The sonic equivalent of melty pink fairyfloss tickling the roof of your mouth.
Step into Moon Worm‘s dreamy world with their latest album, ‘Peace of Mind,’ where warm, lush sonic landscapes transport you on a cloud made of rainbow TV static. If you’re a fan of Tame Impala, The Smiths, and friendly alien encounters, this album will be your sonic oasis.
In “Peace of Mind,” Moon Worm skillfully weaves ethereal vocals, shimmering synth riffs, and atmospheric textures, leaving you longing for more. The song delves into the pursuit of connection and stability, taking you on a space journey tinged with a little desperation. It’s an emotional ride that you won’t want to miss.
The brainchild of Jack Schaefer, Moon Worm was born out of necessity—a rural North Dakota indie rock lover with no one to share his passions with. But now, Moon Worm stands tall on its own, crafting mesmerising tracks like “These Games,” “Dopamine,” and “Meet Me There.” Each song takes you on a musical odyssey, guided by Schaefer’s pristine falsetto and influenced by the likes of Beach House, M83, and Mac Demarco.
So while you let Moon Worm’s “Peace of Mind” embrace you with its otherworldly charm, we got a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at what went into the development of the project.
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Happy: What are you up to today?
Moon Worm: As I write, today marks the release date of my new song ‘Peace of Mind’. I’ll be connecting with fans and promoting the release but also hanging out since I have the day off!
Happy: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the music scene like in your neck of the woods?
Moon Worm: I originally grew up in North Dakota but since relocated to Minneapolis MN. The scene is vibrant with many notable venues and a great community of music here.
Happy: Describe an average day?
Moon Worm: Typically on a day I’m not working I’ll split my time between music and other things . I moved out to Virginia Beach for the summer so I’ve been spending time exploring and laying by the ocean which is a nice change of pace from back home!
Happy: What about your ultimate day?
Moon Worm: Ultimate day would be winning the lottery so I can live on a boat and enjoy my life of leisure haha.
Happy: We are curious about your band name? How did it come about?
Moon Worm: It comes from the first full moon of March referred to as the “Worm Moon.” It is a sign of spring/new life. At first, I thought it was something funny and original as a new band name, but it stuck and now it’s becoming an alter ego of mine.
Happy: Moon Worm’s music seems to draw from a wide range of influences, from indie rock to dream pop and post-punk. Can you share some insights into this?
Moon Worm: It honestly just stems from my own personal tastes which sort of bleed into and shape how I create music. In college I was really drawn to the neo-psych & indie rock scene so bands like Tame Impala, M83, Beach House, and others captivated me from the get go.
When it comes to my music I want it to be honest and true to myself and naturally that sound takes its shape from these influences to create something different!
Happy: How does the band find harmony in blending these diverse sounds?
Moon Worm: I think it comes down to personal taste and having a vision for the music. Choosing sounds that feel right and sticking with it are a huge part of making a meaningful song and for me lyrics naturally start to take form taking a track to the next level.
Happy: “Odyssey” marked a significant milestone for Moon Worm, showcasing a space-age fantasy from a 2020s vantage point. Can you delve into the creative process behind this album and how it reflects the band’s evolution?
Moon Worm: I wanted to create an immersive experience that took listeners on a journey somewhere else while addressing contemporary themes and emotions.
Having just graduated college, I was at a crossroads dealing with a lot of change and uncertainty. This served as the basis for the concept behind Odyssey.
It was my way of confronting all the confusion and anxiety of that time in my life and making something meaningful out of it.
Happy: Jack Schaefer’s falsetto vocals on “These Games” are simply mesmerising. How does he approach crafting such emotive vocal performances?
Moon Worm: I barely remember writing the lyrics for this song because it was one of those rare instances where it all just comes out at once. Lyrics are probably the hardest part of any song for me and I balance between wanting to drown myself in the mix or let it in front for certain songs.
These Games was one of those tracks where the vocal found its place right away and carried itself through.
Happy: Moon Worm’s DIY approach, from recording to artwork, is truly commendable. Could you share some challenges and triumphs the band faced while independently producing their eight-track album?
Moon Worm: DIY is great because you get total creative freedom but there’s also a lot of stress that comes with some of the decision making. Ultimately you just have to make a choice and stick with it because you’ll never finish anything if you keep second guessing.
When I get an idea for a song or artwork I try to get it down quickly so I keep the most original feeling and refine it from there.
Happy: With “Peace of Mind” being the second in a string of singles following the captivating EP “Midnight Audio,” how do these recent releases showcase Moon Worm’s growth and musical maturation?
Moon Worm: I think sonically & artistically I have taken my music to a new landscape different from previous releases. I have a firmer grasp on the vision for Moon Worm and this has taken hold in the music I’ve put out recently.
I think I’m becoming more comfortable with the idea of my music being out in the world and that brought about some new confidence in the sounds I craft.
Happy: Moon Worm’s lyrics often touch on themes of longing and uncertainty. What inspires the band to explore these emotive aspects, and how do they hope their music connects with listeners on a personal level?
Moon Worm: Emotionally these topics resonate with me the most so naturally that comes out in the music. I think we all share this deep desire to know where we belong and what it all means but we all have our own way of actualising this. I struggle with these thoughts frequently and music is a way of release.
Happy: The band’s attic recording space adds a unique charm to their sound. How does this environment influence the creative process, and what kind of atmosphere does it create while crafting music?
Moon Worm: Open insulation for walls makes for a great recording space believe it or not! It was a place where I could crank the volume up to 10 and just let everything come out at once. Creatively it allowed me to be experimental and have isolation from the outside world which is valuable in a recording space for me.
Happy: As Moon Worm continues to make waves in the dream pop genre, what can fans expect from the band’s future releases, and how does the project plan to build on their current success?
Moon Worm: Moon Worm will be releasing music consistently for the coming months building up on past tracks & EPs. I want to continue down this path of cinematic soundscapes and test the waters with some of the new music I’ve been making while away for the summer.
Happy: Any gear you can’t live without?
Moon Worm: Would have to be my Warmoth Stratocaster. It was the first nice guitar I ever got and carries a lot of sentimental value to me.
Happy: What makes you happy?
Moon Worm: Waffle cones with my ice cream and buying new music gear! I also like achieving goals I set for myself and spending time with the people who matter.
Check out Peace Of Mind and stay connected with Moon Worm
