Interview: The Mauve
Photo supplied by The Mauve
The Mauve is a six-piece band from Oahu, Hawaii, built around primary lyricist Analiese Esopenko. Their music draws on 90s alternative and folk lyricism. In this interview, Esopenko discusses the band’s live studio cover of The Sundays’ “You're Not The Only One I Know,” their studio collaborators, and the new material they are developing.
What inspires your music?
I long for the days when things were so much simpler. I really love that we connect like this now--through the internet, but I remember just playing outside as a kid and making friends face to face. Getting stung by bees together, growing up together and exploring ideas together. I had absolutely no care in the world. I think what inspires my music is just simplicity of life--everyday things that kind of don't matter to anyone. But it's not that they don't matter, it's that no one thinks about things deeply enough anymore. I don't know, I wanted to take a walk to feel the cool breeze on my nose because sometimes you gotta do that. It's little things like that--they inspire me to write. I explore those feelings and what I feel when I feel them, if that makes any sense.
Who are some of your influences?
My greatest lyric influence has got to be Stevie Nicks. I really love old music. I was raised listening to The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin. Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt too. I'm a huge fan of 90s ethereal wave and dream pop like Cocteau Twins. I love Elizabeth Fraser's vocal work and melodical creativity. The heavy reverb on the guitars is so beautiful and lush to me. You can hear some of that in our songs.
We really love The Sundays and even covered You're Not The Only One I Know which is streaming everywhere. Harriet Wheeler is probably my favorite vocalist. Her ability to weave everyday words into lyrics is just genius to me. I'm just in love with how introspective her lyrics are.
I've become such a huge fan of the band Mineral. I love LOVE their lyrics. Everything about their music is so emotional for me. I love their guitar work. I love how Chris Simpson just pulls you in. Everything is very vulnerable and honest, it's just superb storytelling. I love their drummer, and the way things are mixed. Like I said, just so emotional and vulnerable to me. Same with American Football, Alex G, and Marietta. Something about the rawness of it all feels so human to me.
My last influence has got to be Phoebe Bridgers. I love her voice, lyrics, songwriting, and soundscape. Everything almost submerges you into another universe. One hiding in plain sight. It's also very raw without being contrived. I love that.
Photo supplied by The Mauve
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
My first favorite memory was meeting my partner, Boris Garcia. He plays guitar for my band now. He joined the band in 2022, and I knew that he was something special--both in the band and in my life.
Another favorite memory was when we got to travel to Maui together twice! The first time, we flew out during the Kona Low in March 2026. Needless to say, the promoter had no choice but to cancel the show due to flooding and major damage to the island. We were pretty bummed out but we made the most of it and ate some crazy food at Tiffany's (in Wailuku). The promoter promised to get us back, but I didn't hold my breath--the storms here have been hellish this year. This guy was determined and brought us back by putting on fundraiser shows to fly us out. We put on 2 very successful shows, made new friends, and bonded so hard. Talk about a saint (Thank you to Gannon Gilmore, Luktown Shows).
My last favorite memory, or experience rather, is winning HI93's Local Break on 11/06. It's a battle of the bands competition and out of all the bands, we won first place. I still have to do some interviews for that etc., so watch out for it.
Which of your songs/EPs/albums is your favorite and why?
I honestly love You're Not The Only One I Know. I know it's not our original, but this song was so challenging in ways that helped us all grow. We play it live, and I love singing it. Vocally, it's probably the most challenging song I've ever sang on just because of the demand it has on my voice. It's my favorite because we recorded it live in studio and that's basically what we sound like. I'm super proud of it. My favorite song to play live is Memory Prelude, which just goes absolutely crazy at the end. You'll just have to see it live to know what I mean!
Who are some of the collaborators who helped you create your favorite works?
Jordan Mamiya at Sunstage Music produces/engineers all my music. I've worked with Sam Moses on some of my masters and I love his work. my whole band also helps create my favorite works. All of us who play live are also the same people in the studio tracking. That's really special to me and to them. We all get to play our own parts live and recorded.
production/engineering: Jordan Mamiya @sunstagemusic
bass: Riley Kala Pa`akaula @riley.kala
guitar: Boris Garcia @bore_us
synth/guitar: Aaron Garcia @keyofaaron
drums: John Sabugo @lechondairy
mastering: Sam Moses @mosesmastering
Photo supplied by The Mauve
What are you most excited to bring to your fans next?
I'm so stoked to announce that we're working on an album or EP I haven't decided yet, but we have a lot of new material.
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
Since winning battle of the bands, we really want to use our winnings to be able to play shows on the continent. It's so costly to leave the island, but my 2027 goal is to play some shows out of state.
How can your fans and our readers best support you right now?
Right now, the best thing to do is follow us on IG and stream our music. We do have merch but have only been selling it at shows. Eventually we will have an online store.
Listen to “You're Not The Only One I Know (Live From The Rainforest Room)” by The Mauve
Follow The Mauve
Official website · Spotify · Apple Music · YouTube · Instagram · SoundCloud
Photos provided by The Mauve. Photo credits supplied by the artist: Emrys Navarrete (@theseprettytears) and Luca Oishi (@hailthesound).