Moss' new single SABRE TEETH is out now! We caught up with the musician to chat about the release and more
Image: Supplied.
Last month, triple j Unearthed’s 2021 DIY Supergroup winner Moss teamed up with ARIA-nominated, Ghanaian-Australian artist Genesis Owusu on SABRE TEETH. Made up of samples from Touch Sensitive, San Cisco, Vallis Alps, Alison Wonderland, and Genesis Owusu, the track is built upon a distinctive didgeridoo-infused baseline, highlighting his Indigenous culture.
Read our interview with Moss below!
Could you tell us a bit about your background in music and what led you to pursuing a career in music?
I’ve always been around music my whole life. My parents always played Pink Floyd or Rolling Stones CD’s and they really helped me appreciate songs and concerts. The first concert I remember going to was Justin Timberlake which was insane and from then on I knew music was something I definitely wanted to pursue.
Congratulations on taking out triple j's DIY Supergroup! What prompted you to enter the comp and how do you think initiatives like this help give emerging artists a wider platform?
Thank you!! The whole DIY Supergroup experience has been so so cool. I really vibe the idea that producers from any level are given access to samples from some of the best musicians out there and can turn that into their own track. Even if you don’t post an entry into the comp, it’s still so sick to dive into the pack and play around with so many of the samples. I came across the competition and wanted to do a challenge in writing my entry in 48 hours to see what I came up with. As soon as I heard the Genesis Owusu vocal, I knew my entry was going to be HEAVY.
SABRE TEETH features samples from Touch Sensitive, San Cisco, Vallis Alps, Alison Wonderland, and Genesis Owusu. How did you sculpt the sonic soundscape of the track, fusing these influences together within your own style?
There were so many samples from the pack that just clicked with me and I wanted to include them all in the track. Genesis Owusu’s vocal had a really soft section at the start that I wanted to include as an intro to then switch up into the main gritty trap verses and drops - kind of like Travis Scott - Sicko Mode as an inspiration.
How did the song evolve and change throughout its creation?
On the first day of writing and shaping the track, I was stuck on what to do with the drops. I had a bunch of my own didgeridoo recordings as well as samples that I had proper permissions to use and as soon as they came into the picture SABRE TEETH was really born.
We’re also treated to a distinctive didgeridoo-infused baseline. How important is it for you embed your Indigenous culture within your music and bring traditional sensibilities into modern soundscapes?
Incredibly important. I had been experimenting with my own Indigenous sonics as an artist for some time before the competition. Combined with Genesis Owusu’s message about racism it really felt right to include my heritage to really help tell the story in a contemporary style.
The track has such a powerful message, evoked through Genesis Owusu’s defiant raps and performance. How did this collaboration come about and why do you think he was the perfect artist to provide vocals and lyrics for this track?
Genesis Owusu is an incredible artist - from his lyrical prowess to amazing live shows, he’s one I’ve been following for quite some time. After the competition, my team and I reached out to all the artists I sampled and everyone was on board to make it official. Genesis and his team loved the track and have been behind the release every step of the way which has been so cool.
What’s one line from the track you find at times could be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
“SEE THE SABRE TEETH AND YOU A NO SHOW.”
What messages do you hope listeners take away from SABRE TEETH?
I think reflection on behaviours that are flat out not acceptable and helping push a much-needed change. I have had a lot of messages about it and the response has definitely been a reality check for a lot of people already. Even to just shine a small light on racism is important, and to do that in SABRE TEETH has been humbling.
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts and why?
There are SO many Aussie artists that are making amazing amazing music. I’m a big fan of everything Ninajirachi is doing, especially alongside Kota Banks. Leotrix and Blanke are both incredible producers who put out track after track that always just bangs. Hydraulix has a new album coming that I’ve been lucky enough to listen to and as soon as it drops definitely give it a listen. Between performing at Red Rocks or collaborating with Marshmello, Sippy is also killing it.
Will we be seeing you hit the road with national dates anytime soon? Or any live show plans?
Definitely. I’m SO keen to get on the road. COVID has pushed a lot of my show dates back but once everything is a bit more open then you bet it’s tour time.
What can we expect from you for the rest of 2021? Will we be seeing an album or EP, and if so what can listeners expect from it?
WELL, I’ve got a few things planned for the rest of the year that’s for sure. I’ve been grinding it out in the studio and I just wrapped up my next single which I can’t wait for the world to hear. There are some big picture projects that I’ve got seriously cooking but you’ll just have to wait for those ;).
SABRE TEETH is out now! Listen to the track below.