stuff Im always working on. Definitely getting together some live shows so I’m pumped to be able to play these new songs live.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I don’t think so! Thank you guys so much for chatting!
STAY CONNECTED WITH MOKITA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram