NYC–based Why Another creates music that feels like a window into the mind—intimate, reflective, and cinematic. The band weaves warm analog textures with modern indie-rock dynamics, crafting songs that are at once nostalgic and boldly forward-looking. At the heart of their sound is Adi Malka, whose distinctive voice and melodic sensibility anchor the music in raw emotion while embracing adventurous sonic landscapes. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Radiohead, Mac DeMarco, Grizzly Bear, and The National, Why Another balances vulnerability with daring musical exploration. We speak with Adi Malka to dive into the stories and inspirations behind their music.
Why Another has been praised for creating music that feels like “inner dialogue.” How would you describe your songwriting process?
When it comes to lyrics, my process usually starts with some kind of internal conversation. I tend to think through big questions by talking to myself in my head, almost like I am sorting through different versions of me. With “Hold On Tight,” that inner dialogue came from a period in my life when I was trying to steady myself during a phase of global and personal uncertainty. I was overwhelmed by the world and needed to tell myself to breathe, stay grounded, and ride it out instead of spiraling. In our songwriting, the music always comes first, and once a melody feels right, I shape the lyrics around that emotional center. In this case, the song became a way of capturing the back-and-forth between chaos and acceptance, which is really what the inner dialogue sounds like for me.
Your sound fuses warm analogue textures with modern indie-rock dynamics. How did that signature sound develop over time?
At the core, I’m a simple, rock-oriented musician. I started as a drummer and eventually moved to guitar and singing (as the front man). But the depth of our sound really comes from the band. Jordan (guitar), Franky (drums), and Kim (bass) come from music-production and mixing backgrounds, so they naturally think in layers, textures, and arrangements that pull from different genres and eras. In addition, Eduardo, our keyboard player, adds rich, warm, and versatile textures that aren’t especially common in indie rock. Together, that mix of straightforward songwriting and production-minded musicianship is what makes our sound feel new, unique, and refreshing.
Adi Malka’s voice is often cited as a defining feature. How did his vocal style shape the identity of the band?
My vocals are distinct and recognizable, and they carry the emotional weight of the songs. Why Another allows me to fully express inner dialogues and big concepts, while the band adds flair, drama, and texture. After years playing together, this interaction happens naturally, giving our music a signature blend of intimacy and power.
“Hold On Tight” explores emotional turmoil in an unpredictable world. How do you approach translating complex emotions into music?
In this single, we focus on tension and release, building riffs, melodies, and harmonies that embody the emotional arc. For “Hold On Tight”, the verses’ minor chords contrast with the choruses’ major chords, while rhythmic grooves and layered textures heighten the emotional impact. It’s about crafting a musical landscape that mirrors internal chaos and eventual acceptance.
How do you decide which musical ideas become songs and which don’t make the cut?
For me, ideas must start with a melody I enjoy humming and a harmony that balances stability and surprise. When these elements combine in a way that feels repeatable and emotionally compelling, we develop it further with the band. “Hold On Tight” was written years ago but sat on the back burner until we revisited it with our current sound, turning it into a “new-old song.”
Can you tell us about the collaborative process between the band members when writing and producing tracks?
Our songs are built in stages: I bring core ideas, Jordan amplifies with guitar textures, Franky adds rhythmic grooves, and we layer together. Each member’s input adds depth, drama, and dynamics. This collaboration shapes the emotional journey, cinematic feel, and sonic identity of every track.
The animated short for “Hold On Tight” uses surreal imagery. How involved were you in the visual design, and what was the most important thing to communicate?
We were very hands-on! Animation let us express chaos and change in a surreal, dream-like way, reflecting how the inner world can feel irrational. The character falls through clouds, space, water, and objects before landing on soft grass — mirroring the song’s emotional arc. Collaborating with Sophie Galowitz, we aimed to capture the fine line between turmoil and acceptance, aligning the visuals perfectly with the music’s ebb and flow.
Tracks like “Outside the Globe” and “Garden Fade” have been praised for hypnotic grooves. How do you maintain consistency while still evolving your sound?
Groove is really the heartbeat of our music. Because both Franky and I come from drum-focused backgrounds, we’re always thinking about movement, feel, and how the rhythm guides the song. I tend to write in a very rhythmic way, and Franky brings his own personality to the drum parts—both in performance and in how he shapes them in production. Having two people equally obsessed with groove creates a strong foundation, which lets us experiment with textures, melodies, and new production ideas while still keeping our identity consistent.
What role does nostalgia play in your music, and how do you balance it with pushing sonic boundaries?
We don’t tend to lean on nostalgia, but when it appears, it’s through revisiting past emotions as an adult. Sonically, we focus on a forward-looking approach, experimenting with contemporary sounds and textures while reflecting on emotional memories in a meaningful way.
Are there particular artists or eras that have heavily influenced your approach to indie-rock and cinematic songwriting?
Radiohead inspires us with their dramatic, cinematic sound and emotionally complex songwriting. Mac DeMarco influences simplicity, warmth, and approachability. Balancing these extremes helps us find a sweet spot for creating music that is cinematic, emotional, but grounded and relatable. This is the area we’re currently exploring.
Your live shows are described as immersive experiences. How do you transform introspection from the studio into shared energy on stage?
Live, we give 100%, enhancing riffs and textures and emphasizing contrasts and musical dynamics in the songs. Setlists are curated to guide the audience through an emotional journey. The goal is for people to feel, move, and reflect — translating introspection into a shared, immersive and even sometimes vulnerable energy in the room.
How has the NYC environment shaped the themes and energy of your music?
These days, NYC has a very vibrant rock scene with audiences eager to participate and connect. People’s energy at shows inspires us, and on stage, we strive to reflect it back, creating a dramatic and interactive experience that shapes our performances.
“Hold On Tight” deals with letting go and finding calm amid chaos. Was this message a conscious aim, or did it emerge organically during production?
The message definitely emerged organically. When I first wrote “Hold On Tight,” I wasn’t trying to make a statement—I was just trying to slow my mind down. I was overwhelmed by everything happening around me, from political tension to that low-grade climate anxiety that sits in the background of daily life. The song started as a reminder to myself to hold on and find a quiet center. As we developed it as a band, that intention became clearer. The production leans into that tension between chaos and calm: the driving riff, the steady groove, and the harmonies underneath all pull in opposite directions, but somehow balance each other. In the end, the message revealed itself. It wasn’t written as advice. It was something I needed to hear, and the song helped me get there.
How do you approach vulnerability in your lyrics without compromising the boldness of your sound?
In my eyes, being vulnerable is inherently bold. Our lyrics are personal but abstract enough for listeners to layer their own experiences over them. Themes like anxiety, hope, stress, and self-forgiveness are universal, and the honesty of expression enhances the boldness of the songs rather than diminishing it.
Looking ahead, are there new directions or experimental ideas you’re excited to explore in your upcoming work?
Right now, we’re recording a new batch of songs with an external producer. This is a new process for us! It introduces fresh perspectives, new sounds, and mixing techniques, pushing us out of our comfort zone and helping us grow as a band and musicians. We’re confident it’s going to help us to discover the next evolutionary stage of our band.
