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2024

Fresh Talent: MOLS

Fresh Talent: MOLS

Growing up on Auckland’s North Shore, Molly Johnson attended piano lessons and learnt basic guitar skills from her dad. Piano recitals and choir training led on to vocal performances at intermediate and high school. She says she was privileged as a teenager to have contemporary vocal training with the legendary Suzanne Lynch, through the Westlake Girls’ High School music department. 

“Suzanne’s coaching helped me understand my voice, take control of it, and develop my strengths.”

The first live performance as an aspiring artist came six years ago with Techniclr, a vocal trio formed with long time singing friend Jess Penson (aka Kedu) and Chelsea Naepi

“After leaving school, we decided that we would pursue music seriously and we set some goals to release music and perform. Which was hard, because we had no idea what we were doing! But we managed to write songs, land some gigs and put together an epic band. It took me quite a few years to upskill and gain confidence in live singing, and still today I get better with each performance,” she admits.

Techniclr lasted until 2021 and, alongside training to become an occupational therapist, Molly has since been on a journey of artist development including through the Island Base FM mentor programme that has resulted in MOLS, a soulful singer-songwriter drawing inspiration from an ancestry that includes roots in Tonga and Ireland.

“I only fully committed to adopting MOLS as an artist name at the end of 2023. I realised that I feel most amazing when people call me MOLS. So I just went with what was natural!”

First meeting Andrew Spraggon a few years ago when he urgently needed a vocalist, the Sola Rosa artist/producer has mentored and worked with her to deliver three quality singles during 2024, each unobtrusively but richly decorated with background production niceties. 

Written after a weekend getaway to Raglan her debut Float was inspired by “an authentic connection to self, others and the natural environment.” Second single Show Me she describes as feeling mischievous and exciting, inspired by the early phases of getting to know someone romantically.

“I like to write lyrics and melodies that make me feel connected and loved, with a touch of sass. I want people to listen to my music and be inspired to connect with their environment and themselves with love and gratitude.” 

At the end of November MOLS released a summer cruising track titled Heaven, this one inspired by fond memories of classic Kiwi summer vibes of backyard barbeques enjoyed with friends and family. 

“I’ve been really leaning into my personality. I get energy from connecting with other people – especially when it is a personal and meaningful connection! I’ve noticed that the more I am myself, the more natural I am and the more others reciprocate that same energy. 

“Being able to maintain meaningful connections, especially with others who are very knowledgeable, has been the key to me knowing what next steps to take and when. There are a lot of kind people in the Auckland music community. It’s so awesome.”