A Quick Chat with MUKI

Naarm-based indie-folk artist, MUKI returns with Reflections, following up his debut single Gasoline with another deeply personal track, built on finger picked guitar, layered instrumentation, and his rich, emotionally charged vocal delivery. Exploring identity, choice, and the paths that shape who we become, Reflections captures the uneasy moment of looking in the mirror and wondering how different life might have been with one small decision changed. We caught up with MUKI to talk about the single, the journey behind it, and what’s next.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
This track is very special to me in many ways - It is the 2nd track I wrote after I decided to steer my songwriting in a different direction and is majorly responsible for the birth of ‘Trampoline EP’ which this whole rollout is a part of. (To be expected June 2026)
The song talks about how every single decision you take in your life plays a role in shaping the person you become over many many years. Every single life decision, every little choice changes your reflection. In the song I sing about feeling lost within the person I have become because he’s so different from the person I started off as, and back when I was writing this, that really bothered me. Playing on identity issues, it’s more about getting to know yourself a little more every day and becoming comfortable with the person you are today.

Who are some of your influences, and why?
My biggest influences are John Mayer, Michael Jackson and Foo Fighters amongst many others. I used to listen to John Mayer records as a kid, and being a self taught guitarist I would try to replicate what he would play on guitar by ear and that led me to getting really into blues guitar styles that dictated a lot of my guitar playing technique for years to come (coming from metal that was a big transition). I would impersonate Michael Jackson in the shower, I always wanted a high range vocal and I couldn’t really reach those notes as a kit, but I managed to somehow get there after many many years of doing so! His songs really hit deep for me. Foo Fighters bring out a certain energy within me, just the kind of songs they have, the way they perform, the stories they tell, all really inspire me.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
This is a process that changes every time I write a song. Sometimes I’d get a chord progression in my sleep, or a melody. At times it’d be a phrase I’d randomly hear in my head at any point of the day and I use that to shape a song around it. Sometimes it’s a rhythmic feel that I find really cool and need to do something with it asap. Most of these usually end up as a voice note on my phone almost immediately. And when it comes to lyrics I compulsively NEED to finish the lyrics for the whole thing the moment I start writing it because if I leave it be the song will never be complete, it never feels right to add or change lyrics later. So most my songs have all been written in one go and almost instantly recorded within the next few hours at my little humble home studio as well. I then try to arrange the song after the skeleton is done by adding a million guitar layers, bass, drums, harmonies and other random stuff and then obsess over it for days to come. I’d play it for my mates, collect their feedback and almost never act upon their feedback because unfortunately I’m already in love with what I’ve done with it. These instant magical moments happen a few times a year and some of them make it to a special folder on my google drive.

What do you think makes a great song?
A great song for me a song I’d be proud to play for someone in any scenario. A great song in general is a song (for me) I can instantly connect to. No matter the genre, structure, instrumentation or any technicality. If I hear something and within the first few seconds I wanna keep listening to it that song is going to be on my library forever.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with John Mayer (for obvious reasons) but let’s leave him out of this.
I’d love to collaborate with Bruno Major because I feel a very deep connection to his music, playing styles and writing. I think he’s one of the most underrated musicians in that realm and a sheer abundance of talent.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
I draw and pencil shade, I absolutely love it. I like going to random gardens, putting some instrumental music on - reading for a bit, drawing and then napping under a tree. That’s my perfect day off (not that anyone asked)
I also absolutely love to cook and innovate new dishes.

Who are some local bands we should check out?
I’m going to go ahead and plug my friends because why not but also they’re absolutely phenomenal -
The Glamour - just released an album and it’s passionate, angry, emotional and disgustingly beautiful. Some of my favourite pieces of music of all time.
Woody Samson - One of the most underrated and THE most talented people I’ve ever heard in my entire life.
Sienna Wild - They really really know how to set the tone with their songs, roaring vocals and passion. Truly some of the best bands I’ve heard.

Winter or summer and why?
SUMMER no questions asked - I want to be in my shorts and T-shirt and on the beach, in the water, or in a park. I do not like to freeze, or fall sick, or depend on thick clothing. I’m an outdoors kid.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Once the EP is released in June, I plan on hitting the studio again in July to record my second EP which I’m hoping to release later this year. It’s full speed ahead and I’m SO excited. I probably will also take a road trip to QLD when it’s cold here, perhaps do a few shows around there, hang with some mates and go to many many beaches.

Follow MUKI
https://linktr.ee/mukuljiwnani