History
Mothica: The Nocturnal Voice of Intimate Storytelling
Mothica is the audio-visual project of McKenzie Ellis, an artist whose work navigates the delicate space between darkness and light, much like her namesake. Her lyrics explore intimate and often challenging life experiences with a sharp wit and a vulnerability that resonates deeply.
From Oklahoma Plains to Brooklyn Beats
Raised in suburban Oklahoma, McKenzie Ellis's musical journey began with classical guitar ensembles in high school. At home, she honed her songwriting skills, crafting original pieces over classical arpeggios and sharing her early work, including covers, on YouTube. Driven by a desire for a more vibrant artistic landscape, she moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 2013 after receiving a scholarship to Pratt Institute for visual web programming.
Finding Her Sound in the Digital Realm
While pursuing her studies, Ellis found solace and creative expression in music, using it as a cathartic release from academic pressures. A pivotal moment came when a classmate introduced her to electronic music producers on SoundCloud, provided a MIDI keyboard, and encouraged her to invest in a microphone. Her debut on SoundCloud, 'Starchild' (produced by melodrama), quickly gained traction, amassing 100,000 plays within its first 24 hours.
An Alter Ego of Unflinching Honesty
Mothica serves as an alter ego unafraid to reveal weakness and embrace honesty. Ellis's distinctive voice, described as raspy yet honey-soaked, is not the product of formal training but rather a conduit for raw emotion. Her unique storytelling style and unexpected melodic choices have helped her stand out in a crowded music scene. She frequently lends her voice to collaborations across various genres, infusing electronic soundscapes with her profound emotional depth.
Independent Spirit and Chart Success
Seeking greater creative control, Ellis taught herself Ableton and released her self-produced EP, Mythic, in 2013. Her poignant track "No One," a song about self-empowerment, climbed to No. 6 on the US Viral Spotify Charts. This success led to numerous collaboration and record label offers, but Ellis carefully curated her partnerships, releasing the popular track "Clear" with Canadian producer Pusher, which garnered over 12 million streams on Spotify and brought her significant industry attention.
Building a Live Presence and Evolving Artistry
Maintaining her independence, Mothica began performing across New York, with her debut solo show selling out. She followed up with her second EP, Heavy Heart, which delved into her experiences with depression. Ellis has continued to refine her songwriting and has collaborated with artists such as Tennyson, Crywolf, Said The Sky, and Electric Mantis. Her live shows have also evolved, expanding from solo performances to include a full band, bringing a dynamic interpretation to her well-loved songs.
Looking Ahead
Entering 2018 with one million monthly Spotify listeners, Mothica anticipated the release of two EPs. Her single "Lovetalk," accompanied by a music video, was released on Valentine's Day, with a US tour planned for late April.
