Growing up in the suburbs of Oklahoma McKenzie was a part of a classical guitar ensemble at an arts-focused public high school. At home, she would write original songs over arpeggios she learned in guitar class and uploaded her original songs and covers on YouTube. She was determined to trade the great plains for a more populated skyline. After receiving a scholarship to Pratt Institute for visual web programming, McKenzie moved to Brooklyn, New York in 2013.
Between classes, McKenzie wrote music as a form of catharsis from rigid school assignments. During the second semester, she showed a classmate some of the songs she had been making and her classmate introduced her to several electronic music producers on Soundcloud, lent her a midi keyboard, and encouraged her to buy a real microphone. Her first released on Soundcloud, ‘Starchild’ (prod. by melodrama) received 100,000 plays in 24 hours.
Mothica is an alter ego that isn’t afraid of honesty even if it means showing weakness. Her distinct raspy yet honey-soaked voice is not one of vocal training, but of heartfelt emotion. Her storytelling writing style and unexpected melodies have set her apart in an music scene that is overrun with sameness. She lends her voice to many genres via collaborations, bringing electronic elements to life with the emotions she shares.
McKenzie desired the skill to produce her own instrumentals, so she learned Ableton and released an entirely self-produced EP called Mythic in 2013. Her somber song about self-empowerment, “No One” reached No. 6 on the US Viral Spotify Charts. The collaboration and record label requests came pouring in but she carefully hand selected her music partners and released the smash "Clear" with Canadian producer Pusher. The song currently sits at 12 million plays on Spotify put her on the radar for everyone from Spotify execs to VSCO to Teen Vogue.
Turning down every record label offer, Mothica remained independent and began performing around New York. She performed her first show solo, and it was completely sold out. She finished up a second solo EP called Heavy Heart about her experience with depression. She continues to grow into her writing style while collaborating with the likes of Tennyson, Crywolf, Said The Sky, and Electric Mantis.
Like her music, Mothica's live show continues to evolve. Playing from coast to coast with several headlining shows, 2017 saw the first iteration of a live music experience for Mothica with three additional band members interpreting lively versions of the songs her fans know best.
She started out 2018 with one million monthly Spotify listeners anticipating the upcoming release of two EP's throughout the calendar year. On Valentine’s Day, she will release her next single, Lovetalk, accompanied by a music video and is planning a late April US tour.
NIGHTSHIFT
mothica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People change, now I'm getting what I want
Used to be a people pleaser, now I please myself
When the moonlight hits, I turn to something else
Step on my neck, now I'm cutthroat
Insomniac, can't keep my eyes closed
Switching my ego to dark mode
Then I go nightshift, like this
Don't cross me 'cause I don't miss
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch
Don't test me 'cause I won't flinch
Yeah, when I go nightshift
When I go nightshift
Why'd you second-guess me in the first place?
Told me that I peaked in '17, but now you're thirsty
Now it's obvious that you don't (you don't)
Know what you're talkin' about
When all you do is tear me down
Step on my neck, now I'm cutthroat
Insomniac, can't keep my eyes closed
Switching my ego to dark mode
Watch how I twist, like a cyclone
Then I go nightshift, like this (like this)
Don't cross me 'cause I don't miss
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch (light switch)
Don't test me 'cause I won't flinch
Yeah, when I go nightshift
When I go nightshift
When the moonlight hits me
I turn into somebody else
I don't even recognize myself
When I go nightshift, like this
Don't cross me 'cause I don't miss
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch
Don't test me 'cause I won't flinch
Yeah, when I go
"Nightshift" by Mothica is a song that explores the transformation of the singer's personality and attitude. The lyrics depict a shift in the way they perceive and interact with the world. The opening lines suggest that the singer was once accustomed to pain and hiding behind a facade, but now they have changed and are finally getting what they want. They used to be a people pleaser, constantly seeking validation from others, but now they have embraced a more self-centered approach. When the moonlight hits, they transform into something else, possibly indicating a different side of their personality that emerges in the darkness.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's newfound confidence and resilience. They describe themselves as "cutthroat," implying that they are no longer vulnerable or easily manipulated. The mention of being an insomniac symbolizes their inability to rest or feel at peace, perhaps due to their personal growth and the internal conflicts it brings. They also mention switching their ego to dark mode, suggesting a shift towards a more assertive and even aggressive mindset. The comparison to a cyclone emphasizes the intensity with which they twist through life, leaving a powerful impact on those around them.
