Bold, daring, and vibrant, Mothé’s 'Total Popstar' transforms the concept of pop music – morphing chaos into catharsis and self-destructive tendencies into self-exploration: A rebellious anthem for experiencing everything at once. In an honest dialogue with Atwood Magazine, Spencer Fort delves into the creation of their raw and fearless sophomore album, sharing insights on nightlife, liberation, and the radical joy of embracing one’s messy, loud, and unafraid self.
Stream: 'Total Popstar' – Mothé
“I’m not a rockstar, baby I’m a pop star,” Mothé confidently proclaims, showcasing a bold attitude in their stride.
The electrifying title track from their sophomore album, Total Popstar, is grand, assertive, and unapologetic – an alluring, captivating song that enchants and astonishes, swiftly drawing us into Mothé’s imaginative universe. Balancing satire with celebration, “Total Popstar” emerges as a sparkling, dynamic anthem of self-creation – the sound of an artist asserting their presence on their own terms. “Stop referring to me as a rock star. That’s the past; I’m genuinely a total pop star,” Spencer Fort provocatively retorts, merging parody with declaration.
Total Popstar – Mothé
I’m not a rockstar, baby I’m a pop star
You could sell me spit in a tiny little bottle
Used to be an empath,
now I’m just a jerk
Used to date a nice girl,
now I’m with a model
And I only meet my friends
when we’re all messed up
And it’s 1 PM and I can’t wake up
When has one more drink
ever been sufficient?
When I’m back in town
I’m never around long enough
I’m a pop star
T-O-T-A-L-L-I-E pop star
Totally a pop star,
that’s why I’m so terrible
What’s your name again?
Stop calling me a rock star
That’s the past,
I’m a real total pop star
– “Total Popstar,” Mothé
Released on August 1st through DVG Records, Total Popstar, in the words of its creator, is “incriminating, unapologetic, and loud” – an intoxicating, high-voltage depiction of nightlife and self-exploration that equally honors imperfection and chaotic humanity. This record boldly encourages listeners to loosen their inhibitions and embrace spontaneity; to connect with nature, dance solo in their living rooms, sweat among strangers, and experience feelings anew. Evolving from the underground clubs of Los Angeles and shaped by its alternative culture, Spencer Fort’s second album as Mothé signifies a complete transformation – from reflective indie songwriter to unabashed provocateur.
“I think people should anticipate frequent changes,” Mothé states. “I’ll start writing in one genre, exhaust it, and then lose interest as I explore others. Hence, creating this record was a unique journey for me. I initially began as an indie project focused on guitars—with minimal synth use—and now there are perhaps only two songs on the album featuring guitar. It’s a shift from indie to club music, allowing the project to be culturally adaptable… the world changes too rapidly to commit to a singular style now.”
Mothé, the creative alias of singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Spencer Fort, surfaced in 2020 as a deeply personal medium for storytelling and introspection. Their debut album, 2021’s I Don’t Want You to Worry Anymore, introduced a softer, guitar-centric sound – a dreamy mix of indie pop and bedroom rock infused with introspection, longing, and the subtle conflict of evolving identity. Reflecting on this earlier phase, Fort notes that it was a representation of someone still learning to embrace their presence. “It feels like flipping through a high school yearbook,” they remark. “I was less comfortable and familiar with my queer identity; it was all very new. I have to show myself compassion and love for that record.” Four years later, Total Popstar showcases them pushing well beyond those limits – emerging from the confines of the bedroom into the pulsating atmosphere of the club, trading restraint for chaos, control for release, and timidity for assurance.
Fort explains that Total Popstar was crafted to resonate with the relentless energy and excitement of a DJ performance.
Having spent significant time in recent years producing for various artists and DJing in Los Angeles, Fort aimed to encapsulate the immediacy of a vibrant space – the way bodies sway, and how music breathes. “Two primary experiences altered my relationship with music,” they elaborate. “Producing for other artists and DJing extensively led me to confront priorities I hadn’t previously considered – how music truly exists in various settings. This is where Total Popstar evolved. I aimed to create it like a
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Bold, daring, and vibrant, Mothé’s ‘Total Popstar’ reshapes the concept of pop music, transforming chaos into catharsis and self-destruction into self-discovery. It serves as a rebellious anthem to experiencing a multitude of emotions simultaneously. In an open dialogue with Atwood Magazine, Spencer Fort discusses the creation of their raw and unapologetic second album, contemplating nightlife, liberty, and the revolutionary joy of embracing one's messy, loud, and fearless self.