Ian Munro exploded onto the scene in 2016 with his stellar debut Stay Lit. The Quality Goods Records release was a strong statement that commanded our attention. From there he collaborated with some of the best artists out including QUIX, Hydraulix, Oski, UZ and more. As 2018 kicked off, Ian began switching the tone and direction of his music. ‘Right Now’ hinted at a possible new direction but it was ‘Yours’ that really reshaped his trajectory. The track sees Ian Munro exploring a moodier and more emotional atmosphere with just enough bang. After its release, Munro took most of the year off to fully reset and hone in on his direction. The isolation aided his journey and he’s back in full force, ready to takeover 2019. He just dropped an incredible new single in ‘Fever Dream,’ and today we have the pleasure of premiering his brand new ‘Fever Dream’ mix. With so much promise on the horizon we felt it was the perfect time to connect with Ian for a chat. We talk about his time away from the spotlight, working with Quality Goods Records and how he overcame self-doubt. Listen to the mix and check out the interview below. You can download the mix here and check the tracklist below the interview.
You’ve been quiet for the back half of 2018. What have you been up to?
I’ve been taking my time to reset and rediscover my direction. It’s felt weird doing it all behind closed doors, and not letting anyone in – but I feel like the isolation was a necessary part of the process. I’m happier now, writing the music that I want as opposed to the music I was expected to write.
There’s rumours of an EP in the works, can you tell us about the project?
There’s been an ‘EP’ in the works for years now haha. But yes – my sophomore EP is nearly done, and will be out towards the start of 2019.
I’m so thankful to have had a team that is so supportive backing me. I think that’s what sets them apart. It’s not about industry politics. It’s not about numbers or money. It’s just about good fucking music.
You’ve been working with QGR for a few years now. What’s the experience been like? What makes them different from other labels?
Honestly, so fluid. I owed them an EP about a year and a half ago and most labels would’ve just demanded it by now. The team at QGR knew I needed my time to mature and develop as an artist, so they let me have that. I’m so thankful to have had a team that is so supportive backing me. I think that’s what sets them apart. It’s not about industry politics. It’s not about numbers or money. It’s just about good fucking music.
When we spoke to you about ‘Yours,’ you mentioned the song was a step into a more emotionally driven direction. Has the change in sound been difficult? What’s been inspiring you lately?
Yeah, I expected a lot of pushback when I dropped ‘Yours’ – but it was welcomed more openly than I anticipated. It’s definitely been a difficult journey to get ‘here’. The path was riddled with a lot of self doubt – but I think that’s what really pushed me.
This new music is all coming from a very personal place. I’ve been writing and singing on a lot of newer music too. It feels good to finally write from a place of honesty.
Will we still get some straight up trap bangers from you?
I’ll always make music that has elements of dance music and bass music. That is undeniable.
you can fake it to try and play the game for a while, but that eats you up inside and leaves you feeling empty. Be honest to yourself. Write wholeheartedly. Don’t play in to trends. And most importantly, if you feel it – fuck everyone else.
‘Fever Dream’ is a song about overcoming crippling self-doubt. Can you speak to this in more detail? Do you have any tips for others who are struggling with self-doubt?
I think the big thing I learnt was – you can fake it to try and play the game for a while, but that eats you up inside and leaves you feeling empty. Be honest to yourself. Write wholeheartedly. Don’t play in to trends. And most importantly, if you feel it – fuck everyone else.
You recently tweeted a tip for musicians in which you mentioned “we all have different paths — some involve making ‘mistakes’ and some don’t.” Are there any mistakes that you’ve made as an artist that have had a positive impact on your career or personal outlook?
I think everything feeds into everything. It’s the butterfly effect. ‘Ian Munro’ isn’t just a project someone cooked up, it’s me. Every part of my creative journey has been documented on the way. From the first song I ever wrote, to ‘Fever Dream’. Some of those songs along the way probably aren’t representative of where I’m at today – but I wouldn’t call them mistakes. Because every action has lead me to this point in time.
You had the chance to play some US shows this year. How did they go? What’s your favourite thing about the US?
My favourite part was finally being able to meet all of the amazing people I’ve met online through music. It was such a dream to make it out to the US. I can’t wait to be back for more shows next year!
Huge love to UZ, Quix, QGR and the team at Space Yacht for putting me on!
Talk to us about the mix. Where are you trying to take listeners with this one?
I’m just trying to let you all into my world. This mix is a spectrum of everything I love, with a bunch of stuff from some up and coming artists who are absolutely changing the game.
2019 is when we show you what all this silence has been about.
What’s on the menu for 2019?
2019 is when we show you what all this silence has been about.
‘Fever Dream’ Mix Tracklist
Ian Munro — ID
Diplo — Wish (feat. Trippie Redd) [Montell2099 Remix]
Keys N Krates — Cura (Electric Mantis Remix)
Bon Iver – Calgary (MICA Remix)
Quiet Bison & Rad Hatter — Holding
Serion — Rise Up
Twerl – ID
Zhu & Tame Impala — My Life (AWAY Remix)
ID — ID
Ian Munro — ID (Instrumental)
EASTGHOST — Eyes In The Back Of My Head (Ian Munro Edit)
Jackal — Don’t Come Near Me I Am A Monster w/ Ian Munro — Yours [Acapella]
Awoltalk — ID w/ RL Grime – I Wanna Know (feat. Daya) [Acapella]
San Holo — lift me from the ground (Jaron Remix)
