Although a solo songwriting outlet for Austin-based musician Mobleysince 2022 the moniker has been a vessel for telling the story of a fictional figure named Jacob Creedmoor as he becomes a mythical national icon railing against the corporate greed of Reagan’s America (hmm, seems timely!). After a pair of recent EPs, the newly released We Do Not Fear the Ruins serves as Mobley’s debut full-length album, not only expanding the narrative of his lyrics’ hero, but introducing the wide range of sounds explored in his music, spanning from vintage blues-rock to elements of sci-fi futurism.
Before Mobley hits the road in June for a set of dates in Texas and beyond, the songwriter filmed a “Neighborhoods” session in a small park in his hometown of Austin, wherein he performs the We Do Not Fear Ruins album cuts “Had to Be There” and “Yesterday’s Another Day” on a picnic table and a swing set, respectively. “One of my favorite things about Austin is the pocket parks,” he shares. “They’re these small, green public spaces nestled in neighborhoods all over the city and they’re somewhere anyone is (ideally) allowed to go and just be without having to own anything or buy anything first. I’ve always found them to be a kind of haven and they seemed like the perfect place to go try out some brand new songs.”
Check out the acoustic performance below, and find tickets for his upcoming shows here.
Mobley’s “We Do Not Fear the Ruins”: A Timely Tale echoing from Austin’s Pocket parks – An Expert’s Insight
Keywords: Mobley, We Do Not Fear the Ruins, Austin Music, Indie Rock, Concept Album, Jacob Creedmoor, Political Music, Music Review, Acoustic Performance, Corporate Greed, reagan Era, Music Industry, New Music
Time.news: Welcome, readers, to an in-depth look at Austin-based musician Mobley and his newly released debut full-length album, We Do Not Fear the Ruins.The album unveils a captivating narrative centered around Jacob Creedmoor, a mythical figure battling corporate greed during the Reagan era. To unravel the layers of Mobley’s work and its resonance today,we’re joined by Dr. Eleanor Vance, a renowned expert in music history and political narratives in music. Dr. Vance, welcome!
Dr. Eleanor Vance: thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss Mobley’s work.
Time.news: Let’s jump right in. The article describes mobley’s project as a solo songwriting outlet channeling a fictional character.Is this approach, crafting an entire album around a persona, a common technique, and what benefits does it offer artists like Mobley?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Concept albums, particularly those centered around a character or fictional narrative, have a rich history. Think of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. For Mobley,creating jacob Creedmoor allows him to explore complex socio-political themes through a more engaging and emotionally resonant lens.It’s not just about stating opinions; it’s about embodying a character and inviting the listener into Jacob’s world, which in turn allows for a more visceral, thought-provoking experience. It gives the artist greater freedom to experiment with different vocal styles and musical avenues to suit his character.
Time.news: The article highlighted the thematic timeliness of Jacob Creedmoor’s fight against corporate greed considering the Reagan era parallels it draws.is this intentional commentary on modern society and the current prevalence of similar narratives?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Absolutely.The echoes of the Reagan era are still very much present in our political and economic landscape. Mobley is cleverly using this historical context to comment on contemporary issues. By setting his narrative in Reagan’s America, he can draw parallels to current instances of corporate power and social inequality, creating a timeless message that resonates regardless of the listener’s age or political leaning.This kind of retro yet relevant protest art frequently enough generates profound discourse.
time.news: Mobley filmed a “Neighborhoods” session in an Austin park performing songs from the album. Why is intimate, stripped-down performance importent for the artist, and along with that what does it add to your message?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: The location and intimacy are beautifully symbolic. Pocket parks, as described in the article, offer a democratized space where anyone can simply “be.” By performing there, Mobley is grounding his mythical hero’s story in a tangible, accessible reality. It humanizes the message and underscores the idea that resistance and change can begin in our everyday spaces, in our communities. Stripped-down acoustic performances also allow the raw emotion of the songs to shine through, further connecting with the audience on a personal level.
Time.news: The album supposedly spans vintage blues-rock to sci-fi futurism. How does a musician blend such diverse genres to reinforce his central theme?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: This is where Mobley truly showcases his artistic skill. The juxtaposition of vintage sounds like blues-rock with futuristic elements creates a powerful tension. Perhaps the blues-rock elements represent Jacob’s roots, his connection to the past and the struggles of those who came before him. While the sci-fi elements might suggest a longing for a utopian future or even a dystopian warning about the dangers of unchecked corporate power.It’s a interesting sonic tapestry that enriches his narrative.
Time.news: For aspiring musicians looking to craft similarly impactful work,what advice would you offer based on your analysis of Mobley’s approach?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Firstly,be bold in your storytelling. Don’t shy away from tackling challenging or complex themes. Find creative ways to connect with your audience on an emotional level and grounding abstract ideas in concrete images and locations, just like Mobley and his chosen venues. be authentic. Let your passion and conviction drive your artistic choices. Mobley’s authenticity shines through, making We Do Not Fear the Ruins a compelling and thought-provoking debut.
Time.news: thank you, Dr. Vance, for these enlightening insights.You’ve given our readers much to consider while experiencing Mobley’s We Do Not Fear the Ruins. And to our audience, don’t forget to check out Mobley’s upcoming tour dates and support autonomous music!
