Molly Moore finds new ways to be both authentic and innovative on her fresh EP Escapism, a four-song journey exploring humanity, romance, confidence, and insecurity like nothing you’ve ever heard before. She spins traditional pop on its head to create a unique sound that will draw you right into an alluring wonderland of both mystical escapism and unforeseen reality.

“[The title is] inspired by the idea that you can try to avoid how you feel for as long as possible but, no matter what you do, you will eventually be standing right in it with no real way of escaping,” Moore tells TREMG. “It also comes from my experience of having successfully avoided a lot of parts of my own growth via romantic relationships and having space to finally work on myself because I fell in love with someone I couldn’t actually be with. Even though I was still able to utilize escapism in the same way, it has become a lot less powerful over my life, which has allowed me to come to terms with what I was doing and how it’s been affecting me.”

The EP starts with a bang from the very first song – the electrifying “Shy,” which Moore released as a single shortly before the project’s release. With a nearly 30-second intro, there’s plenty of time to immerse yourself in the lush environment while pondering and getting excited for what’s to come. It’s filled with raw lyrics about the human experience and the thrilling, yet terrifying, feeling of falling in love after heartbreak, all while a funky bassline and horns elicit island imagery that will whisk you away.

She shares, “I wrote ‘Shy’ about feeling excitement and inspired, believing in love again, and embracing your sensuality/humanness. It’s also about honesty and being true to who you really are and how you really feel.”

Second track “Do They?” takes you from the beach to a neon-lit nightclub, bringing the horns back for an alluring dive into a romantic feeling that’s quickly becoming more and more passionate. It feels like a darker take on Taylor Swift’s fan-favorite track “Delicate,” almost like they’re from the same narrator shedding her inhibitions and learning to acknowledge what she truly wants, no longer scared of driving away a potential suitor by being too honest.

The previously-unheard “Vacation” brings the EP a step back into lighter territory, combining a twangy electric guitar and thoughtfully-layered vocal harmonies into a velvety, Frank Ocean-esque R&B track that Moore counts as a favorite on the project. As she invites a lover to pursue a deeper connection or rent out a motel room, it’s an attention-grabbing change of pace from the more upbeat songs in her discography that still has that signature Molly Moore charm you won’t find anywhere else.

Escapism closes with “Marco Polo,” a collaboration with NoMBe that returns to the summery feeling of “Shy” with an 80s-influenced bounce reminiscent of rising pop acts like Mae Muller. NoMBe serves as both the sole feature and the only lead male vocal on the project, offering a source of confirmation that Moore’s confidence and patience when it comes to love pay off. It’s a reminder that not everything in life comes easily, but that the richest things are worth the wait and persistence.

​What makes Escapism so special is its ability to balance both hardcore vulnerability and more experimental, flourishing sounds and instrumentals. It feels like a message in a bottle, brimming with the hope of someone reading its contents while still holding onto the possibility of its heart-wrenching admissions getting lost at sea.

“Sometimes it can be scary,” Moore admits. “You’re essentially allowing others to feel inclined to weigh in or comment on your life. But I think that vulnerability is so important to have as a quality. To not worry about what others think, but to be so honest with yourself that they have no choice but to be honest with themselves. I know that’s a large goal to strive for, but I genuinely believe it’s the way I can make the best impact with my existence on this spinning blue planet.”

Now that we have the exhilarating adventure that is Escapism, we’re so thankful for Moore’s existence. You can find the EP on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Molly Moore on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and her official site! Keep reading for more from our Q&A with the boundary-pushing singer-songwriter, and if you’re in Los Angeles, be sure to check out her interactive release show on February 16th.

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Congrats on your recent single “Shy!” What does the song mean to you?

I wrote “Shy” about feeling excitement and inspired, believing in love again, and embracing your sensuality/humanness. It’s also about honesty and being true to who you really are and how you really feel.

Alongside “Shy,” you’ve dropped a colorful visual for the song. How did you come up with the concept and what was it like on set?

