Formidable. Enigmatic. Genre-defying. Fragile. Ballsy. Ambiguous. Raw.
Mojo Juju has been called many things and yet she is forever hard to define. By her own explanation, Mojo has never felt comfortable with being categorised and is increasingly deliberate in avoiding labels and defying genres. As a result, it is only in experiencing her live shows that one can begin to understand the full breadth of this dynamic artist.
How would you describe your approach to music?
I guess I would have to describe it as experimental… in a very personal way because my approach changes all the time.
I’m always trying to create something different every time I walk into the studio. Partly because I like the challenge, but also because I’m never entirely satisfied with what I’ve done.
I’m always learning. That’s probably the best approach.
What are perfect gig conditions for you?
I like performing lots of different types of shows. I think as long as the sound/production is good, I’m up for any live situation. Ha ha.
Can you describe the connection you have onstage with your brother? Does having that musical relationship take you places that surprise you?
My brother and I have always had a strong connection. We are great friends. We also both have, I guess you’d call it a mild psychic connection. Ha ha ha. Some people just call it spooky.
Travelling together is the easiest. It also helps onstage. We intuit one another very easily. I don’t know if it surprising. It’s definitely very comfortable and very enjoyable. But maybe we’re too much alike to surprise one another. I think maybe we surprise ourselves more so.
Tell me about Seeing Red Feeling Blue. What did you set out to achieve when you recorded?
I had a lot to get off my chest at the time. And maybe a little bit of something to prove. I think I was frustrated and annoyed because I felt like I was being pigeonholed as an artist.
A lot of people assume they know what you do without even listening to your music. Also, people wanna put labels on everything. I guess creatively I don’t see myself as a ‘genre’ artist.
I’m just someone who loves music and loves making music. The last thing I ever wanna do is make the same record twice.
So I had to take a bit of a leap. It might’ve shocked some people, but I think that’s a good thing.
How did you feel about the resolution from concept to album?
I’m proud of the record we made. It’s not exactly what I thought it would be. In hindsight I wish I’d pushed it harder and further in some directions.
But I’m really happy with it. It was a learning process that I got a lot out of. But as is the curse with most musicians I know, I’m already thinking about the next record.
How do you approach recording – do you have a firm idea about what you want at the start or does it evolve along the way?
Both! Ha ha ha. I always walk in thinking I know exactly what I want, but inevitably there are a few twists and turns. That’s part of working with other people.
Because the people I work with I’m working with for a reason. They’re all really good at what they do and I want their input. So yeah, sometimes it evolves, but that’s part of what makes it exciting.
If you could teleport to another era, at a gig in any time, where would you be?
This also changes a lot. In the past I would’ve always said the jazz age. The 20s / 30s. But you know, to be honest right now I’m pretty happy where I am. And there is some incredible ground-breaking music happening right now in the world, and in particular Australia. Australian music is really blowing my mind right now.
What do you want to bring to the stage in a Mojo Juju gig?
Realness. It’s got to be entertaining. I like a bit of the old-school showmanship. But I also want to be 100 per cent present with the audience and with the musicians onstage.
It’s a kind of chemistry. And a beautiful thing. I don’t know if it’s something I can describe.
What should people expect for your gig at Bello Winter Music?
New songs, old songs and really old songs. A stripped-back, intimate set of short stories and tall tales. I like to spin a few yarns, have a laugh and play some really fucking good music.
Mojo Juju will be playing Bello Winter Music Friday 8, Saturday 9, and Sunday 10 July. Tickets at www.bellowintermusic.com.
