This interview with ENOLA about her EP All Is Forgiven was conducted over email.
Melbourne (by way of Sydney) non-binary artist Ruby Marshall, now known as ENOLA was initially an electronic producer and DJ, but with their just-released debut EP All Is Forgiven, they take charge of a full-band sound.
Taking inspiration from the upfront poetry of Patti Smith, the melancholic atmospherics of Joy Division and the snarling conviction of IDLES, but always driving them at their core, beyond any sonics, is the desire to reach people – the willingness to be truly vulnerable, and connect with others.
Where’d you grow up? How’d that environment shape your musical identity?
I was born in the Blue Mountains but spent most of my childhood near Byron Bay. Then I moved to Sydney when I was 12 and then to Melbourne in my 20s. I grew up in a very musical household and was always encouraged to play and pursue music. One of my earliest memories is headbanging to the Sex Pistols when I was in my rocking chair. This environment definitely solidified my love & connection to music.
When was the moment you’d say you first fell in love with music?
There’s no particular moment that I fell in love with music but I always remember having a deep love and connection with music. Like a sense of belonging. For me music has always been my greatest love.
Which bands/artists have been your biggest musical influences?
There’s so many different artists and musicians that have shaped me over the years. Some of the ones that really stand out would be Joy Division, Patti Smith, Nirvana, King Krule to name a few.
How would you describe your music?
Can be difficult to describe your own music but some keywords that stick out to me would be raw and sincere. I am someone who wears their heart on their sleeve & I feel like that comes through in my songwriting and performances.
How has your sound evolved over the years?
I feel like my sound is constantly changing and evolving as I do. I originally made more electronic music and I am currently exploring modern post punk meets Shoegaze but who knows where I go next.
What’s your general creative process when it comes to crafting a song?
Generally I’m always writing lyrics on my phone or in journals then I sit down with my guitar or piano and work out the base chords & melodies. Once I have a sketch of the song I take it to the band and we start arranging it together.
You started out as an electronic producer and DJ, why the shift to a more instrumental full-band sound? How was that transition and how does your past experience as a producer influence your sound/approach now?
I will always have a deep love for DJing and electronic music. I made the shift to more of a live sound with a band because I enjoyed playing with others so much, it felt exciting & liberating.
How would you describe the Australian music scene these days?
Music scene here is wonderful, there are gigs every single night and the community is very supportive. It’s a wonderful city to live and create in.
Congrats on the upcoming release of your debut EP All Is Forgiven! How does it feel to almost be ready for release to the masses?
I am delighted to have an EP out in the world, I’ve been working on it for a long time and have been playing these songs in our live shows for a while so it feels exciting for it to be going out into the world.
What are some of the driving themes in the EP? What do you want listeners to take from it?
I think some of the key themes would be the nature of change, the importance of forgiveness, letting go and love, always love.
What was the experience like crafting the album?
It definitely had its challenges, but for the most part it was a really enjoyable experience. I learnt so much though the process and can’t wait to get into the studio again.
There’s definitely a warm nostalgic feel to a lot of the songs, any specific influences you’re pulling from?
I can be a rather nostalgic person and feel like a lot of the themes in the EP are from the past and move drawing from my lived experiences.
Any expectations for the project once it’s out?
I don’t have any specific expectations but I’m very excited at where I am right now in my life and with everything but I have coming up with ENOLA.
Do you have a favorite track (or tracks) from the album? Any tracks you’re looking forward to playing live the most?
My favorites tend to change over time, right now, “Miss You” and “Waves” are my favorites.
We like to say to be a creative and put yourself out there to the public eye that you have to be fearless. Do you agree with that?
Oh absolutely I can be really difficult and I feel like you have to go through the waves of vulnerability and fear to come out the other side when releasing music. But I think it’s all part of the creative process and I’ve learnt to take it in my stride over the years.
Any special plans for the future? Album? Tour? Shows? Festivals?
We’re gonna be recording an album over the summer and then going to the UK for the great escape festival early next year.
