MØNA rejects storybook romances with ‘fairy tale’
September 11 | Written By Maelou Pugh
Outspoken and defiant queer singer-songwriter from Boston, MØNA's released their newest single ‘Fairy Tale’ on the 19th August. ‘Fairy Tale’ is a brand new otherworldly and upbeat song that challenges traditional storybook stereotypes.
The perspective of needing to be a damsel in distress and awaiting a rescue is abolished by MØNA. Holding female empowerment at the core of their lyricism and storytelling, ‘Fairy Tale’ was released on August 18th.
While navigating difficult subjects and the queer experience in her lyricism, this novel approach leaves us all eager for more- their crystal-clear vocals leave no room for misinterpretation. The anticipation generated by their previous album, unsent letters. is no different to ‘Fairy Tale’.
We're being given a full story that has a variety of ideas and techniques throughout, including textured synth and plucked midi sounds, and we're presented with an excellent example of top line songwriting 'I'm not your ‘Fairy Tale’', again, leaves no room for misinterpretation.
The artist's choice of phrasing, along with the excellent recording standard, both contribute to the clarity of the lyrics and vocals. Although easy on the ears, their vocals are striking and powerful.
The vocal qualities resemble Billie Eilish on WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? as well as early Melanie Martinez, regarding the spoken lyric did I make you cry? And an ascending vocal slide at the line you think I'm weak and frail?
An array of unconventional instruments, such the clock tower bell ringing, are presented to us by MØNA's instrumental section. Here, MØNA is being presented in a different light, hinting at the breadth that this artist would likely explore in subsequent works.
The variety of ideas already displayed in their two released singles shows us the potential that this artist holds. Clearly, MØNA has a good knowledge of music composition and songwriting, as well as a variety of influences and approaches to their music.
We are given a sense of defiance, strength, and resentment through the lyrics. With references to fairytale themes - painted the apple...in a tower in a torn-up dress - really cleverly takes advantage of these storybook traditions, giving MØNA power lyrically to counter the idea that women should hold themselves back, make themselves small, and wait around for a prince instead of taking matters into their own hands.
A clear message of queer and feminine power runs through the track - this is a message I deem familiar in our current society. The music industry I believe holds a space open for artists like MØNA. The message in ‘Fairy Tale’ is unlike a lot of releases I've come across recently.
Their two releases from 2023, ‘Fairy Tale’ and ‘Unsent Letters’ are available on Spotify. I will be checking their socials for upcoming releases, and I suggest you do too.