Eora Alt-Punk duo Muscle Mary release ‘Optics’
Alt-Punk sensation Muscle Mary is breaking barriers once again with their thought-provoking and impromptu single ‘Optics’. The band, known for their raw, and subversive sound, confronts the prevailing norms of the music scene with a powerful statement about identity, expectations and the pursuit of authentic reconigion.
In a music scene that is evolving and striving for inclusivity, Muscle Mary raises poignant questions about the role of gender and appearance in the perception of artists. "Optics" delves into the doubts and intrusive concerns faced by a female-presenting band in a cis-male dominated landscape. While the importance of diversity is undeniable, Muscle Mary yearns to be appreciated for their musical prowess rather than being tokenized for their gender or appearance. The single serves as a candid expression of their frustrations and aspirations, aiming to ignite a discourse on genuine recognition in the music industry
Lead vocalist and bassist Jet Kelly reflects, "We're tired of the condescending surprise in male audience members' eyes when they say, 'you're actually really good.' We want to be recognized for our skill without the constant undertone of low expectations." This sentiment reverberates throughout the track, encapsulating the band's determination to transcend preconceived notions and let their music speak for itself.
"Optics" is just a taste of what Muscle Mary has in store. Currently working on a 6-track EP titled ‘Co0ked To Perfection,' set to release later this year, the band is channeling their creative energy into a project that promises to captivate audiences with its unapologetic sound and introspective lyrics. The EP is not merely an exploration of musical style, but a testament to Muscle Mary's commitment to authenticity and unfiltered expression.
In addition to their forthcoming EP, Muscle Mary is excited to announce their live performances on Friday, September 15th, where they will be supporting The Maggie Pills at Vic on the Park in Sydney. Furthermore, mark your calendars for Friday, October 20th, as the band takes the stage to support Deafcult at The Servo in Port Kembla. These performances promise to deliver the raw energy and unapologetic spirit that Muscle Mary is known for, and are not to be missed.
Addressing any potential confusion stemming from their previous single 'N.A.G.' (short for 'I'm Not A Girl'), Muscle Mary clarifies that 'Optics' dives into the dynamics of how they are perceived as a "girl band" and "female," while 'N.A.G.' is a distinct exploration of personal gender identity. Both singles reflect different facets of their multifaceted identity and artistic journey.
We caught up with Muscle Mary for a Quick Chat!
“Optics” is such a powerful and thought-provoking single. Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind the song and what message you hope to convey through it?
The song came as a natural response to our growing frustration with how we’re perceived. When first establishing ourselves in the scene we were most often on entirely cis-male lineups. Whilst it’s great to be offered opportunities, especially starting out, we started to notice a trend in playing the role of the ‘token’ diversity hire. Some of us have been in predominantly male bands previously, and the difference in how you’re spoken about, perceived and how seriously you’re taken is night and day compared to male band members, regardless of skill level or experience. The song sarcastically mocks this perception and culture and says “fuck that”.
In the music industry, there’s a growing conversation about inclusivity and diversity. How do you see Muscle Mary’s role in pushing these discussions forwards, especially in a cis-male dominated landscape?
The band itself is a reflection of the diverse voices we want to amplify in the live music scene. Despite only being a trio, we all have really varied lived experience, backgrounds, gender expression and sexuality. For example, Lucy is a cis female lesbian with a history drumming in hetero-masculine bands, Tommy is a transfemme non-binary individual with a history in the goth rock scene, and Jet is a non-binary, outspoken force to be reckoned with, who’s for the first time putting their thoughts and opinions into the live scene. We often struggle to relate or see ourselves in a lot of the bands on the scene, so it’s critical that we offer that representation for others to relate to. Being different is hard, especially in recent years when there’s been so much hate and misinformation in the media.
Your music is described as raw and subversive. How do these qualities play into your creative process, and what kind of impact do you aim to make with your sound?
Jet: I write most of my lyrics when I am in a dark place. I struggle to externalize my emotions in any way other than music and writing is cathartic and like therapy to me, especially when the result sounds beautiful. That is why a lot of our songs are quite sad and angry, but I’m starting to get better at expressing positive emotions like love and intrigue too. I’m a sensitive person with a stressful career. I absorb a large amount of peoples’ suffering on a daily basis, so music is my safe space and where I write in a way that is authentic and raw. When music comes from the heart and subconscious places, such as in a time of reflection and need, it's the most magical feeling when people resonate with it. This is a lovely bonus for me. I don’t write to write, I write to release emotions. Developing and performing songs with the band is my pride and joy.
Lucy: I have been battling chronic illness for the past two years and the band is one of the things that has kept me afloat. I have always hit harder than I need to, and I'm sure that comes across in the drumming and live shows, much to my physical detriment. I like to think that my frustration at my situation comes across in the music. I think the sound we have is quite organic in that we all bring whatever we’ve got available to rehearsals and writing sessions. Some songs are thought out independently, and then brought in. Some are written as a group. I have written some lyrics to a few of the songs too, and Jet can sing them in a way that does them justice. I just hit hard and hope it works out!
Tommy: One of my big aspects of writing is my inability to leave things as is. I’ve done a lot of work on my guitar, stripping it back, swapping out parts and figuring out my own wiring method to get something out of it that sounds unique. I’m not really interested in playing the same gear that everyone else does, in fact I actively go opposite to the mainstream, I just can’t stand the thought of being like every other guitar player with a Strat and a Tube Screamer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that if it’s your thing, it’s just not for me. That extends to my pedals as well, everything on my board (except the tuner and switcher) is something that I’ve built myself to try and push the boundaries in search of unique sounds. I’ve even built a few of Jet’s pedals too!
