Image Credit: Austin Spies
Dream pop band Mummy Diamonds are back with their newest ethereal single, “One More Chance,” since releasing a string of avant-garde and experimental folk tracks – such as “Fantastic Feeling (Why Should I Let It Go?)” and “I’ll See You in December” – in the quarantine year of 2020.
Their latest release “One More Chance” is a haunting 80’s new-wave inspired project that touches on troublesome personalities, the addiction to drama and how sometimes we find ourselves being the motivator of
Formed and based in Los Angeles, Mummy Diamonds is James Stein and Shanna Stein. MD was formed during a week-long getaway when their good friend and collaborator Zachary Busby was traveling from Delaware. As lifetime artists of various mediums, James and Shanna were embarking on a fresh musical start. They had begun writing and recording all new material unexpectedly congruent with that fateful visit from Zachary.
Maintaining yet building upon signature stylistic elements from James and Shanna’s past musical endeavors, MD represents artistic evolution. Blending a unique combination of musical elements from genres such as alternative, dream pop, island and folk combined with cinematic inspired haunting vocals and harmonies, Mummy Diamonds’ music is acoustic-based with wavy space synths, romantic guitars and grimy bass and drums.
MD creates an oceanic vibe that can evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions for the listener. An empathic, spiritual vibe for all moods from romantic to introspective, sexy to macabre, Mummy Diamonds’s music always still somehow manages to uplift and remain life-affirming and hopeful.
What’s your story as an artist?
That is a question that would take a lifetime to answer. But our story, in a general sense, as artists, is that we love writing songs and making music more than anything else.
For a long time we put off the work to pursue the “Dark side” of life. Just a heads up for those that want to go there. It doesn’t end well. Lol.
What do you want your music to communicate?
That being vulnerable is strength. True strength. It’s ok to make mistakes, it’s ok to be human. We have a strong faith in God and that good does exist, it’s in all of us, just as evil is in all of us.
We really want to connect. That’s all anybody is really looking for, a connection. A connection to themselves, other people, the universe, what the fuck ever they can connect to.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
The endless abyss. HAHA!!! Nah. Silence is a great inspiration or any real feeling for that matter. Funny images can help kick start a lyric. The first lyric always sets the tone.
Ultimately though, not to sound cheesy or beat a dead horse on this, but there is only one source.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
James- I wouldn’t say “look up to” but I loved Phoebe Bridgers last album and first. She’s emotional and real but has a great sense of humor about it as well. There’s a million I could list, but she really stands out to me in her songwriting and also in her sound. It’s minimal and dynamic as hell. She crushes.
Shanna- Bob Marley. Plain and simple. I relate to him completely on a spiritual and musical level. He’s human. He had a lot of flaws and demons, but he carried an incredible light with him and shared it with the world. I’ve felt it deeply since I was a child, as he was literally the first artist I ever heard growing up. He’s really one of the only “artists” I feel comfortable answering this question with.
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
James– Beck “Mutations” for me.
Shanna- All the artists I loved growing up that managed to stay true to themselves.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about?
We were in the studio and Charlie (our friend/collaborator) had just bought the new Akai MPC Live II. We were tripping out on it and it’s capabilities, and he came up with the beat right away. We had been writing songs really fast and things were going great. I came up with the chords on an MS2000 and the verse lyric and melody that both Shanna and I wrote came out right away. It’s our side of the story, my side and her side. How we feel today about our relationship. How we’ve grown and changed as individuals as well. We’ve been fucked up towards each other at times, because if you spend a long enough time with someone, inherently you are gonna hurt them. Conflicting desires.
What inspires your sound?
70’s Singer-songwriters. Late 80’s Manchester, early 90’s London, early 90’s Hip Hop, early 90’s grunge. Bob Marley. The Carpenters. Killing Joke (spiritually), and so much more. How we’re feeling that day. A new piece of equipment, a dream or a nightmare. It’s all over the place, but all of that is in there.
What’s your favorite tune of yours?
We love “Or I’ll Come Back and Haunt You”. It’s fun to play. “Fantastic Feeling” still stands out to us. It’s got everything we are in it.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
We would love to be able to Headline a big tour eventually. We love playing and we love playing with great musicians. We want to make great albums, where people can enjoy the whole experience.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
James-“I’m there, wearing my insecurities for a living”.
Shanna– “I don’t want to face these fears I hold, everything I bemoan”.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
We can’t tell you how many times. We’re not unique at all in that way. We’ve felt like giving up on everything. It’s not real though. Doubt and fear can be really powerful. You just can’t believe in it.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Don’t give up. Haha.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
If we were to say in the business, it’s tech. That’s where it always is. But, real tangible art will always be the most valuable. We feel that there will be a real resurgence in real life connection. The whole last two years have been literally about keeping us apart. It’s insane. We know this thing is real but the way we went about it and the disconnection it has caused must be reversed. Even further than that, our connection must strengthen. Real empathy has to emerge, not empathy for instagram or social media, fuck all that.
