Close to Monday’s latest release, Breakdown Simulations, is a striking fusion of synthetic precision and raw human emotion. The duo transforms pulsing electronic rhythms into a visceral exploration of vulnerability, with Anna’s voice threading fragility through the track’s mechanical heartbeat. More than just a song, it’s an immersive study of limits, collapse, and renewal — a sonic narrative where order gives way to chaos, tension resolves into release, and cold electronics somehow feel profoundly alive. In this interview, we dive into the ideas, processes, and emotional landscapes that shaped this hauntingly beautiful piece. We caught up with Close to Monday to discuss the new release below.
“Breakdown Simulations” explores the breaking point between logic and emotion — was there a personal experience that sparked this concept?
Of course. Everyone faces moments like this in their life, and it’s very important to find the right way to let your feelings and emotions out when the tension reaches its limit. It’s crucial not to lose faith in yourself and in the people around you — in those who love you.
The track has a pulse-like rhythm, almost like a body under stress. How intentional was that connection between sound and physiology?
Our lyrics and music are always connected, so it probably happened intentionally. We want to convey this state, not just talk about it.
Do you see your music as more of a reflection or a response to the world around you?
Both, of course. Every track is something drawn from the world around us and, at the same time, something from our own feelings.
The production is intricate yet restrained. How do you decide when a song has enough — or too much — texture?
That’s a very difficult question, thank you. I don’t really “decide.” A track can have 30 instruments or sometimes just four. Our music is multilayered — like a good perfume or a good whiskey.
Anna’s vocal presence is hauntingly calm — how do you shape vocal emotion within such precise electronic arrangements?
We don’t shape it. Anna lives through the lyrics, lives through the track, and sings the way she feels. A lot in our work is built on emotion
How has your sound evolved since your earlier releases like “Guns”?
Things are always changing — with every track we discover something new. Maybe there’s more humanity now and less pure electronics, although it’s still electronic music. And if you think you heard a guitar — it’s not a guitar, it’s a synthesizer.
You’ve mentioned Scandinavian runes as inspiration — how do these ancient symbols align with your futuristic sound?
We asked our friends to create an unusual logo for us. They drew it, and later other friends asked, “Do you know your logo is made of runes?” That’s how we learned that our logo contains Scandinavian runes of strength, success, and time — symbols that, like our music, support those who are searching for themselves and moving their own way. It was a wonderful coincidence — we didn’t look for the runes; the runes found us.
What role does vulnerability play in your songwriting process?
Vulnerability — of course we’re all vulnerable. But everything that doesn’t break us makes us stronger. I’m not sure it reflects much in our creativity. Creativity is freedom, and freedom is invulnerable.
Do you ever feel that technology — both in tools and themes — limits or liberates your creativity?
There’s a lot of technology in our music — it doesn’t limit or hinder us. We express our feelings through technology.
Your live performances are known for their atmosphere. How do you recreate the emotional intensity of studio work on stage?
We’re much more emotional on stage than in the studio. It’s all about the feedback we get from the people who come to see and hear us. We always feel it — it comes in waves, and it’s incredibly inspiring and energizing.
What’s your relationship with the audience — do you see them as witnesses, participants, or co-navigators of your music?
We try to make our audience experience what we’re trying to convey in each track. And those who join this “game” — you can see it in their eyes, in the way they move — those are our people, the ones who walk with us, feel with us, and live through it with us.
How has your international recognition (from film festivals to DAC charts) influenced your confidence or direction?
It hasn’t. Everything we do feels right for us.
What’s one sound, word, or emotion that defines “Breakdown Simulations” for you?
When you realize you’re on the verge of breaking down — and find the strength not to fall apart. Whatever you feel in that moment — that’s what defines it. And everyone has their own version of it.
Looking ahead, how do you see Close to Monday’s sound evolving over the next few releases?
Our sound is sincerity — and that will remain unchanged.
If “Breakdown Simulations” could send one message to the future — what would it be?
Love, Peace, Hug.
