Comprised of singer/songwriter Ann and producer Alexander, Close to Monday is a European dark wave/synth-pop duo whose sound echoes electronic music of the past while also feeling distinctively modern. While they have a cohesive style, their work is extremely varied, with no two tracks ever sounding alike. Their deeply atmospheric sound blends icy synths and robotic beats with highly emotive, ethereal vocals. The songcraft and production are absolutely flawless, yet Close to Monday avoids ever coming across as over-produced. The duo has released several singles this year. In an email interview, they discussed their work.
Could you provide a brief history of the band? Had you been involved in previous musical projects?
Alexander: Close to Monday started as an instrumental electronic project, but when Anna joined three years ago, it evolved into something more complete, blending both music and lyrics with a deeper meaning. We’ve both worked on various projects before this, but Close to Monday is where we’ve truly found our voice.
How would you describe the creative process within the band? What is the collaborative process like?
Anna: We work together closely but have distinct roles—Alexander creates the music, and I write the lyrics. Sometimes a song starts with a melody, other times with an idea or a concept I want to explore. We’re always building off each other’s ideas, which makes the process feel natural and fluid.
You’ve been quite prolific, releasing albums in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Do you view albums as complete entities, guided by underlying concepts or ideas? Or is it more about collecting the material you’ve created within a specific timeframe?
Alexander: Our albums are more than just collections of songs; we see them as cohesive, conceptual pieces that take the listener on a journey. We want people to experience the full emotional range of our work when they listen from start to finish.
Lately, you seem to have shifted focus to singles. Is this a response to changes in how people access music, or is it a creative choice?
Anna: It’s both. We’re always creating, and releasing singles each month allows us to stay in constant connection with our listeners. It also lets us explore different themes and ideas without having to wait for a full album cycle. It’s a great way to stay creatively active and engaged with our audience.
Your work often brings to mind electronic music of the past. Could you discuss your influences and your process of incorporating them into a more modern context?
Alexander: We have a deep love for bands like Depeche Mode and New Order—they hold a special place in our hearts. Their music has a timeless quality, and while we don’t consider ourselves directly influenced by them, we enjoy taking something nostalgic and giving it a fresh, modern twist by blending those classic sounds with new ideas.
Following up on the previous question, what are your primary musical tools (synths, software, etc.)?
Alexander: I work with a lot of analog synthesizers—Moog, Black Corporation, and Erica Synths, to name a few. Each one has its own unique personality, and I love discovering what they can bring to a track. These instruments help us shape our distinctive sound.
What does the name Close to Monday mean to you and your work?
Anna: The name captures that moment on a Sunday when the weekend is ending, but you’re still lingering in its freedom. It’s about that sense of anticipation before the week starts, and for us, it reflects the mix of emotions in our music—looking forward but also being present in the moment.
What is your approach to live performance? Do you perform as a duo or bring in other musicians? Are there any ways in which you feel the music differs in a live setting?
Anna: Our live shows are more than just music—we usually perform with dancers because, for us, music and dance are inseparable. The energy of movement amplifies the emotions of the music, making the live experience much more immersive. It’s about creating a full sensory experience for the audience.
Is there anything upcoming that you’d like to mention?
Anna: We’ve got some exciting things on the horizon—new music and definitely more live performances. We’re planning to return to the U.S. for more shows and have some ideas we’re eager to bring to life. Stay tuned to our social media for updates!
For more info on Close to Monday, visit closetomonday.com.
