Origins & Vision
How did Moth Lake Records come to life?
The idea for the project started to take shape in January and early February of 2018. There was a lot of touring planned with Sam that year but while we were home I spent some time going through old hard drives listening to demo recordings, instrumental ideas and unreleased mixes I had worked on over the years. I remember listening through and thinking there was a specific theme going on, all of the music was aligning with the tone and vision I had for the concept.
How did the idea of creating a film soundtrack influence the founding of the label?
When I started piecing together the soundtrack and imagining the direction, Moth Lake Records naturally became the ideal home for the music. It gave me the freedom to bring years of creative exploration together into something cohesive that could bring the narrative to life. It wasn’t just about making music, I think it was more about building a space where these moments and ideas could exist together and tell a unified story.
Why did you choose to develop the music before the film, rather than the traditional way around?
It is unconventional, but for me the music was always the driving force. It created this vivid world and narrative in my mind. I wanted the soundtrack to set the tone and shape the story, rather than the other way round. It allowed the creative process to feel more organic and gave the music room to lead the way.
Creative Development & Direction
When did you officially start releasing music under the Moth Lake banner?
We began releasing music in the summer of 2022 after sitting on a collection of tracks for a couple of years. It was exciting to finally share them with the world and see how people connected with the music. That first release generated a lot of buzz around Moth Lake and it felt like the project was finally starting to take on a life of its own.
How has your creative process evolved since you started the label?
Starting the label has made me think about music in a more rounded way. It’s not just about individual tracks anymore, it’s about how everything connects thematically and emotionally, especially with the concepts we’re exploring. It’s also pushed me to experiment more and revisit older ideas with fresh ears, particularly when collaborating with other artists.
Can you give some examples of those concepts?
Mental health, sleep paralysis, numerological synchronicities and the paranormal are the ones that spring to mind.
Lately, there’s been a shift toward covers. What inspired that direction?
With the story set in the early 2000s, I decided to focus more on covering songs from that era — the music that originally inspired the concept for the film. The idea was to slightly rework the arrangements and production to fit within the cohesive theme of the soundtrack. It’s been a way to bridge to the past and the world of where Moth Lake lives. We’re also currently doing a series of live sessions filmed at local studios around the North East. The idea is to bring in local bands to cover songs from the late 90s and early 2000s but with their own take on it. It’s a way of revisiting the music that shaped the project while also shining a light on the local scene and how new artists reinterpret those songs today.
Collaboration & Community
Collaboration seems to play a big role in your process. Can you tell us more about the artists or collaborators you’ve worked with?
Absolutely. When lockdown happened, I reached out to a few musician friends to collaborate and create remotely. Since most creatives have home studios these days, it felt like a productive way to stay connected and maintain a sense of sanity during an isolating time. These collaborations led to some meaningful conversations about mental health, isolation, struggles with sleep and even the paranormal. It was amazing to see how these ideas resonated with others and evolved through the process of working together.
The Soundtrack & the Film
The soundtrack feels central to Moth Lake Records. Can you talk about how they are linked?
The film has always been part of the bigger picture for Moth Lake. It started as this abstract idea tied to the soundtrack but over time it’s become clearer how it could take shape. The main goal is to create something that feels as immersive and genuine as the music itself.
Are there plans in motion to actually bring the film to life?
Production has already started in small segments. Outside of the music world and the label, I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with some incredible visual creatives and directors who truly connect with the idea of Moth Lake. Their talent and inspiration have been invaluable and working with them has brought a new dimension to the project. It’s been incredible to see the narrative take shape in ways I hadn’t even imagined. So I’m really looking forward to getting it out there but I’m also enjoying the process.
Format, Distribution & Presentation
Are there any plans to release physical formats, or will everything stay digital for now?
Definitely! There’s 11 cover songs ready to go, including a couple that haven’t been released digitally yet. Those will be part of a 12-inch vinyl release later in the year. On top of that, we’re planning to release concept EPs featuring original songs from the artists on the roster.
Reflection & Advice
What has been the biggest challenge in running an independent label?
The biggest challenge has definitely been the financial aspect. Working with a smaller budget requires much more strategic planning and resourcefulness. But also it’s been a blessing in disguise, sessions are more focused and the artists and collaborators I work with are incredibly passionate and professional. If we do secure a bigger budget in the future, it would open the door to expanding both our team and our artist roster.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own label or creative project?
Start with a clear vision, but allow it to grow and change over time. Build a community of people who inspire you creatively. And most importantly, don’t lose sight of your purpose. If the heart of your project is genuine, it will resonate with others.
END
It’s clear to see that Moth Lake is more than just a record label or a creative project — it’s a deeply personal universe, carefully curated of sound, emotion and memory. What began as a personal voyage through old demos and forgotten ideas has grown into a fully immersive world where music not only accompanies, but is the driving force for a cinematic vision. It studies aspects of the human psyche in a way that allows for catharsis, while still tipping its hat to more nuanced themes — mysticism and symbolism.
With new releases, film production in early progress and a growing community of collaborators, Moth Lake is evolving — not just as a label, but as a creative entity: a conduit for music as storyteller, healer and connector.