Malunga Yese is continuing to enhance creativity and refine her craft by infusing every song with emotion and soulful melodies. Having honed her musical abilities as a Resident Artist at Roundhouse, Malunga continues to experiment with stylistic methods, techniques, and production. I spoke with Malunga to discuss her creative practice, affinity for live performances, introspection, inspirations, and her musical journey.

NAHUEL CONTRERAS Who are your pivotal influences that have propelled your interest in pursuing music? How do they impact your practice and style? MALUNGA YESE I remember listening to Jill Scott ‘Golden’ for the first time, it just filled my day with so much joy and light. I love India Arie, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, just a powerful voice, heartfelt songwriting, and something that transports me to another world. These kinds of artists help shape the way I use my voice, to paint a picture, and also my writing to tell a story. NC Is your creative practice a way to explore and express your own identity and experiences? If so, how? MY 100%! It’s my therapy. I have a journal that I use daily, so it’s not just about writing songs for me, I find singing very healing. It's like an outcry sometimes, or even a celebration if I’m in a good mood. I find my identity in many things but music is certainly a way to explore who I truly am. However, these days I’m not so dependent on it to tell me who I am because I’m constantly changing, even the way I feel changes every second lol.
Sometimes I listen to one song about a certain experience and it doesn't resonate as much anymore because I've moved past it, or no longer have that person around. I’m either reminiscing, present, or looking to the future in my music, and I guess that’s what I’m attracted to in other sounds; does it remind me of someone special or a moment in my past? Does it make me feel good at this very moment? Or is it taking me somewhere new? NC What is your creative process for a song? How does your process change depending on the project? MY I tend to not overthink the process; I usually go off energy and how I feel. I voice note my ideas, and sometimes write a few down. It's very sporadic, and then I refine my ideas alongside my producer; it’s usually just me and one other person in a session. I like to keep it small because it personally helps me to feel more comfortable and heard. Sometimes when I’m talking to my close friends, family, or even just a conversation with a stranger I feel inspired. Certain things just stick out in my head and I hold on to that and use it in a session. NC Is the process of songwriting mood manifested? MY Certainly! I can write and sing whether I’m up or down, but mostly I love to create positive energy because I work better in that space. NC Are narrative themes a requisite to your work? MY Not entirely, overall life is my inspiration and a song can literally talk about anything, as long as it’s valid to me. NC Working in music, the practice of collaborating can be beneficial to productivity. Who would you most like to collaborate with? MY I would love to collaborate with India Arie, I appreciate her sound and just who she is and what she stands for, she is so authentic and true to herself. I aim to be just the same with what I release into the universe. For me it’s about honouring exactly what I feel and going off my instinct. It’s so nice to be able to hear someone say “your music got me through a hard time in my life”. I’ve also had someone use my song ‘Saviour’ on their wedding day. It’s moments like that that help me to remember what it’s all about. India Arie is that artist for me, she has journeyed with me every step of the way, and to meet her, speak to her, or better yet collaborate together, would be special. NC Social media as a platform can be beneficial in providing visibility and accessibility. However, in some ways it has also established greater challenges for emerging artists. How do you feel that social media has impacted the music industry? MY In today’s times everything moves so fast, social media contributes to that. I enjoy being able to interact with my fans more through it and it’s useful to be able to check that engagement through an app. But at the same time how much of that is real? I don't feel it sometimes; it can sometimes feel like just numbers. I’m more interested in a conversation and meeting people away from an online space; it’s more interesting and connecting.
Even dealing with the pandemic is challenging for emerging artists because building an audience for me personally happens more organically in a Live space and in person. Obviously we all have to adapt but it’s not easy, I think there’s good and bad to everything but ultimately I like to always bring it back to the people. Music is not just this throw away statistic and nor are artists, real talent speaks beyond the Internet. I’ve met some of the most magnificent creatives in secret locations and in the most organic ways; it sometimes feels more special that way. I guess you could say I’m kinda old skool. NC When creating music, do you prioritise how your music might resonate with listeners? MY I think about if it resonates with me, and if it’s something I enjoy listening to, that way I feel more confident in releasing it. I won’t just put out anything I don’t vibe with. I have to be all in and repeatedly listening to it and enjoying it. I like to hear feedback on my music too; it’s interesting to learn why certain fans prefer one song to the other. It’s also nice to know how the song impacted them or what it reminds them of, that could be a place, a person, another artist even. NC Can you share any insights on how you elicit an emotional response from listeners? MY It’s always a conversation; it’s always about the story in which you are telling, it’s that simple for me. NC I understand that you worked with the Roundhouse as a Resident Artist where you honed your songwriting and performing credentials. Can you elaborate on how this opportunity facilitated your artistic development and transition into the industry? MY Getting the opportunity to represent and work with The Roundhouse was unforgettable! It really helped boost my confidence as an up and coming artist. I attended so many master classes and workshops that gave me many tools and contacts. It was challenging at times but I learnt a lot about myself and mostly about the live industry. What I appreciated most is how they treated and paid all creatives professionally; it wasn’t just about saying ‘Yes all creatives must graft and work for free’. Unfortunately, that is the expectation placed on most of us creatives - to work free. I learned how to navigate the music industry better and place value on what I bring to the table. NC During the current socio-political climate, how have you been able to manifest inspiration and motivation? MY It’s not easy at all, at times I genuinely want to give up and sometimes I do...luckily I have a good support system around me and loyal listeners who encourage me in so many ways to keep chasing the dream. The whole creative industry is so still and quiet recently, and so many jobs especially within the live industry have disappeared, so many independent music venues too. It’s disheartening. I’ve always worked independently and I’m glad to have become more self-sufficient in this time and to have learnt some new skills. I’m still learning and I do wish I could do more from home, but then again I’ve got more to write and say. I’m embracing this season in my life and this time in the world, as I know it won’t last forever. Thank goodness we have music to get us through right? NC Your songs ‘Who Knows’, ‘Fly’, and ‘Toy’ reflect your ability to explore different styles and genres. How would you define your music? MY I define my music as FREEE AND EXPRESSIVE AND JUST MEEE! I don’t like to box myself. NC Do you intend to continue experimenting with stylistic methods, techniques and production? MY Yes, it’s just fun, and I like to switch it up. That’s why I started music in the first place, to enjoy it. The minute I start losing that joy in creating then that’s not a good sign. NC I understand that you are also an actor. Do you utilise the technical skills in acting, communication, expression, and performance, and apply these factors to your musical performances? MY Yes all these skills are transferable and compliment each other, performing is unique every single time. No one moment can ever be recreated when it’s right in front of you, and that’s magic. Acting is great because it reminds you to just chillax and to not take yourself too seriously. I used to be so hard on myself, and I still struggle with that sometimes in my work, but I’m only human. I make it a habit now to congratulate myself for every tiny win :) NC What’s coming up next for you and your work? MY Surviving this Pandemic haha! And more music of course...stay tuned!