Interview: Mistine's ‘Lonely’ EP Is a Breezy Collection That Conjures a Multitude of Emotions

LA-based indie pop singer/songwriter Mistine discusses her sophomore EP ‘Lonely,’ the evolution of her sound, and her tour wish list in this personal and compelling chat.

Stream: ‘Lonely’ EP – Mistine

My goal has always been to make songs that I would want to play at sunset with the windows down in my car, driving along the PCH up to Malibu.

Life can be so many different things, confusing, lonely, heartbreaking, magical. Mistine captures the soul of the human experience with her delicate EP, Lonely. The wistful six-track offering takes you on an intoxicating journey of love, friendship, yearning and solitude. Each piece has a unique story to tell while also being deeply relatable. Listeners get an intimate insight into the artist and feel beautifully bonded. Her soft, synth-infused sound exudes a lush, comforting feeling.

Lonely EP - Mistine — Lonely EP – Mistine

Mistine is an alt/indie pop artist/songwriter that provides the ideal blend of contemporary and nostalgic. Within her music she reveals a raw candidness that fans love. Mistine came from interesting upbringings being born in a log cabin and raised in New Jersey. She moved to Los Angeles to attend USC’s music program and from there, only further blossomed. This body of work shows just how much she has grown.

The EP kicks off with “IDEK,” a bright, infectious, and irresistibly catchy song. All about living life for the now, it reminds us to boldly embrace the uncertainty. “Lonely” details that idea of having someone there, yet feeling so withdrawn and is another one that is utterly addictive. “Thelma and Louise” features fellow indie pop artist Wiley Beckett, and focuses on the crazy connection of close friends. We are glued to the wild ride. These and other tracks from Lonely make the EP an emotive and entrancing listen.

Atwood Magazine spoke with Mistine on her musical and sonic inspirations, the making of her new EP, and so much more!

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:: stream/purchase Lonely EP here ::

:: connect with Mistine here ::

Stream: “IDEK” – Mistine

A CONVERSATION WITH MISTINE

Atwood Magazine: I love your raw and radiant indie pop style. How was that sonic concocted?

Mistine: My goal has always been to make songs that I would want to play at sunset with the windows down in my car, driving along the PCH up to Malibu… The songs are just me trying to capture what that feels like to me on different days in different stories.

I know you are influenced by artists such as Avril Lavigne and The 1975, but are there any artists you grew up listening to that also left a lasting impact?

Mistine: Aerosmith, Green Day (one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen), Jonas Brothers, Bon Jovi, Carole King.

Your EP Lonely is a refreshing six-track collection that embodies themes of love, heartbreak, friendship and loneliness. What inspired the topics in this body of work?

Mistine: The inspiration for all of these songs was truly just the everyday emotions of me being in my mid-20s and attempting to navigate life. Each story was very real and very personal to me exploring new possibilities, new feelings, yearning, friendship, loneliness, and love – and also the mix of how you can feel more than one at once (eg love and loneliness).

Your EP opens with the glowing “IDEK,” which stands for I don’t even know. Can you explain this song in more detail?

Mistine: “IDEK” was about a confusing situationship with a surfer who lived down the beach so a lot of the visuals are about riding the waves when you have no idea what’s going on. This was my attempt at describing how to have a good time within the chaos – how to ride the waves of life and accept them as they come because we truly have no control and no idea what’s happening or going to happen so we might as well enjoy the journey!

The title track “Lonely” showcases a gentle yet pounding beat and fierce, passionate vocals, how was that piece’s sound developed?

Mistine: “Lonely” was written acoustically at my apartment in Los Angeles. My partner at the time was sitting at the keyboard in our living room playing various chord progressions. I suddenly felt so inspired by one of the chords he played, I grabbed my guitar and this song just started to flow out of me. My roommate, Margie, was lying down on the couch listening and dozing in and out of falling asleep the entire time. Being around two people who are never really around when I’m writing songs but mean so much to me and made me feel safe to let it flow…there was something so intimate and special about that moment in time. This small moment ended up influencing the sound of the produced record – capturing the confusing heartbreak of loneliness… you can be so physically close to someone and still feel so very far away.

“Thelma and Louise” is the ultimate friendship anthem. Who would you say is your partner in crime?

Mistine: My muse for the visuals was my roommate and truly both of my roommates are my partners in crime – we are always up to something in our little Los Angeles town…running around, having big discussion, dancing, renovating the apartment, and sitting around a warm pot of tea, spilling the gossip of the day. Love you Margie and Tas.

You got the chance to perform on the Kelly Clarkson Show with Mckenna Grace. What was that experience like?

Mistine: It was so much fun! McKenna is such a sweet angel – a powerhouse in the industry. Not only can the girl act, but wow she’s such a fun powerhouse performer! I love her energy and performing with her. She is so inspiring!

You have toured with prominent talents such as Haiden and Conan Gray, is there a specific moment from those tours that has really stuck out to you?

Mistine: My favorite moment on every tour is a day off in a city – sharing a meal with a band/crew member and just taking time to get to know them – and of course exploring the local thrift shops.

If you had a tour bucket list, who would be your dream artists to play alongside?

Mistine: Aerosmith, The 1975, Kid Bloom, MUNA, Florida Georgia Line

What’s next for Mistine?

Mistine: I am super excited for new music this summer and fall! We have so much lined up alongside music videos and overall – just a new era and new stories to sing about! Let’s go!

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