In the second verse, the singer addresses someone who underestimated them in the past, doubting their potential. The reference to "peaking in '17" implies that this person believed the singer's best days were behind them, but now they seem desperate for the singer's attention. The singer dismisses their opinions, asserting that they don't know what they're talking about and that their words only serve to tear the singer down.
Overall, "Nightshift" is a song about empowerment, embracing change, and asserting oneself in the face of doubters and critics. It tells the story of someone who has shed their old self to become a stronger and more authentic version of themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Used to pain, used to putting up a front
I was accustomed to feeling pain and hiding my true emotions
People change, now I'm getting what I want
As people change, I have become more assertive in getting what I desire
Used to be a people pleaser, now I please myself
In the past, I used to prioritize pleasing others, but now I prioritize my own happiness
When the moonlight hits, I turn to something else
Under the influence of the moonlight, I transform into a different version of myself
Step on my neck, now I'm cutthroat
After being mistreated, I have become ruthless and determined
Insomniac, can't keep my eyes closed
I struggle with insomnia and find it hard to sleep peacefully
Switching my ego to dark mode
I am embracing a darker, more intense side of my personality
Watch how I twist, like a cyclone
Observe how I can quickly and unpredictably change my behavior
Then I go nightshift, like this
In the night, I transform into a different version of myself
Don't cross me 'cause I don't miss
Don't challenge or betray me because I never overlook or forget
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch
When I enter my nightshift mode, I become unpredictable and powerful
Don't test me 'cause I won't flinch
Don't provoke me because I won't show any signs of weakness or hesitation
Why'd you second-guess me in the first place?
Why did you doubt or question my abilities initially?
Told me that I peaked in '17, but now you're thirsty
You claimed that I reached my highest point in 2017, but now you're eager and desperate for my success
Now it's obvious that you don't (you don't)
Now it's clear that you lack understanding or knowledge
Know what you're talkin' about
You are unaware or mistaken in what you're saying
When all you do is tear me down
All you do is criticize and undermine me
When the moonlight hits me
When I am influenced by the moonlight
I turn into somebody else
I transform into a different person
I don't even recognize myself
I become so different that I cannot even recognize my own identity
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: Adam Turley, Rob Resnick, Gali Givon, Heather Sommer, McKenzie Ellis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Grace Rodriguez
[Verse 1]
Used to pain, used to putting up a front
People change, now I'm getting what I want
Used to be a people pleaser, now I please myself
When the moonlight hits, I turn to something else
[Pre-Chorus]
Step on my neck, now I'm cutthroat
Insomnia, can't keep my eyes closed
Switching my ego to dark mode
Watch how I twist, like a cyclone
[Chorus]
Then I go nightshift, like this
Don't cross me, 'cause I don't miss
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch
Don't test me, 'cause I won't flinch
Yeah, when I go nightshift
[Post-Chorus]
When I go nightshift
[Verse 2]
Why'd you second-guеss me in the first place?
Tеll me that I peaked in '17, but now you're thirsty
Now it's obvious that you don't know what you're talkin' about
When all you do is tear me down
[Pre-Chorus]
Step on my neck, now I'm cutthroat
Insomnia, can't keep my eyes closed
Switching my ego to dark mode
Watch how I twist, like a cyclone
[Chorus]
Then I go nightshift, like this
Don't cross me, 'cause I don't miss
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch
Don't test me, 'cause I won't flinch
Yeah, when I go nightshift
[Post-Chorus]
When I go nightshift
[Bridge]
When the moonlight hits me
I turn into somebody else
I don't even recognize myself
[Chorus]
When I go nightshift, like this
Don't cross me, 'cause I don't miss
Yeah, when I go nightshift, light switch
Don't test me, 'cause I won't flinch
Yeah, when I go-
Ana
they should use this song for arcane season 2, it has the adequate vibe
Toxicwoo Rj
OMG YAS FR 👏 💗
Ed B Wolf
Everything she does is perfect, wtf
resentmylove
amen
JavierM 19
Furry?
Simon-Pierre Gallays
Your lyrics are so relatable. They are really helping me with some difficult times. Keep writing music because it’s working! 🤘
BingusMyBeloved
I love the fact that SHE CAN'T DO A BAD SONG
Dylan Chase
This is 100% Nocturnal part 2, the structure is the same, pre chorus build up, post chorus, even the final chorus (half chorus), and the bps or wpm are very similar. I love it
Meranda
I'm so obsessed with it all, 10 out of 10 always relatable
LBMusic444
This slap, too hard! Great work to all involved