My friend Lindsay Hancock is an incredible artist and she custom made the mask and tassels. When she told me what she was doing and showed me them, I knew immediately they would be perfect for the visualizer for “Shy.” Shooting was so much fun. Ashlyn (the videographer) and I had just met so it was a funny and incredible way to break the ice with someone new.

“Shy” appears on your new EP, Escapism, which is out February 11th. What inspired the Escapism title?

It’s inspired by the idea that you can try to avoid how you feel for as long as possible but, no matter what you do, you will eventually be standing right in it with no real way of escaping. It also comes from my experience of having successfully avoided a lot of parts of my own growth via romantic relationships and having space to finally work on myself because I fell in love with someone I couldn’t actually be with. Even though I was still able to utilize escapism in the same way, it has become a lot less powerful over my life, which has allowed me to come to terms with what I was doing and how it’s been affecting me.

Which song on Escapism are you most excited for fans to hear?

It’s so hard to choose as each one is so special to me. I think “Vacation” has been a favorite for a while and I’m super excited that it’s the one song people haven’t heard yet as it will be released with the EP. It captures the essence of what this Escapism feeling is like for me.

You dropped your debut album, Voice on the Internet, back in November 2020. How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing it?

I’ve grown so much as a human in general since the release of Voice on the Internet. I’m in a much healthier place mentally and physically, and I think the impact on my work is tremendous. I feel my ability to take risks lyrically and musically has deepened and it’s a step that I’m excited to nurture and lean into. I’m also exploring new genres, which has honestly made me fall in love with music all over again.

How soon after releasing Voice on the Internet did you start working on songs for Escapism?

I was actually writing the songs for Escapism as I was finishing Voice on the Internet. So almost the entire body of work was written before my first album dropped. 

Your Instagram bio says you focus on having “real conversations,” and Escapism showcases some of your most honest, “real” work to date. Is it hard for you to be that vulnerable in front of the world?

Sometimes it can be scary. You’re essentially allowing others to feel inclined to weigh in or comment on your life. But I think that vulnerability is so important to have as a quality. To not worry about what others think, but to be so honest with yourself that they have no choice but to be honest with themselves. I know that’s a large goal to strive for, but I genuinely believe it’s the way I can make the best impact with my existence on this spinning blue planet.

When Voice on the Internet came out, you told PAPER that it felt more like a time capsule of who you were while writing it than a reflection of who you were when you released it. Do you feel the same way about Escapism? How have you grown since you started writing it?

I do feel similarly. I was deeply in love and putting myself really far out there to express that when I made this body of work. I still feel the same inertia and excitement that I put into Escapism, but I’ve also been through a lot since I made these songs and now I’m writing about those experiences. I’ve had to accept a lot of realities in the past few months that I was very successfully still avoiding whilst making Escapism, ironically enough. Growth is never linear, though, and it’s always a process. I hope to always be growing and learning for the rest of my life, otherwise, I don’t see the point! 

You’ve co-written songs for artists like EXO and Jesse McCartney as well as writing your own music. How does your process of writing for other artists differ from your process when you’re working on your own songs?

I love writing for other people because you get to express a truth you have within, while really trying to express someone else’s truth to the highest degree. I always equate writing for others to being the therapist in the room, whereas being an artist writing for yourself is more like going to therapy. Both have such a firm place in my heart and allow me to feel creatively fulfilled in different ways. When I’m writing for others, I get to explore genres, topics, and styles of music I might never get to explore for my own project. It’s amazing.

If it weren’t for COVID-19, what would your dream EP release cycle/promotions look like?

I’d be touring. That is #1. I’m still trying to make that happen, but it’s especially tricky right now. I’d also love to be doing Escape Rooms with my fans all over the world! I think that would be incredible.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention that the questions didn’t touch on?

I have a release show for Escapism happening at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang on February 16^th in Los Angeles! Super excited about this and to finally play my first LA show since the pandemic. Also, there’s soooo much more new music to come! 🙂