26 Nov Interview: Bluecomotive Talks with… Monday
«The mood was one of great self-discovery.»
Monday was born out of Catarina Falcão’s desire to understand herself through music. It is a constantly changing and evolving project, also reflecting her personal experiences, which crosses a very intimate space, sometimes more ‘downer’, but at the same time light-hearted. Living happily in this dichotomy, after her debut with ‘One’ (2018), she gained momentum with her second album, ‘Underwater, feels like eternity’ (2024). This year, the singer/songwriter decided to strip down the arrangements and lyrics on the EP ‘Live Underwater,’ which features live and intimate versions of some of the album’s most beautiful tracks. To enjoy live, on 29 November, in the exclusive setting of àCapela Live Arts & Bar / MACAM, in Lisbon.
Where did the desire to record the EP Live Underwater and its music videos come from? Also, what criteria guided the selection of the songs that comprise it?
In fact, it was the other way around. I wanted to have a live recording of my album and the band on video, partly for promotional purposes and partly so that I could have these images with me when I’m older and feeling nostalgic. The EP came as a result. As for the criteria, they were designed to respect the nature of the album and the phase in which it was created.
You claim that the Monday project was born out of a desire to understand yourself through music. What is the mood of ‘Underwater, feels like eternity’ and what has changed in you since that phase?
The mood was one of self-discovery, of being in a place of solitude and realising how I could make that ‘useful’. A lot has changed since then, I think above all because I am in a more family-oriented place now, both personally and professionally.
Can we see the EP ‘Live Underwater’ as a sort of end to a cycle in your personal and artistic journey?
All releases have their cycle, because they belong so directly to a specific time in the life of those who created them. And, as we are always changing, I can consider it more of a closure of a cycle.
You recently completed two artistic residencies dedicated to composing new songs, with the novelty of sharing ideas that were still very much in their infancy with the musicians who accompany you in the studio and on stage. How would you describe that experience and the impact it had on your creative process?
I have just finished a residency with my band in Vila Real, at my family’s house. We are still in the early stages of what will become an album, but it was very rewarding to have started this with them and in that place. I am happy to have friends with whom I can share music and learn.
In the themes resulting from this process, can we expect more ‘downer’ atmospheres or greater lightness? Or will it be more of a balance between the two, maintaining that emotional dichotomy that has become your trademark?
It’s difficult to say at this stage, there’s still a long way to go.