Interview With Close to Monday: Challenging Digital Conformity With Their New Single “Different”
Since the start of 2024, Close To Monday, one of the most promising synth-pop duos, has been captivating audiences and steadily growing their fan base with a series of monthly single releases. Composed of the talented singer-songwriter Ann and musical producer Alexander, Close to Monday has just unveiled their latest single, “Different.” The track boldly challenges the growing dominance of virtual interactions over real-life connections, offering a fresh perspective on the digital age.
As the new school year begins and discussions around banning cell phones in schools to foster more in-person interaction gain traction, Close to Monday's message is more relevant than ever. The duo is also thrilled to announce their first-ever US tour this September, where fans in cities like Seattle, New York, and Minneapolis will have the opportunity to experience Close to Monday live for the first time.
“Different” is a powerful confrontation of the troubling trend of substituting genuine emotions with the pursuit of digital validation. This single continues to showcase the duo’s ability to push the boundaries of electronic music, seamlessly blending dark wave pop with modern techno production. Close to Monday’s music invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, exploring a world shaped by infinite possibilities and deep emotions.
In this exclusive interview, Close to Monday, the European duo discusses their journey and the inspiration behind their latest single “Different.” They reveal how their music challenges digital conformity and promotes authentic connections in a world increasingly dominated by social media. Get insights into their creative process and catch them live on their first-ever US tour this September.
We’d like to go back to the origins of the band to provide some context about your journey. When and how was Close to Monday formed, and why the name?
Alexander: Close to Monday initially started as an electronic music project without vocals. About three years ago, Anna joined, and that's when the project truly found its soul. Now, we convey meaning not just through music, but also through lyrics. We're trying to bring something positive into the world, both musically and thematically. The name "Close to Monday" reflects that feeling of lingering on a Sunday, still enjoying the moment before the week begins, when everything is still good.
What is the dynamic like between you as a musical duo? Are there defined responsibilities, or do you both contribute to all aspects of the music creation process?
Alexander: I write the music, and Anna writes the lyrics. The process often starts with an idea, like in our tracks “Back to the Light” or “Guns.” After that, the music follows, and then the lyrics—or sometimes it all comes together at once. We’re always trying to convey something meaningful, whether through words or just the music.
Your music often blurs the lines between genres. How has your sound evolved since you first started Close to Monday?
Alexander: When it comes to sound, I’m deeply inspired by instruments, especially the way they sound. Synthesizers like those from Black Corporation, Erica Synth, Moog, and Sequential—all have their own soul and potential that you only discover the more time you spend with them. Regarding genres, we don’t confine ourselves to a specific one. I know this might not be the best approach commercially, but it allows us to express our emotions and feelings the way we want to. For us, it’s all about creative freedom. Locking ourselves into a specific genre would mean losing that freedom, and that’s not something we’re interested in.
“Different” addresses the theme of digital conformity. What inspired you to tackle this subject in your latest single?
Anna: We don’t go out of our way to search for themes—they’re just what we genuinely care about. People losing themselves in the digital world is a sad reality, and it’s something we’re concerned about. That’s where “Different” comes from.
Can you tell us more about the creative process behind “Different”? How did you approach blending the dark wave and modern techno elements in the track?
Anna: Thank you for analyzing our music so deeply and noticing the blend of genres! Honestly, we didn’t consciously aim for that mix—it just happened naturally.
The lyrics of “Different” feel very introspective and personal. Were there specific experiences or observations that influenced the songwriting?
Alexander: Every song we create is personal, whether it’s Anna’s experience or mine—or sometimes both. We often discuss what we want to share with our audience. For instance, sometimes Anna will bring up a topic, and I’ll say, “That’s great, here’s some music for it.” I have a lot of music ready to go. As for personal experiences, there’s nothing specific, but every day you see people on social media who are like clones of one another, with thousands of “friends.” It distorts the meaning of relationships, in our opinion.
As you prepare for your first US tour, what are you most excited about? Are there any cities or venues you're particularly looking forward to performing in?
Anna: This is our first tour in the US, and it’s our first chance to share our feelings with people there. We’re grateful to God and fate for this opportunity, and we’re equally excited about all the cities and venues. We can’t wait to meet everyone!
What has been the most challenging aspect of your journey as an electronic music duo so far, and how have you overcome it?
Anna: We try to live honestly, to enjoy life, and to take the ups and downs as they come. Just living in the moment helps us overcome challenges.
Looking back at your career, what advice would you give to emerging artists who want to break into the electronic music scene?
Alexander: We’re still a young band ourselves, just three years in. But we believe in ourselves, and we encourage everyone else to believe in themselves too! And always trust in the power of goodness.
What's on the horizon for Close to Monday? Do you have any plans to release a full-length album soon, or will you continue focusing on singles?
Alexander: We definitely plan to break the trend of releasing one single per month, even though it’s not difficult for us since we’re constantly creating. But yes, we do want to release an album—a project that people can listen to from start to finish, spending not just three minutes, but 40 minutes with us. 40 minutes of our world. That’s what we’ll call the album!
CLOSE TO MONDAY PHANTOM TOUR
US Dates (More TBA)
9/13 — The Blue Moon Tavern, Seattle, Washington (8pm)
9/14 — Bar Lubitsch, Santa Monica, California (8pm)
9/17 — The Replay Lounge, Lawrence, Kansas (10pm)
9/19 — Underground Music Cafe, Minneapolis, Minnesota (7pm)
9/23 — The Bowery Electric, New York City (7pm) 9/25 — Icon Event Hall/Dada Gastro Pub, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (8pm)
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