In December 2021, musician and NTU student, Reuben Johnston, released his first single ‘Just Coffee’ under the name Moggie.
Taking inspiration from genres like lo-fi rap, jazz and trip-hop, the single has a mellow tone that creates a relaxing effect.
The song begins with some subtle rolled piano chords which repeat throughout the entirety of the song in an atmospheric minor key.
The first few chords of the intro are interrupted by a distinctive four-hit beat and then low bass guitar notes are introduced, which adds another layer of depth to the song and creates silky-smooth harmonies with the recurring piano chords.
One key feature that makes the single stand out is the use of samples that are integrated within the instrumentation.
When developing this track, Moggie sat in a local coffee shop and recorded the surrounding sounds from his laptop.
The distinctive beat at the start of the song is a sample of a barista knocking a coffee pot on the side of the counter, and Moggie matched the tempo to the sound so that it plays in perfect time.
Listening to the song with headphones gives an immersive experience, for the clinks of colliding coffee cups and muffled mumbling do make you feel like you’re sitting in a coffee shop.
The song has no vocals, but voices are still incorporated in an unconventional yet creative way.
Amongst the bustling talk of the coffee drinkers, a particular conversation is louder than the rest and as you listen to the song, short clips of the voice rise above the instruments.
Phrases like ‘it’s never the people you suspect either’ and ‘you see this issue every day’ may make a listener question exactly what the topic of conversation was.
Due to the distorted effects on the sample, the full ability to discern is left tantalisingly out of reach and much room is left for interpretation.
To me, the song toys with the concept of eavesdropping, for the temptation to decipher what is being said encourages multiple listens.
Overall, the single is an easy-going and immersive listening experience.
The small yet intimate insight it gives into everyday conversations may remind a listener to pay attention to what they say in public, for anyone could be listening.
With Just Coffee as their first single, Moggie is off to a great start and it is clear that there will be more quality music to come.
To keep up to date with new releases, you can follow Moggie on Instagram and TikTok:
Insta: @mogginoutlikemoggie
TikTok: @likemoggie
The single is available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Rating: 8/10
Feature Image Credit: Moggie