How Global Conflict Shaped Mesmonized’s Most Direct Record Yet
Punk Head: You describe this EP as confronting the “elephant in the room.” Was there a specific moment where you realised you couldn’t avoid making this record?
Mesmonized: Yes, I believe October the 7th 2023 has an awful lot to do with it. Israel began its recent genocide which is still going on today despite ceasefire agreements. Israel continues to violate international laws with impunity backed by USA. That’s the reality.
Punk Head: A lot of artists talk about “speaking truth,” but fewer are willing to name specific political realities in their music. Did you ever hesitate about how direct to be?
Mesmonized: As a Songwriter I had no choice but to approach everything from a truth and probity perspective. Did I get that across? The answer came when each track was finished and I believe I have got the message across eloquently. I really didn’t think about setting any parameters when writing the songs. When the mainstream news is skewed and other media outlets and artists that speak the truth start getting cancelled, it really is time for you to choose a side. Bob Marley spoke the truth and there is a song about him on the upcoming album that will be released in Autumn.
Punk Head: The phrase “We are living in a New World” feels loaded. What does that phrase mean to you personally?
Mesmonized: It means that the new generation Gen Z in particular are unwilling to buy the bullshit that has been fed to the previous generations. They have social media and use this to ’speak the truth’. New World is about the USA precision strikes on the Sharheh Tayyabeh Elementary School in Minhab,Hormozgan province in Southern Iran where between 156 and 168 people were killed in the strike. The vast majority of those killed were schoolchildren aged 5 - 12. Let that sink in for a little bit! I fully endorse No Music for Genocide boycott.
Punk Head: You cite Peter Gabriel and Roger Waters as inspirations, which suggests storytelling mattered more than genre while making this project. Was narrative always the starting point for these songs?
Mesmonized: Yes, I had a certain vision in my head and genre wasn’t important, what was important was the message I wanted to impart. I believe I have done that here on this EP.
Punk Head: The upcoming album sounds emotionally broader than this EP. Did making In the Room feel like clearing the air before moving into those other emotional spaces?
Mesmonized: It was very much like clearing the air however there is residual stuff that will end up on the new album as I didn’t want to put everything on this EP. There is much more to come from Mesmonized.
