Alt-indie artist Mistine has been doing some research this summer. Through songwriting and life experience, she’s been reevaluating her understandings of friendships, romances, day-to-day life, and just enjoying herself. Her new EP lonely is decidedly less lonely than it sounds. Laced with a much optimism as confusion, lonely is honest, dreamy, and nostalgic.
Mistine shared, “This EP takes the listener through my exploration and confusion into life and love. It captures moments in time from growing in love, heartbreak, and friendship, confusion, longing, loneliness. My songs are made to listen to while you’re driving in your car, right before sunset, when the sky is just turning orange; windows down, hair flowing in the breeze, timeless nostalgia. I thrive on the connections between others and myself. Why are we the way we are? Why do we do what we do?”
We had to get some of Mistine’s insight into how to approach loneliness and enjoy the rhythm of life one day at a time. Check out our full interview below.
Showstopper Magazine Online: Your new EP is called “lonely.” What does loneliness feel like to you in the context of that project?
Mistine: I wrote this at a time where I was starting to learn the difference between being lonely and being alone. I was realizing how I could be in a room filled with people or just lying next to someone I love and still feel lonely, but not alone. This project feels like such a release because after writing these songs, I am able to contextualize my emotions more and focus on how loved I am and how I am never alone when I have such a beautiful community. I feel very lucky and very grateful!
SMO: How do you find fun in every day?
Mistine: I have fun by being around loved ones and making art! I also love being out in nature. If I’m starting to feel bored, I usually just go on a walk. There’s so much beauty in the world to see and the mindless energy of a walk always helps me to feel calm and find something new and fun!
SMO: What is your go-to song for overcoming loneliness?
Mistine: “Looking for Somebody (To Love)” by The 1975
SMO: When do you think feeling lonely is a good thing?
Mistine: I think sometimes it can be helpful to feel lonely and get bored to empty your mind and pull on your creativity to make new and different kinds of art. This unlocks new parts of your brain!
SMO: What is the loneliest time of day? How do you make it amazing?
Mistine: I always get tired around 3 or 4pm and just try to take some time to journal if possible, and then within the journaling peace, I start to feel reinsured and usually pick up something creative or spend time with my roommates!
SMO: How do you build strong connections with others?
Mistine: I really love to ask the big questions first. I’m not a fan of small talk. I would much rather just dive in right away and learn everything there is to know about you. I think this just naturally builds connection very quickly.
SMO: What’s your favorite thing to do by yourself?
Mistine: My favorite thing to do by myself is to drink tea outside in the morning and just listen to the birds and animals. They keep me at peace.
SMO: What’s the most fun you’ve had recently?
Mistine: Haha. OMG. I think working at the Dead and Co shows in Las Vegas at the sphere, what a fun time!
SMO: How has your perspective on love, heartbreak, friendship, confusion, longing, and loneliness changed since writing lonely?
Mistine: I think this whole process has been very healing. I feel so ready to accept what the world is ready to give me and just experience new parts of life and the world!
SMO: Are there any “life and love” questions you’re still trying to answer?
Mistine: I think I will always be looking to answer the simple question of “Why do we do what we do?”
I don’t think there is a way to answer that question for every situation because sometimes things just are and happen because they happen. We don’t need to try and explain everything but simply ride the waves of life.
SMO: If you could recommend everyone do one thing this summer, what would it be?
Mistine: Take a long drive with your friends with the windows down, screaming song lyrics together, and get ice cream in a new town!
