Solo artist AUSTIN MULKA began with music way back whilst growing up up until this point in time, where he was in a band but now went the route as a solo act. His music style approach is different taking on the context of inspiration, genre, mood, and themes of the song in question. With this he has gone on to release one EP thus far, but has an array of ideas for numerous projects and albums coming forth. Austin himself goes into talks about his music crafting skills, plans ahead, and all that has been done so far.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by music, with my dad being a talented musician and singer. Some of my earliest memories are of him singing and playing "La Bamba" on his guitar, inspiring me to follow in his footsteps. Although I experimented with the piano, guitar, and even the saxophone in middle school, it wasn't until high school that I truly committed to learning an instrument. My determination to impress a girl led me to dive headfirst into playing the guitar, and from there, my passion for music only grew. In my early twenties I joined a band called Face the Fire. We played some shows but the pandemic put a halt to the band and we just slowly stopped playing. I continued to play and record music as a solo artist and here we are.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
My first name Austin, was given to me by my parents. The surname "Mulka" has roots in Eastern Europe, primarily in Poland. It is derived from the Polish word "mulek," which means "young man" or "lad." This origin suggests that the name may have originally been a nickname given to a young man, before evolving into a hereditary surname.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
I am based out of Detroit, which has an incredible music scene. I would recommend the band TOED, a Jazz/Pop band with some underrated musicians and a Saxophonist.
4. How would you describe your style?
My musical style is deeply rooted in research and exploration. I often begin by selecting a topic or subject that captivates me, such as the song "Dawn," which was inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem. I then dive into the historical and literary context of the inspiration, using it to shape the genre, mood, and themes of the song. This approach allows me to create music that is not only emotionally resonant but also intellectually engaging.
What sets my music apart from others is the extensive preparation I undertake before writing a song. I dedicate a significant amount of time to researching and determining the best way to musically represent the subject matter. This meticulous process helps me craft songs that are both unique and deeply connected to their source material.
My songwriting process can vary depending on the inspiration. Some songs begin with a raw, emotional outpouring that I refine and polish, while others start as abstract ideas or researched concepts to which I later infuse emotion and feeling. This flexibility allows me to approach my music from multiple angles, resulting in a rich and diverse catalog of songs that reflects my curiosity and passion for storytelling through music.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
So far, I have released an EP titled "This Is My Message to the World," which is inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Additionally, I have two singles, "Peace" and "6-MAM," that are part of my upcoming album, "Reveries and Requiem." My music delves into various themes, drawing inspiration from literature, history, and personal experiences to create a unique and immersive listening experience.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
As for my future plans, I have a plethora of ideas for innovative projects and albums. One such concept is a Tactile Concert, where I aim to design live music experiences that incorporate haptic feedback. This would allow the audience to feel the music through vibrations or other tactile sensations, creating a truly immersive experience. Another project I'm exploring is Brainwave Synchronization, in which I will design music that synchronizes with or entrains the listener's brainwaves to promote desired mental states such as focus, relaxation, or creativity.
With hundreds of songs already written and thousands of ideas in the pipeline, I am determined to increase my output to two albums per year. Listeners can expect a diverse range of music that pushes boundaries, invites introspection, and encourages connection with both the material and the emotions it evokes.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Right now, I'm really focused on recording and getting some albums out. But I am practicing and planning to tour in the near future.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
In the future, I have ambitious plans to expand my musical horizons and further connect with my audience. Some of the key projects I have in mind include:
Tactile Concerts: Designing live music experiences that incorporate haptic feedback, allowing the audience to feel the music through vibrations or other tactile sensations. This innovative approach will create a multisensory experience that deepens the connection between the listener and the music.
Brainwave Synchronization: Exploring the potential of designing music that synchronizes with or entrains the listener's brainwaves, promoting desired mental states such as focus, relaxation, or creativity. This project aims to push the boundaries of music's impact on our minds and overall well-being.
Increased Output: With hundreds of songs written and thousands of ideas, my goal is to eventually start releasing two albums per year. This will allow me to continually share my passion for music and storytelling with my fans.
Collaborations: I'm excited about the possibility of collaborating with other artists, musicians, and creators from various fields. These collaborations will help me grow as an artist and bring fresh perspectives to my work.
Live Performances and Tours: As my discography grows, I plan to bring my music to life through live performances and tours, sharing my unique sound and vision with audiences around the world.
These plans reflect my dedication to pushing the boundaries of music, exploring new frontiers, and engaging with my listeners on a deeper level. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and how my music continues to evolve.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5vJjZt8Zx7zgQJGdEJ9f6m?si=3b4e9f2d7b8a4c3c
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WkKQXyLzjK5v0LxhWw6Vw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/austin-mulka/1447985727
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/austinmulkamusic/
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
When a listener hears my music for the first time, I'd like them to remember the unique and immersive experience it provides. Through my research-driven approach and the exploration of diverse themes, I strive to create a meaningful connection between the listener and the subject matter of my songs.
I hope that listeners will appreciate the thought and care that goes into each piece, as well as the emotions and stories conveyed through my music. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impression on their minds and hearts, encouraging them to explore the deeper meanings and contexts behind each song.
I hope that first-time listeners walk away with a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore more of my work, delving deeper into the stories, emotions, and ideas that my music presents.
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