A Quick Chat With The New Condition
Fletcher Moules steps out from behind the camera with Maybe, the debut single from his project The New Condition. Best known as the Emmy-winning director behind Netflix’s Entergalactic and the billion-view Clash of Clans universe, the Australian born, LA based creative returns to his first love: music. Written nearly two decades ago, Maybe has matured into a warm, melancholic synth pop gem with nostalgic keys, crisp drums, and Moules’ unguarded vocals hovering between longing and release. With mixing by Mark Saunders (The Cure, Depeche Mode) and a striking self-directed video exploring AI’s role in art, Moules reintroduces himself not just as a filmmaker, but as a musician reclaiming his voice. We caught up with Fletcher to talk about the track, the project, and more.
Can you tell us what this new track ‘Maybe’ means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
‘Maybe’ is different than any other track on this record as it’s a song that has been with me for half my life. I wrote the melody 20 years ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since, an earworm that wouldn’t leave. It’s intended to be happy and sad at the same time: a mix of joy and longing. I hope when people hear it, they find their own story in it, whether that’s nostalgia, comfort, or just that sense of exhaling when things feel uncertain. At this point I'm not sure if it’s a memory, an idea or just a dream. Either way, it’s about time it was out in the world.
Who are some of your influences, and why?
I’ve always been drawn to the late-’80s synth and post-punk scene, bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order. They all created worlds of sound and emotion, each with a unique visual style that as a fan you could visit whenever you wanted.
Then there’s the technology. Throughout my career in both visual and audio mediums, I’ve always been attracted to the latest tools in visual effects and animation, interactive projects, sampling, and of course synthesizers. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with trying to unravel the magic that bands like Nine Inch Nails, Jesus Jones, and later Daft Punk were producing. Using cutting-edge tech to express emotion has always been in what I do.
What’s the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
For me it often starts with a melody and the fragment of a feeling. As a piano player first, I’ll usually sit at the piano to craft a song before moving into the studio, sometimes for weeks, sometimes, as with ‘Maybe,’ for decades ;) Once I know there’s a song in there on the piano I'll really start digging in. The song needs to be my favorite song ever in that moment to continue on though, otherwise the producing process becomes a chore.
What do you think makes a great song?
A great song lingers. Usually the simplest melody coupled with honesty. You can hear when a song is trying to be something versus when it just is. The great ones stay with you long after the music stops.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
As in anyone? Ever? Even if they’re dead? Okay, here’s a few: Giorgio Moroder, for his synth-groove genius. JJ Cale, because he’s just the coolest. Aretha, obviously, that voice is untouchable. George Harrison, because he’s the best songwriter… no wait, I take that back. Neil Finn. Neil Finn is the best songwriter. I say Neil Finn - and he’s alive!
When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
My other creative world is in film and animation. I’m currently showrunner of the upcoming Clash of Clans animated series at Netflix. Before that I directed the Emmy-nominated animated special Entergalactic with Kid Cudi. I’ve spent much of my career building cinematic universes through animation and visual storytelling. But music is always at the heart of everything I do.
Who are some local bands we should check out?
California is obviously full of crazy talent. Here’s a few that excites me, perhaps not all local
Death Bells, Ava Maybee, Ora the molecule, Urban Heat, from the UK - New Dad.
Winter or summer and why?
Can I cheat and pick the shoulder seasons? Autumn has the best light and the air just feels alive. After weeks of scorching summer days, that first crisp autumn breeze is unbeatable. On the flip side, spring has that same sense. The freshness after the bleak hole of winter, full of hope and anticipation for what’s ahead. Both feel like turning points, and I love that - says the guy who lives in the land of endless summer in LA… maybe I just miss seasons ;)
What else do you have planned for 2025?
2025 is the year The New Condition finally releases our debut album. ‘Maybe’ hopefully gets us some listeners and then we go big with our next single ‘Ordinary Boy’. A limited early vinyl pressing is now available. Then we’ll be getting out and playing shows. On the film side, I’m showrunning the ‘Clash of Clans’ animated series for Netflix, so it’s a balancing act between two worlds. But honestly, both feed each other.
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