Moby Rich is a Los Angeles, CA based alt-pop comprised of Maxwell Joseph and Connor Pledger. The duo has created a lot of buzz in the alt-pop sphere with their anthemic songs that provide listeners with the perfect blend of modern pop and 80’s and 90’s pop tendencies. We had the opportunity to talk with Joseph and Pledger about how the band formed, touring with Matt Maeson, and their new single “Loser.”
BTS: Can you tell us how you got started with making music?
Connor Pledger: I started playing music when I stole my dad’s guitar. I fell in love with the idea of being in a band and the songwriting process. The thought that I could do what wanted every day for a career and survive was a pretty exciting prospect.
Maxwell Joseph: My dad played bass and guitar in bands while I was growing up, so I was always around it and then I eventually picked up the guitar. I never identified with anything before that so music very quickly became how I expressed myself.
BTS: How would you describe your music for someone who hasn’t heard it before?
CP + MJ: I like to think we sound like Outcast and Nirvana. We also like to think we sound like no one. but we’ve certainly had way too much inspiration to skate away cleanly on that.
BTS: How did you come up with the name Moby Rich?
CP + MJ: Honestly started as a joke. Wanted to come up with band names we fought hipsters would like. We started thinking of book titles you often see in a coffee shop. and just put a little twist on it for the fuck of it.
BTS: Who are some of your influences, musically and non-musically?
CP + MJ: Chris Cornell, Robert Plant, MGMT, Tame Impala, OutKast, Nirvana, Bon Iver, Thom Yorke
BTS: What was the recording process like for your new single “Loser”?
CP + MJ: We just came into the studio and it just kinda came out. One of those session where the song shows up when you do.
BTS: How did recording “Loser” compare to the process you went through recording Our First Second EP?
CP + MJ: “Loser” was the first song we ditched the iPhone vocals. And really started digging in extra on all the tracks to see how we could expand the final product. It also felt like we knew our sound, where as Our First Second EP we were still searching while recording. But to say that we are done growing, only that we are much more aware of what we can become.
BTS: Is there a specific theme or story you’re trying to get across with your music as a whole?
CP + MJ: Just that we are not alone in this. Forever searching and growing and accepting ourselves for all our faults and flaws. The goal is for people to feel seen and to feel a part of a generation that wants to make things better for each other.
BTS: You’re on tour with Matt Maeson right now – what’s been your favorite part of touring so far?
CP: The driving around has been awesome. I’m from the east coast originally, so coming back and seeing the leaves change and feeling the humidity and bit of cold air has been nice. Also, just getting to meet so many new people and meet fans we’ve only talked to online. It’s all coming to life.
MJ: I haven’t spent much time on the east coast, so that’s been cool to see. Also just seeing fans in the crowd that know the words already is pretty mind blowing to me. The internet is a wild thing that allows people to get to know us from far away, and it’s cool that we are able to make some real life connections with those fans now.
BTS: What can fans expect from you for the rest of 2019?
CP + MJ: More music, music videos and shows. cooking up some surprises with our good friends.
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