MNNQNS met in their hometown of Rouen in France, united by a love of post-punk. Also inspired by a disparate mix of influences ranging from from Deerhunter to Death Grips, MNNQNS are just about to release their debut LP ‘Body Negative’. We caught up with them to discuss empathy, The Fall and veganism. What has […]
MNNQNS met in their hometown of Rouen in France, united by a love of post-punk. Also inspired by a disparate mix of influences ranging from from Deerhunter to Death Grips, MNNQNS are just about to release their debut LP ‘Body Negative’. We caught up with them to discuss empathy, The Fall and veganism.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
Making a living with my music. I started to write songs when I was 13 and there was no Plan B I guess. Staying focused on a goal like that has helped me to get through many things.
What do you think affects your mental health positively?
Leaving the city.
And negatively?
Going back to the city. Usually when I come home from touring I always feel the need to be with people. It’s like I need to extend the feeling. That’s when it becomes hard to find the right amount of partying…and this definitely has an effect on my mental wellbeing.
What role does creativity play in your wellbeing?
It’s the most important part of it. Turning what’s living in your head into real sounds or words or images is the best way to understand yourself better. It’s self-translation.
What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?
I’m reading ‘Renegade’ by Mark E. Smith and it’s a lot of fun. We’ve done a cover of ‘Totally Wired’ for a French Tribute to The Fall (Teenage Hate Records, out in October) so it was the right moment to get into it. These days I’m really enjoying BBC documentaries, there’s one on youtube called ‘Synth Britannia’ that is about the beginnings of electronic music in the UK, it’s a must-watch if you’re into that kind of stuff! I’m listening to a lot of industrial music at the moment like Nine Inch Nails, Throbbing Gristle, Einstürzende Neubauten…These bands are very different but their vibes are fascinating, it’s all about the mood they set you in. The way they seem to be looking for new sounds all the time amazes me as well.
What’s your go to music if you need a boost?
‘See Through Head’ By The Hives.
What are your favourite foods?
Anything vegan I guess. I’m not much of a food lover actually.
Do you like to exercise or meditate at all?
I should! Sadly I’m a mess when it comes to scheduling things, but I really should.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received in regards to your mental wellbeing?
“Do nothing”. I can’t stay still for a minute and I feel bad when I spend a day without creating anything. It’s strange, really, but I’m slowly learning to change that.
How have you changed since 15, and what advice would you give to that person?
I’m worried about becoming more and more indifferent to many things but maybe it’s just the effect of time? On the other hand I now feel a deeper love for the people I really like. That reassures me a bit. The only advice I would allow myself to give is to be more empathic to everyone, not only a group of people, and sometimes yourself too.