Lukas Mondlicht Interview: Finding Light in the Darkness on his EP "versinken"

THE UNSEEN met with German indie newcomer Lukas Mondlicht a few weeks ago to have a chat about his future dreams and various lyrical ideas that shaped his growing sound behind his new EP versinken. His calm tone and emotional lyrics make him a newcomer we wanted to highlight. In our conversation, Lukas opens up about his process, themes that influence him, and what a typical morning looks like for him.

Which song is the best entry point for someone who is just discovering you?

Lukas Mondlicht: I think it would be “Poster an deiner Wand,” because it defines my sound the best and lets you dive into my world.

Your artist name, Lukas Mondlicht (moonlight), is very creative. What does the moonlight in your last name mean to you in your music and in the name?

Lukas Mondlicht: I wanted a name that includes my first name, but isn’t my full real name. That’s why I looked for a word that encompasses my goals or mood. My music reflects many negative sides of life and feelings, but the moon almost always shines in a dark sky. I thought that was a cool metaphor; that even when things are complicated, there is hope, like a light in the sky.

Mäx: That’s very beautiful.

Let's talk a bit about your new EP versinken:

You have a lot of sad songs, which often deal with inner struggles and mental health issues. How is it for you to open up in your music, do you actively think of it as an outlet?

Lukas Mondlicht: Well, first and foremost, my music always starts with me writing down my thoughts and feelings. From that, a text forms, and the music is built around it, naturally aligning with my mood at the time. So I think it’s a way to try to understand and cope with what I’m feeling.

Honestly, when I wrote these songs and planned to release them on this EP, that was about nine months to a year and a half ago ‒ so it’s been a while. I didn’t really think about how it would affect people. But now that it’s out, some listeners have approached me and asked if I’m okay ‒ my mom, for example. And I realized that speaking so personally about these topics is a big deal, but I also think it’s good to show those sides so people know they’re not alone in their experiences.

Do you think you pay more attention now to what you reveal about your inner self in your lyrics?

Lukas Mondlicht: No, I don’t think so. I believe I’ll just keep expressing what’s going on inside me and say what I want to say. If it feels right, it comes out; if not, it doesn’t. That hasn’t changed. In fact, right now I’m writing music that isn’t sad, because I feel much better these days.

You mentioned your mom — how was it when you first told your parents you wanted to make music professionally?

Lukas Mondlicht: Um, it actually didn’t come entirely from me. My parents encouraged it. I was allowed to learn the piano very early, then I took drumming lessons for a long time, taught myself guitar, and played in various big bands in school. By the time I was thirteen or fourteen, it was clear to me that I wanted to dedicate my life to music.

In your song "Nicht so kalt", the first line is "I don’t want to get old." You just said you started making music at a young age. When did the "Lukas Mondlicht project" actually begin?

Lukas Mondlicht: That was around the end of 2023, so about two and a half years ago. Before then, I was in a band playing the drums, until I realized I wanted to sing, write my own lyrics, perform, and develop my own style. I started writing lyrics about three years ago, and it took some time to turn them into full songs; drums are very different from crafting an entire track yourself.

You often work with artist BitterBlau. Your songs like "Unendliche Räume" or "Mittwochmorgen" are co-produced with him. How does this collaboration usually work?

Lukas Mondlicht: I typically produce with BitterBlau. First, I have the lyrics and maybe a melody or harmony in my head. I record a rough demo on my phone, sometimes even with a piano chord or put various instruments into Ableton. Then, BitterBlau and I go into our small studio, where he helps me finish the production and shapes the sounds around my demo.

So you usually have a melody in mind rather than starting from scratch in the studio?

Lukas Mondlicht: Most of the time, yes. I’ll hum or record a voice memo with a few chords, then develop it further on guitar or synth until the full arrangement emerges.

On the EP, you also have dreamy arrangements and interludes like "Nimm mich in den Arm". Why include something like that?

Lukas Mondlicht: I thought it was cool. Originally the EP had just three songs, and I wanted to extend it. “Nimm mich in den Arm" was an intro I played live for a guitar solo, and I decided it would fit nicely in the middle. We also added "Das Weite suchen" as a short intro to the beginning to round it out.

In your song "Nicht so kalt," you sing the line "I love life and life loves me too.” What inspires you in life or in music?

Lukas Mondlicht: People around me—their way of living and perceiving life—give me energy. Other artists inspire me with their visions and creativity. And music itself: when I’m not making it, I’m usually listening to it. It surrounds me at all times.

Your EP feels like an anthem for longing to be with someone. Was that intentional?

Lukas Mondlicht: In a way, yes. These songs were written in an interim state: I had just met someone but was feeling very down. I projected my sadness onto the need for companionship, wanting someone who could “catch” me when I was sinking.

Speaking of sinking: your new EP is called versinken. Where did that title come from?

Lukas Mondlicht: At that time, I felt extremely lonely. I spent a lot of time alone and felt like I was disappearing into that solitude ‒ like I was sinking. I wanted the EP to convey that feeling.

You also have a song called “Mittwochmorgen" (Wednesday morning). What does your perfect morning look like?

Lukas Mondlicht: Ideally, very slow. I'd wake up slowly, go to the kitchen, have coffee with my roommate, chat for a bit, have breakfast, and then ease into the day.

What are two things new listeners might not know about you?

Lukas Mondlicht: Many might not know that I play all the instruments on my songs myself ‒ drums, guitar, synth; though sometimes BitterBlau takes over the guitar because he’s better. And a fun fact: my favorite animal is the panda bear.

There are many German indie newcomers right now. What sets you apart?

Lukas Mondlicht: I think my honesty. I write exactly what I feel and think. And my sound blends synthesizers with real drums and experimentation. It’s hard to praise myself, but those are some distinguishing elements.

You have already played several concerts. Any moments that surprised you?

Lukas Mondlicht: At my EP release show in Mannheim, I saw people singing along to almost every song. It was special to realize listeners knew the lyrics by heart and were enjoying it that much.

Which song received the best response live?

Lukas Mondlicht:"Pusteblume", for sure. People danced and sang along, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

Why is it called "Pusteblume" (dandelion)?

Lukas Mondlicht: It’s about a breakup or drifting apart from each other. The image of blowing on a dandelion‒seeds scattering‒symbolizes something new growing for each person, not an ending but a continuation.

What goals do you have for this year?

Lukas Mondlicht: I want to play more live shows; my own concerts and perhaps support slots to reach new audiences. I also aim to collaborate more with other artists, because that’s where I think the coolest things happen.

Any unreleased collaborations in the pipeline?

Lukas Mondlicht: I’ve released two songs with BitterBlau, and more will come. I also have an unfinished track with my friend Max Blank. Beyond that, I want to reach out more and see what develops from there.

One last question: are there any bigger artists you’d love to work with?

Lukas Mondlicht: I’d love to produce with RAR, he's very talented, so that would definitely be great. And for artists, I think collaborating with Jassin or Edwin Rosen would be incredible. They create such special music.

We have a Spotify artist recommendation playlist. Which songs do you want to add?

Lukas Mondlicht: I’d recommend RAR and his track "Monobloc". I also love Bilderbuch, especially "Bergauf". And Donkey Kid, where I’d pick "Deep Blue".

LISTEN TO LUKAS MONDLICHT'S FAVES HERE:

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