Listening to one of artist and composer minilov (AKA MNLV, AKA Hannah Mairead)’s tracks is like draping a dreamy silk shawl of vocals around your bare
Listening to one of artist and composer minilov (AKA MNLV, AKA Hannah Mairead)’s tracks is like draping a dreamy silk shawl of vocals around your bare shoulders. Waves of soulful madness loop in and out of her vocals and her sultry-ridden alternative r&b tracks force you to dive into more.
“The alternative R&B is driven by the lurid nature of the lyrics and beats.” Mairead said. “I gravitate towards certain styles of hip-hop drums, juxtaposing that with lighter guitars, classic saxophone by my roommate, and piano keys.”
Inspired by George Orwell’s language of Newspeak in his novel 1984, Mairead is primarily known under her stage name as MNLV (mini love) and has gained quite a following here in Richmond after only few performances since January.
Self-taught in composing and producing, MNLV is a sound threat when it comes to being a self-sufficient artist.
“I want to turn [musical production] on its head,” MNLV said in the calmest way. “I want to attempt to embrace or reclaim that freedom that some artists are unable to actualize.”
Also inspired by Orwell is the name of her new project titled “INTO THE MINISTRY”, which is set to be released around late November. Before the release of “INTO THE MINISTRY” however is an ingenious preview for the project titled “Ministry Minutes” (top track) where MNLV along with close friends (who are also local artists and collaborators) release short tracks on soundcloud.
A notable “Ministry Minute” track titled, “YX” (below track) epitomizes MNLV’s voice and intent. With a slow drawn hum throughout the track setting a base, the track which is only about two minutes long does more than that with layers of MNLV’s soft yet raspy vocals, cut beats, and flux of sounds that triggers a listener’s quick comprehension of both MNLV and themselves.
It is hard to resist one’s thoughts to wonder what sort of story hides behind the reverbs and beats that is synchronized with MNLV’s strong feminine voice.
“Each lyrical line tangles and untangles with one story and then another.” MNLV said. “It’s sort of like a personal attempt with episteme concentrated into a lyrical and instrumental project.”
With vocal influences from legacies such as Aretha Franklin, Golden Age, Funk, and more recently Adele, MNLV is an artist to keep an eye on in the local Richmond music scene.
MNLV is part of B.ckwards Haus Ops a group of artists based here in Richmond that create and bond through well executed collaborations throughout the year.
Artists ALF.and Chï are MNLV’s closest friends and collaborators who contribute to her passion.
MNLV’s newest project album titled “INTO THE MINISTRY,” is set to be released on November 25th.
Keep up with MNLV on soundcloud here, and instagram here – and of course tumblr here