Lead vocalist and bassist Jet Kelly mentioned the frustration of being tokenized for gender or appearance. How do you navigate this challenge while striving for genuine recognition as artists?
We just write and play music. We hope that we’re perceived as just that. A band. Not a token “queer” alternative line-up piece to match whatever diversity quota has been implemented within a particular venue or psyche. Just because some of our songs, such as the new single, tackle these issues head-on doesn’t mean that that’s all we’ve got to offer. We’re more than a pride flag or suffragette movement. We’re a musical collective that far exceeds a gender restriction or categorisation. Our EP will reflect this.
Can you share some insights into the collaborative process with the band? How do you bring your unique perspectives together to create your music?
It depends, we have a really fluid approach to songwriting and I think that works for us, but everyone will be different. Sometimes we’ll go into rehearsal with the intention to create something new, one of us might have a cool riff or a theme they want to explore. Other times we’ll just be screwing around in between songs and land on something that sounds cool, so we’ll play around with it and see where it leads. It’s pretty neurodivergent. There’s no militant, consistent structure. It can’t be forced.
Sydney has a vibrant music scene. How has your hometown influenced your music and the themes you explore in your songs?
Tommy: I think we’re really lucky to live in a city with heaps of incredible artists, especially back in the days of Black Wire Records on Parramatta Road. I saw so many cool bands there and really connected with the local, grassroots, DIY vibe that was being actively fostered. I think I saw Mere Women there 3 or 4 times and it was amazing just being that up close and personal with a band you admire. Their first two records (Old Life and Your Town) had a particularly strong influence on me, they were a really powerful three-piece with a sound that was really unique, simple but incredibly moving at the same. Lucy and I grew up in Sydney, it’s in our blood for better or for worse, but with Jet coming from Naarm we also get a really unique perspective that we wouldn’t otherwise have.
Jet: Sydney is not my hometown but is now my home. I grew up in Mentone, a beachside suburb in South East Melbourne writing music in my room. My dad was a post-punk musician in the 80s, lead singer of a band called the Arctic Circles and has a huge record collection. Music is his life and he introduced me to so much music from a young age. He always encouraged me to express myself through writing music and I have been since I was very young. I moved to Sydney in 2016 to study and was an outsider for many years, coming to terms with myself and slowly finding my people. Many of the themes I address in my music comes from this sense of alienation and a long period of having so much to express but too shy to collaborate with other musicians until recently, and the rest is history.
Lucy: I grew up in the inner west and honestly never intended on drumming in bands in the future. My mum made sure I never stopped doing lessons, insisting that it would come in handy one day. I’m eternally grateful to her for that. My parents both loved music, and a large variety of artists at that. I actually don’t enjoy watching live gigs that much myself, and have always preferred being on the bus with headphones. I almost vomit before most gigs. It’s definitely convenient that I’m still here around my family and playing music. I’m just along for the ride and grown to call it my home. I’ve been a part of the music scene for about seven years now in various projects, and there is undoubtedly some incredible talent on the scene, which inspires and pushes me to do even better. I listen to a vast variety of music, and I just wish Sydney band Mazda Three would release more music.
In pursuit of authentic recognition, what advice would you give to other artists who may be facing similar challenges in the industry?
Honestly, we think the best thing you can do is radically accept yourself and wholeheartedly bring that to your creative projects. We know for us, that’s how we’ve come to where we are, and it’s really humbling to wear your heart on your sleeve and see people genuinely enjoying what you’re doing. The other big thing is energy. At least the way we see it, energy and honesty will always trump technical skill, and we think that’s been proven again and again in the bands that have had the biggest influence on us. We think it’s especially true in a live music environment, the most captivating bands are the ones that are really feeling what they’re playing.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant influence on your musical journey and the sound of Muscle Mary?
Tommy: Again, I think this is where our diverse interests really help us come together to create something unique. I tend to go through phases but my music taste is all over the place. Right now I’m swinging between alt-folk like Nico and Tenci, then on the other end of the spectrum I’m also really into grindcore bands like Full of Hell and Cloud Rat. As for influences on my guitar playing, I think it comes back to the musicians I admire and aspire to. Robert Smith is probably a pretty obvious one, specifically The Cure’s holy trio of goth-rock masterpieces, Seventeen Seconds, Faith and Pornography, but I think some of his best work has been done outside of The Cure. For example The Glove’s Blue Sunshine, a single album endeavor he and Siouxsie and the Banshees bassist Steven Severin created with Jeanette Landray. Some others that come to mind are Rick Agnew, particularly his incredible contributions to Christian Death’s debut Only Theatre of Pain, Rowland S. Howard (all the way from The Birthday Party to the solo records he released just before his passing), Lou Reed and John Cale (both together and separately), and more recently bands like Mere Women and Idles have been hugely influential. I think the thing that ties all these artists together is their focus on relatively simple technique, but delivered with ferocious conviction.
Jet: Radiohead, Radiohead, Radiohead and the twinkery of Brian Molko
Lucy: Dave Grohl, John Bonham, Dominic Howard, Deftones, Show Me The Body, Sonic Youth
What’s next for Muscle Mary? Any upcoming projects or performances you’d like to share with your fans?
Our debut EP ‘Co0ked To Perfection’ will be coming out late November! Our next show we’re supporting Deafcult which is a MASSIVE honor on Friday 20th October in Port Kembla.
Follow Muscle Mary on Social Media:
Instagram: @musclemarypunk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/musclemarymusic
Twitter: @musclemartytweets