After spending the last few months delivering a wealth of highly-praised offerings, Welsh singer-songwriter Rona Mac recently returned to deliver her eagerly-awaited sophomore album 'Honeymilk & Heavy Weather'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'And Then They Found Her', 'showmehowyoumourn' and 'Buttercup', this new eleven-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and shimmering listen. With its warm and atmospheric textures perfectly elevating her vibrant vocals throughout, 'Honeymilk & Heavy Weather' continues to cement her as one of the more enchanting names on the rise right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Rhythm I think, using my body. I was endlessly tapping, clicking, beatboxing and making rhythm as a kid.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
A real mix of genres - Busted, Blue, Silverchair, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Jack Johnson, The Poozies, Joni Mitchell. I deffo had a big emo music phase though, with the likes of Dashboard Confessional, Bright Eyes and Cute Is What We Aim For.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Busted, a present for everyone.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Song For Zula, phosphorescent. I just think it’s genius.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really to be honest haha. Boring answer but I guess it usually involves voice and guitar, or occasionally piano. Sometimes it’ll be when driving and tapping the steering wheel. Or walking the dog. Often, when I’m sat at home playing guitar. I think trying is the wrong word - it’s just catching the creative moments and letting them flow.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
After a real dull patch listening-wise, I recently properly discovered Fairport Convention and they are absolutely lush. I also am a sucker for a bit of Billie Eilish.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Maybe Tash Sultana, not because we necessarily have much in common genre-wise but as a fellow surfer, queer person and loop-pedal enthusiast, I think it would be great.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Writing and producing music, of course. Just the thing of a melody and rhythm that sinks in and then words that fit right in your mouth and make you feel something - that, to me, is magic. And then production just feels like a big extension of that process.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Self promotion, especially through instagram. It has been my main focus for years, and it now seems that it is behind some kinda paywall, like they only show your stuff for like 15% of your followers, and if you want to show more people, you have to pay. It’s the exact reason why, as a consumer of the app, your homepage is only showing ‘sponsored’ content or content that already has thousands of likes. Gone are the days of creating your own personal little gallery of people and art that interests you. I feel like we are just letting the algorithm control our palette and, with this in mind, it’s becoming so soulless and tiresome to make content for it. It takes so much time, for so little reward. Join my mailing list, haha!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
From good friend Eline Brun - If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. No matter how much of an ‘opportunity’ it is - don’t do anything you don’t want to do.
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Rona Mac's new album 'Honeymilk & Heavy Weather' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.