Emerging onto the music scene a few years ago, Sex Mask quickly established themselves with a distinctive blend of shout-spoken synth-punk characterized by an existential depth. Their journey, marked by a seemingly spontaneous creative process, has led to a growing digital discography and a captivating live presence. The band’s first single, “How to Be Cool at Parties,” released in early 2023, serves as a potent encapsulation of their sound: a compelling monologue critiquing societal expectations while yearning for connection, all set against an urgent and hypnotic musical backdrop.
From Demos to Digital Buzz
The genesis of Sex Mask can be traced back to 2022 when vocalist Wry Gray and drummer/producer Vicente Moncada, who had known each other since high school, reconnected in Melbourne. After a decade apart, their reunion sparked a creative synergy. “I was showing him what I was working on, and he was showing me some things that he was working on,” Gray recounted. “We tried to meet in the middle in a few different ways, and banged out a few demos.” Among these early creations were “How to Be Cool at Parties” and “TV Movie,” tracks they released somewhat impulsively.
The band’s trajectory shifted significantly when streaming numbers unexpectedly surged. “A few months later, I got a call from Vinnie being like, ‘Have you paid someone to listen to our music?'” Gray recalled. Attributed to algorithmic discovery, this sudden attention prompted the trio to prepare for live performances. Gray then enlisted guitarist Kaya Martin, whom he met through a mutual friend, solidifying the lineup.
The Art of Intentional Vagueness
While the band possesses ample material, logistical challenges have sometimes delayed the release of new music, a situation that contrasts with Gray’s background on platforms like SoundCloud, where immediate self-expression was the norm. “I fucking like this, I’m just going to put this the fuck out,” he described his former approach. This perceived scarcity, however, is not a deliberate attempt to cultivate mystique. Gray explained his inclination towards ambiguity: “I think I’m just relatively different, or peculiar, maybe in a negative way. I don’t think it’s super intentional, but I do like to not say too much. What could be considered vagueness is not always that. I like things being open enough that my protection is still there.”
Gray’s lyrics, drawn from years of introspective writing exploring life’s complexities, add a compelling layer to the band’s raw sound. “The music should speak for itself; the things we make should speak for themselves,” Martin added. Gray further elaborated on the personal nature of his words: “Depending on who you are and how you see things, [the lyrics] might be vague to you. They aren’t so vague to me.” He finds value in the audience’s interpretations, stating, “Some people’s interpretations are richer and more detailed than anything I could articulate, and accurate to what I was going for.” This approach fosters a sense of respect and trust, allowing listeners the space to engage with the music on their own terms.
A Collaborative and Evolving Process
The songwriting process for Sex Mask is a dynamic interplay between Gray’s lyrical fragments and Moncada’s production. Gray described his writing as a form of self-check-in, a way to navigate his own life experiences. “You’re writing a lot, but then you get to a point of exhaustion where you’re like, ‘I need to go out and live to get more paint on the palette to write for,’” he said. Moncada then takes these pieces, often collected over long periods, and recontextualizes them. Martin noted that when learning the songs, the assembled parts can feel disjointed, a testament to the collaborative reconstruction.
Sacrifice and clear communication are crucial to their workflow. “Everyone needs to make sacrifices. There needs to be a clear line of order between who does what, and respect for hearing out everyone’s opinions and perspectives,” Gray emphasized. The creative endeavor becomes less laborious once a tangible song emerges from the initial lyrical or musical ideas, aiming to capture an “authentique vibe.”
Dynamic Live Performances and International Reach
The culmination of their creative efforts is Sex Mask’s electrifying live performance. Moncada’s powerful drumming, Martin’s intricate guitar work, and Gray’s commanding stage presence, often compared to a young Iggy Pop, create an immersive experience. Despite originating in Melbourne’s post-punk scene without direct connections, the band has quickly gained international traction. Australia has consistently been followed by strong fan bases in England, America, and Germany.
This global appeal came as a surprise to the band. “On our first overseas tour, it was pretty scary being in Amsterdam or Paris and being like, ‘People are gonna come see us?’ And people were there and knew the songs. It was so cool!” Martin shared. Gray noted that overseas audiences often provide a “warmer reception” compared to some less outwardly enthusiastic domestic crowds.
Stage Presence and Audience Interaction
Gray’s intense stage persona is rooted in a dual motivation: a desire to connect with and entertain the audience, stemming from a lifelong inclination to please, and a more profound aim to offer an escape from the mundane. “I want people to come in, they’re working all week or doing whatever they do, and I want to tune their attention into something that’s not so conventional,” he explained. He advocates for uninhibited self-expression on stage, viewing it not as aggression but as an invitation to “enjoy yourself, let go, and lose the inhibitions.”
This dynamic extends to audience interaction, which the band views as a dialogue. “We react to the crowd too. Obviously, we’re doing it, but if the crowd sucks, we’ll tell them they suck. Again, it’s like a dialogue: how they behave is going to change how we behave, and vice versa,” Martin stated. They maintain boundaries, as evidenced by an incident where Gray had to address an audience member overstepping physical boundaries, asserting his personal space.
Future Directions and Core Ethos
Sex Mask’s future evolution remains open-ended, with the band committed to avoiding self-imposed limitations. While they have carved out a distinct punk sound, their success hinges on maintaining a flexible and authentic approach. Gray’s primary aspiration is for the band to be met with positivity, advising, “The cardinal sin: Don’t be bitter. Don’t bring any frustration with you.” This ethos underscores their commitment to genuine expression and a positive engagement with their art and audience.
