Canada based experimental-electronic musician and producer M.O.A.I.N. (Chris Samson) is also known to incorporate visual artistry into his performances. His experiences as as live sound technician give him an edge in this department. And with all that in mind, it’s worth noting that M.O.A.I.N. does all this with a hearing impairment.
M.O.A.I.N. was once a contributor to the experimental trio S’sE Sessions which saw music featured on the soundtrack to award-winning film The Moustache. Now creating and releasing music as a solo artist, M.O.A.I.N. recently released his third album, Ungovernable Corporate Deconstructionist.
I was fortunate enough to grab a few moments of M.O.A.I.N.‘s time for this brief interview spotlight.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I am originally from Ajax, Ontario, Canada, and have currently been residing in Edmonton, AB, Canada for 9 years now. My style of music I made up my own genre name for… ExperAltElectro. My music and art is always made from being experimental at my core in my creative endeavours. My heaviest influences are Alternative rock and electronic music. Put all that together with a couple more elements like hiphopish rhymes often distorted with effects, sometimes singing, a love for synths, guitar, drum machines, and tech in general and you get what m.o.a.i.n. is.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to create it and an obsession with understanding how to produce it never stops growing. The production, writing, learning how to play instruments, and live performance I find fascinating, and is a never ending rabbit hole and pursuit that will last my entire life.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I like to think it shows my progression and development as an artist. My albums are expressions of my place in time. Over all I think it has more of a vibe that some may dance to, and that’s one thing I was going for.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
That question is one answer for one of the biggest challenges… Over-saturation makes it really hard to get listens and over all make a little money. I think it is a beautiful thing in terms of putting the power in the artists hand to be able to produce. But getting people’s attention in the digital age is so hard. Click bait outrage culture with 24/7 news media cycles and competing with corporate control over the airwaves and the internet is an exhausting battle. Technology has put the power in my fingertips to produce and even reach people around the world. Getting people’s attention for a couple honest listens even if they do not like my stuff in the end, at times seems impossible.
What was the last song you listened to?
Haha I’m listening to Ozzy right now. My apple music is on shuffle. I listen to music 12 hours a day.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I know Vinyl is coming back these days but I think digital is awesome. I get wanting to collect physical things but I think Mp3 is the best way to listen to music. I carry a library of 10,000 plus songs with me everywhere I go. Never any commercials. Never the same 10 songs over and over again. I get to hear every song on a band or artists album. It’s a beautiful thing!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I prefer and use apple music. Do I think Spotify and Apple music’s pay structure pays shit!? Yup! Bandcamp is more indie and I probably should support it more than I do. But Apple music works really well and reliable.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I release my albums and music on pretty much every online platform that exists. I have a website and a youtube channel. In the last couple years I’ve been falling more in love with the blockchain world. My two favourite platforms are:
beta.cent.co: https://beta.cent.co/@Samsonality
It’s such a great positive and supportive social platform that incentivizes people to comment and give feedback.
Also, Steemit: https://steemit.com/@samsonality
My websites:
