Interview with Tex Moonlight: Exploring the Depths of “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape”
Revisiting a Darker Sound
What Inspired the Shift?
Tex Moonlight shares his journey back to a raw, energetic sound, inspired by reconnecting with his former band, Ephram Bonus. He reflects on breaking free from self-imposed limitations regarding age and style, allowing himself to embrace the thrill of songwriting without restrictions. “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape” marks this liberating return to his roots.
Defining “Americonica”
How Does It Manifest in the New Single?
The term “Americonica,” originally a blend of Americana and Electronica, has evolved into a thematic exploration. In “Ape,” Moonlight anchors the chorus in an iconic American narrative, drawing from the classic film “Planet of the Apes.” This shift highlights a cerebral approach rather than a purely sonic one.
Finding His Unique Style
When Did Tex Moonlight’s Sound Begin to Emerge?
For Moonlight, style is a fluid concept that continuously evolves. Influenced by a wide range of musical icons, he enjoys the freedom to explore various sounds, though he acknowledges that his vocal range may set certain limits on genre exploration.
Reconnecting with Ephram Bonus
The Joy of Collaboration
Reuniting with Ephram Bonus was a nostalgic experience for Moonlight. The energy of creating music together felt just as exhilarating as it did 30 years ago, reinforcing the power of friendship and collaboration in music.
Musical Influences
Inspired by Devo’s Mechanical Sound
Moonlight’s exploration of different drum loops led to the mechanical feel of “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape.” The driving rhythm was pivotal, shaping both the music and lyrics organically as they came together.
Lyricism and Themes
Transforming Planet of the Apes into New Ideas
The lyrics of “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape” are a blend of influences from the original “Planet of the Apes” film and reflections on human nature. Moonlight draws from pivotal lines in the movie and themes of survival, highlighting the internal struggles we all face as our own worst enemies.
Vocal Delivery
Approach to Unique Vocals
Moonlight’s spoken delivery adds a distinctive layer to the track. He embraces the randomness of his lyrics, intertwining real-life observations, like a lady walking her dog, with deeper themes.
Filming the Music Video
Creating a Playful and Chaotic Visual
The collaboration with cinematographer Jim Arbogast brought the video to life. Their shared history and connections in the music industry, along with a playful cast, contributed to a fantastic filming experience. Moonlight hints at ongoing legal matters related to the project, adding a layer of intrigue.
Takeaways from the Song and Video
What Does Tex Hope to Convey?
Moonlight desires listeners to enjoy the infectious beat and find themselves reflecting on the phrase “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape” long after the music ends, reinforcing the song’s themes in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Tex Moonlight’s “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape” encapsulates a journey of rediscovery, blending nostalgic influences with contemporary themes. His willingness to explore darker sounds and collaborate with old friends has resulted in a compelling single that invites listeners to engage both musically and intellectually.
FAQs
What is “Americonica”?
“Americonica” is a term coined by Tex Moonlight, originally describing a fusion of Americana and Electronica, which has since evolved into a thematic exploration in his music.
What influenced the song “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape”?
The song draws inspiration from the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, mixing iconic lines and themes from the films with personal reflections on humanity and survival.
Who directed the music video for “Ape Shall Not Kill Ape”?
The music video was directed by Jim Arbogast, a well-known cinematographer with a background in creating visually striking music videos.
What does Tex Moonlight hope listeners take away from his music?
Tex Moonlight hopes listeners will enjoy the rhythmic experience of the song and find themselves contemplating its themes long after they’ve heard it.
