Mono XL On the Making Of ‘Haze Collector’
How does 'Haze Collector' reflect your musical journey and growth as an artist?
‘Haze Collector’ feels like a culmination of everything I’ve done in music over the years. It’s like an unconscious mix of everything I love: hard rock, electronic, dance, pop, drones, and atmospheric soundscapes. Each song holds a part of my journey, pulling in different styles that have influenced me along the way. The album itself became a journey too—from the first track we recorded to the last. Tracks like “Seconds to Destroy” and “Take Me Home,” two of the later recordings, dive deeper into sound design and have a more atmospheric feel, which I’m really excited to keep exploring.
Piti Varela, who produced the album, played a huge role in shaping this sound. He pushed us into more experimental directions, which brought a fresh layer of depth and creativity into the project. His influence helped bring out a more daring and reflective side to the album that I think you can hear in every track.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this album?
Honestly, the whole recording process was memorable. We spent a few months on it, and it was a lot of fun from start to finish. We approached the sessions with a really open mindset, allowing space to compose on the fly. Some of the album’s most unique parts came out of these spontaneous moments—like the guitar riffs for “Ingenuos”’s outro, which I loved, and that distorted organ on “Take Me Home.” We even experimented with reversing sounds, discovering it almost always added this unexpected texture that just worked.
Every session felt like exploring new ground, and that freedom to experiment gave the album its depth and personality.
Which song(s) from 'Haze Collector' do you think best represents your artistic vision?
I think the bridge in “Take Me Home” best captures my artistic vision—it’s got everything I connect with musically: guitars, drones, layered patterns, distortion, and a harmony that really feels like home to me. And then there are the extended instrumental sections that happen throughout the album, especially in “Ingenuos,” “World of Stone,” “Take Me Home,” and “Seconds to Destroy.” Those moments let the music breathe and evolve, which I feel is a huge part of my style.
But honestly, every track has its own special element that resonates with me. Each song brings a unique part of my vision to life, making the album a full representation of who I am as an artist.
How would you describe your musical style or genre?
I’d describe my musical style as genre-fluid; we really took an open approach with ‘Haze Collector,’ letting the compositions lead us rather than sticking to any specific genre. There are rock moments, synth-pop elements, electronic textures, even touches of psychedelia. I love pulling from different styles, so the album became this fusion that’s more about a cohesive sonic journey than fitting into a single genre. In that way, I think the overall sound of the album acts as a unifying glue, holding everything together, rather than being bound by traditional genre labels.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and composing music?
In my creative process, the music almost always comes first. Usually, I’ll hear an idea in my head and start building from there, but sometimes it’s triggered by something I’m playing or listening to—a riff, a chorus, or a verse, often tied to a particular mood or feeling. If the idea feels strong enough, I’ll start shaping it, working on the structure and adding arrangements.
When it comes to recording, I keep the process open and flexible. I’m very receptive to accidents and unexpected moments, and I’ll often let these guide me to new directions. I try to let the song itself lead the way, making decisions based on how it feels in the moment. In my experience, spontaneity often brings out the best in a track, even more than a fully pre-planned approach.
