Interview by Angela Croudace
Ryan Goldemann, lead singer and guitarist of Mother Mother, discussed the band’s latest album with HEAVY, Grief Chapter, which dives deep into themes of death and existentialism while simultaneously celebrating the beauty of life.
“Grief Chapter is kind of like a concept album around death and grief and mourning,” Goldemann explains. “But it’s not as sad as it sounds. It’s more about using those things as a way to inspire and appreciate the gift of existence.” He notes that the album exudes a newfound confidence, with sonics described as “really tough and almost muscular.” The band spent nearly 100 days recording at Bryan Adams’ studio in Vancouver, which Goldemann fondly describes as a “luxurious” experience.
Reflecting on the band’s recent tour in Australia, he shares, “It was amazing. It was more than you could ever ask for an entrance into a new market… There were a couple thousand kids in Sydney!” The overwhelming support has made a significant impact as the band expands their reach.
Social media has also played a crucial role in their growth, particularly on platforms like TikTok. “It’s wonderful. Yeah, life changing,” Goldemann says of their songs gaining traction online. “We’re just thrilled that we’ve been able to connect with all these new people through TikTok.” The band has embraced this new medium, even participating in duets and responding to fans directly.
Mother Mother has also developed a strong following within the LGBTQIA community. “We weren’t writing specifically for that community; we just wrote about the human condition in a broad way,” Goldemann explains. He appreciates the organic nature of this connection, recognising that it arose without any contrived intent.
When discussing the themes present in the new album, he emphasizes the exploration of existentialism and spirituality, stating, “We just wanted to capture the band as successfully as possible.” He acknowledges their evolution over the years, attributing their growth to the resources they’ve gained as a full band. “With the resources came more experimentation,” he explains. “Now, with Grief Chapter, it’s a bit of a mix of everything.”
Goldemann shares a few personal favourites from their catalogue, highlighting Hayloft 2 as a crowd favourite for its energy and ease of performance. In contrast, he cherishes playing Grief Chapter for its emotional depth, which fosters a profound connection with the audience.
The band’s visual aesthetics are equally captivating. Goldemann discusses their collaboration with filmmaker Colin Minihan for the music video of Explode. “We just wanted it to be kind of psychedelic and a good portrayal of the band performing,” he says, emphasising a desire for authenticity over a complex narrative.
As for current musical inspirations, Goldemann cites Adrian Linker from Big Thief as an interesting talent he's been enjoying lately. “She is quite a profound talent,” he states.
Mother Mother continue to p