The evenings of October 27th 2022 and February 9th 2023 will see Morane and Mimi Waterfall (respectively) express themselves both musically and visually during NITE SH FT, a series of nocturnes by MoMu and Arenberg. Both in a period of transition, both with upcoming releases – a conversation with both artists delves between the interplay of music & fashion, self-discovery and intuition.
Morane, you will be performing with a band: who is in the band and what role do they play in the performance?
I always perform with a band. When I was younger I was in a gipsy jazz band so when I started releasing my own music; I wanted a band too. But it is so hard to find dedicated musicians to work and rehearse with you. I prefer people who really have time. Every show is big for me; full styling, hair and makeup – everything has to be on point. It's what I stand for. It's both positive and negative because we always have to start from the beginning. It's a little more difficult to create that chemistry with new people.
It's going to be a strong message - it's all I can say
Tell us a little about your upcoming releases.
Morane: I'm actually releasing a song on the 26th of October, a day before the show at MoMu - so we are definitely going to perform that song with the band. It will be my first time playing it live and the first time performing the song because I never perform unreleased songs. My band members are excited as well. They encouraged me to do the show because I’m focussing on my upcoming EP at the moment.
Mimi: By early 2023, my new EP will be out. It's my first formal project and it fully represents me – with various influences and various sounds. I'm really happy and excited to share it because I'm a very energetic person. I worked with 4 others on the project – DJ Septik, Zediam & Lilo and DUMB. Overall, I like to be intentional, to take the time to find out what I want to say. What is it I want to say? For example, I like to see songs in colours – it just comes across as certain energy for me. It's an overall and intuitive process. You need to be open, and receptive – it can come across as vague but if the people I work with get it - it's a very rewarding experience. In regard to the songs I wrote, I try not to judge myself when I am writing and just follow where it takes me.
I like to be intentional, to take the time to find out what I want to say
Mimi, what music are you listening to these days?
Mimi: I've been listening to Beyonce's new album Renaissance - It's such a joyful album and I can tell she's just having fun. She's not grinding anymore and there's this child-like attitude about it; something I think we should all embrace. Kids just have no judgement and they don't hold back.
How do fashion and looks play a role in your performance?
Morane: That's a very good question! First of all, I describe myself as someone who is versatile. I'm not just an artist, I'm also a hairdresser for example. Being an artist for me is my alter-ego. For each show, I choose the songs I am going to bring and I chose the story I am going to tell. Overall, I really like to think about how my look can elevate my show. If there are sad songs, I prefer to have a more outstanding look. It helps me to really get into the music and get into the universe. Also on Spotify, I want people to look at my artwork and so truly understand the music - that is the vibe.
I really like to think about how my look can elevate my show
Mimi: It's so funny because I'm in the middle of this whole process of redefining who I am. What does that look like? I feel like I'm in a phase where I am embracing my womanhood, my femininity and my sensuality. I'm figuring out what that exactly looks like. I'm getting there, but it's not completely clear to me yet how it looks. I'm very excited to explore that and right now, I just feel good – I feel comfortable with myself.
I feel like I'm in a phase where I am embracing my womanhood, my femininity and my sensuality
Is there a look you are excited about lately?
Morane: There will be a full look for me for the performance at MoMu. We are in the middle of that process right now. I spoke with my stylist recently and he really wants to make a statement. I really like to use metaphors. There are two types of artists; those who are straight up and those who use a metaphor. It's going to be a strong message - that's the most I can say.
There are two types of artists; those who are straight up and those who use a metaphor
Mimi: This interview honestly comes at the right moment! I’ve put cowrie shells in my hair a few days ago and they are special to me. I wear a lot of rings, I like keeping my skin clear. It's all in the details because truth hides in the details. My hair will probably be different by the time I do the show at MoMu as well. Visually, the energy is really feminine - that’s the energy I'm feeling right now.
Truth hides in the details
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