M LORE (FI) on integrating video games into gigs and being an independent artist today

This past June 6th, Melkweg transformed into a vibrant polling station during the European elections. To encourage voter turnout, they organised a mini-festival called sElection, which featured gigs with two promising up-and-coming artists powered by Liveurope. One of these artists was experimental pop artist M LORE.

Before their performance, we sat down with M LORE to delve into their music, their incorporation of video game elements into their live shows, their experiences with international touring, navigating the landscape as an independent artist today, and much more.

Tell us about yourself and your music.

I perform as M LORE, and I make experimental pop music. Hard-dark-sad-funny-nasty music for difficult divas. Icy music for people with no chill.  I would call myself an unknown pop star, maybe an un-pop star. I write and produce my own songs and design audio-visual performances. I’m originally from the US and I migrated to Finland to get access to free education.

How did you decide to incorporate video-game elements to your gigs?

The idea came when I was developing my master’s thesis. You play music and you play games, why not do both? Video-games make sense as a framework for exploring multimedia expressivity and playfulness in electronic music.

I thought, "The computer can handle the music, but how do I interact with it without looking like I'm checking emails on stage?" In underground electronic music circles, being with your computer on stage is totally normal and cool, but I wanted a more dramatic spectacle.

On the other hand, doing pop music can be like doing karaoke. I love karaoke and that's where I've done most of my training, but I wanted to add an extra layer to it. So, I try to create performances that expand beyond doing karaoke while checking email and together with my collaborator, CV, we’ve made these custom video-game instruments.

This is the first gig you are playing with Liveurope support. How important is it for artists to receive support to bring their music to new audiences abroad?

I migrated to Europe precisely so I could have access to opportunities like this. In the US, if you're working class, it's nearly impossible to be an artist without some lucky break. There are more opportunities in Europe, although I feel like they are eroding. It's getting harder and harder to be an artist. So, I think there is a clear need to expand initiatives like Liveurope.

What are some of the biggest challenges independent artists face today?

The biggest challenge is finding enough money to live. We have very little control over whether or not we get paid for our work and we are not as organised as workers in other industries like film, for example.

I have to thank the Finnish unemployment system because that's what's enabling me to be a full time musician at the moment. Unemployment benefits are enough to live on, though I'm always broke at the end of the month. It's enough for groceries and rent, and maybe, with a gig, you can buy a second-hand outfit or something. It's way better than the US, but it could still be much better than it is.

With current policy changes my unemployment benefits are set to be eliminated. If and when these policies go through, how will I continue pursuing my music career? This is something I think about constantly.

Liveurope is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and the platform is set to reach 5,000 concerts supported since 2014. What are your thoughts on Liveurope?

I found out about Liveurope when I was emailing people about gigs. I thought “there must be a Europe-wide initiative I can get support from”. I searched around and came across your work. Within a week of emailing Liveurope venues I was invited to play this event.  As an emerging artist this kind of support is invaluable.

Thank you for your work and keep going.