Get To Know Whimsical Sydney Talent MUNGMUNG

Sydney/Eora-based multidisciplinary artist MUNGMUNG has unveiled her banger of a new album Boujee Bby, complete with special features from fellow up-and-comers such as 1300 and BOY SODA.

A balance of ultra-soft and vigorous melodies, Boujee Bby strikes a balance that seamlessly straddles warm R&B with energetic hip-hop as evident in her infectious singles like soul-tinged PRINCE CHARMING and the high-powered ATTITUDE PROBLEM ft. 1300.

Speaking about the album’s creative process, MUNGMUNG shared, “It’s an extension of what listeners know of me so far. I have songs on here that I wrote when I was 16 to 18 in addition to a few newer ones from half a year ago. I was inspired by certain situations and true emotions or thoughts I’d had." 

"I hope that listeners feel something… Or wanna jump around their bedrooms singing at the top of their lungs. I hope they feel like Boujee Bbies by the end of track 15. If there’s any type of connection, I’m here for it.”

Presenting an eclectic collection of tracks housed in a multifaceted approach that brims with confidence, Boujee Bby is a wild ride through sound and beyond. Including the previously released,  Boujee Bby is rounded out with thirteen brand new tracks including Loyal ft. BOY SODA and IF U SAY.

Written over a virtual session, IF U SAY details the progression of heartbreak of which MUNGMUNG reveald, IF U SAY is like the long text or voicemail you leave for the fuckboy who has wasted too much of your time. It’s a ball of disappointment, frustration, heartbreak but on the other hand, realisation of self-worth and being waaaay better off."

"I was feeling a way upon reflecting on relationships (to me) that were in fact roller-coaster-ride situationships (the reality of it all). IF U SAY is for all who have been done dirty to scream out with their best friends in the car or dance around their room with a hairbrush microphone to.”

Self-assured and full of personality, Boujee Bby is MUNGMUNG at her heightened self and teems with authenticity as an extension of her art.

 In a celebration of MUNGMUNG’s much-loved return, one that has already seen her land FBi Radio’s Independent Artist of the Week, deliver her unmatched live energy on triple j’s Bars of Steel and a performance at Phoenix Central Park, alongside a resume of support slots including Ngaiire, Taka Perry, Chelsea Warner, BOYSODA, Billy Davis and Gold Fang.

Having ushered into 2023 with a new realm of authentic creativity, MUNGMUNG sends tremors through her bold aesthetic reminiscent of early-2000s, powerful vocals, and infectious melodies that are anchored in the sonics of hip hop and R&B. 

In celebration of the release of Boujee Bby, we had a chat with MUNGMUNG to suss out everything you need to know about the genre-defying muso.

Give us the story behind your name?

It is a lil' nickname that T came up with - My surname doubled. It's just cute, looks fuckin' dope on visuals and most importantly, is a nod to the heritage.

If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

Oh my goodness... You can't do this to me! I'm a dessert fiend so you know a sis out here with a trillion flavour combinations floating around?!!! Maybe my current Boujee Bby mood calls for either Strawberries and Cream or Bubblegum or Taro with Fresh Milk.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your own sound and style?

I love listening to a wide range of artists and genres because I love seeing and listening to everyone in their element. 

There is something so sparkly, inspiring and wonderful about any passion-charged creative doing their thing. Hip Hop and RnB do have me in a chokehold so maybe I'ma rant on that for a hot sec. 

I look to Eminem, Kanye West, Tyler, the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, Ms Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, Lil' Kim, Nicki Minaj, Biggie and Nas as my pillars. 

I love the creativity of Childish Gambino, Smino, JID, Victoria Monet, and Tayla Parx - Pen and flow crazy. I love the delivery of Megan Thee Stallion and BIA, just so effortless and bad boss bitch slay mama yas. 

I get in my crooner moods with the likes of Lucky Daye, Brandy, Aaliyah, Summer Walker, SZA, Kehlani and Daniel Caesar.  Recently I've been geeking over Jazz additions to my listening rotation including Sarah Vaughan, Jassmeia Horn and Samara Joy to name a few. I could go on about this for days...

I would say my natural inclination towards soulful tunes has seeped into my own creations. Whatever I've naturally haad an ear for has just come through. I really see the value in saying something or if not, then conveying an emotion or thought strongly through art and that's what the greats have instilled in me.

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

I am grateful for every single opportunity I've ever been graciously given. Some big moments include sharing a stage with super respectable peers like Billy Davis, Taka Perry, Goldfang, Ngaiire, and Kucka. 

It was dope to hang in person and fangirl to their face haha! Of course, playing at a venue like Phoenix, stepping into the iconic Triple J studio to do Bars of Steel, and going on Converse Music Camp with amazing artists in their own right; BOY SODA, Pania, Pricie, Azure and Jalmar, have to make this list.

Overall, it's been amazing to meet and become friends with so many like-minded people along the way. Meeting and bonding with not only peers but avid listeners has been a highlight and a reminder of what music means. To see live reactions or have meaningful conversations with people who have connected with the art is incredible. 

What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

Inspiration comes from everywhere for me. It could be something stated mid-conversation, shower or toilet ad-libs, playing around on keys, watching a movie, or listening to my favourite album. 

I don't find anything 'unusual' per se, as Hip Hop and RnB/Soul can lend themselves to drawing inspiration from the everyday. Sit me down and I can write verses inspired by a Coke bottle...Or a cracker, ya know? 

Maybe the times when I've halted a conversation halfway and asked my confused friends/family if I could quickly record what we'd said to be used as a sample or something is unexpected for them? I am lucky that they put up with my antics, to be honest!

Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?

I once wrote a song about my celebrity crush and posted it everywhere in hopes that he'd find it and magically fall in love with me haha! I was like thirteen, you can't judge me. Although I am a true believer in 'It's not awkward if you don't make it awkward', so I take everything I do with stride. No cringing for me (I'm in denial).

What are the top three tracks or artists you’re vibing on rn?

I recently found SiR and I am obsessed with his whole discography. I've been vibin' heavy on No L's by Smino. That Monica x Kanye sample is WILD. WHARF TALK by Tyler, The Creator ft. A$AP Rocky has the cutest chorus and of course, the music video gets me. Like, damn!

What’s something that fans might not know about you?

I have no idea... But maybe anything they have yet to discover can be found in goldmines through my music? Boujee Bby and them some, people, get with it!

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

WOLF or FLOWER BOY or CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale by Tyler, The Creator... I know I just listed three but I'm indecisive! 

A close call would be good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar and Graduation by Kanye West. 

Any of these albums I've listed, I listen to them back to front quite frequently anyway. They're all no skips, every song just hits and that makes them all timeless to me. They have a multitude of emotions and vibes that will have me set for life. I could never get sick of them.

What's in the works for you in 2023?

I love surprises so I'll keep my lips sealed-ish. Just know that there can never be a dull moment with ya gworl - More cuteness, shenanigans, fa$hun and music to come. Keep an eye out if you really wanna know wassup...There ain't no fun if I give it all away at once now!