Masha and the Fam are an indie alt sextuplet that are breaking the barriers of conventionality to create a soulful sound that blends and transcends genres and energizes live audiences. Masha Alexis (lead vocals, keys), Thomas D. Smith (guitar), Servio Maldonado (bass), Kyle Dombroski (drums), Max Maynard (trumpet) and William James Carter III (saxophone) comprise Masha and the Fam; a collective of extraordinary musicians who sidestep genre boundaries to produce enticing and exciting soundscapes. Lead by Alexis (the main songwriter of the group), Fam is churning out a dazzling new era in song from their LA jam space. The music is a rousing, alt rock orchestral offering - inviting the listener to join them. ‘The Fam’ earned its moniker from Carter after Alexis dubbed their rehearsals: “family meetings”.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Masha and the Fam, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I started doing music when I was three years old. My mother believed that children should learn music to help develop their brains. I spent a year playing violin and was absolutely terrible. So at 4, I switched to piano and took to it instantly. I’ve been playing since that day. Then at 7, I started voice lessons and the rest is kind of history.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
When I am not making music, my husband and I founded a non-profit that arranges life-saving spinal surgery for children in East Africa. So that tends to keep me super busy as well.
Your latest song is 'Mercyfuck'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Like a lot of our songs, this one happened super organically. We had played the song live a bunch, so I knew the energy and feel that I wanted from it. For example, the day Roe v Wade was overturned in the US, I screamed it from the stage in frustration.
But the studio process was crazy. None of that amazing lead guitar was written in advance. We had the awesome Trevor Boggs come in to record and he just improvised all of that. He honestly recorded all guitar magic in just three takes. It was so good and so fast that we had time left over in our session. But I was so inspired that instead of ending early, I ran to the microphone, kind of sick, with a sore throat, and sang the song. I recorded the vocal in about 30 minutes. And to be honest, I think it’s one of the best, more honest vocals, I’ve ever recorded.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
I wish you could tell me lol. I don’t the know the recipe for a musical hit. I know that I want to make the most authentic and real music I can. Something that does more than entertain…something that inspires, motivates, heals, whatever. And if someone connects with the song, all the better.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I’m always learning and studying. Whether it’s working with a performance coach, attending conferences, or even taking a business class, I am never going to stop learning. Also, surround yourself with people you respect and admire. A lot of learning is just done by being around other creative people and sharing energy and ideas.
How do you spend your free time? What makes you feel relaxed?
Travel. I have been to over 30 countries and numerous states. I just like to go to a place and get lost. No plan, no itinerary. Just walk around and see what I find. I have had some of the best adventures that way and these experiences are really centering for me.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I have been lucky enough to have amazing mentors and coaches along my journey. I truly would not be here today, if it wasn’t for these people who had such a profound effect on my life. Sometimes, my mentors have been encouraging and sometimes they’ve been downright mean. But they have always taught me and pushed me to create the truest art possible. That the art is bigger and more important than me.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
So so so so so so so difficult. It is one of the best things you will ever do, but also one of the hardest. It is fickle and everchanging and a constant battle to keep up. But that doesn’t mean I would want to do anything different.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I have very clear 5 year plan. We are going to play the Pitchfork Music Festival and complete our European tour. This band is going places!