[EDMTunes] Mondingo Opens Up About the Journey Behind ‘Underwater’ and the Road to ‘Island’

Following the release of his latest single, ‘Underwater,’ Producer, Songwriter, and Live Electronic Artist Mondingo continues to captivate with his unique fusion of organic warmth and intricate electronic production. Inspired by real-life moments and crafted with a cinematic touch, ‘Underwater’ serves as a gateway into the soundscape of his forthcoming debut album, ‘Island.’ We caught up with Mondingo to dive into the story behind the track, his creative process, and what listeners can expect as this exciting new chapter unfolds.

Hi Mondingo, how’s it going? Congrats on the release of ‘Underwater’!

Hey! Thanks so much.

‘Underwater’ was inspired by a diving experience with your father—can you take us back to that moment and how it translated into music?

That dive with my father was one of those surreal, out-of-world experiences. Everything was quiet, weightless, and full of these unreal colors—it felt like stepping into another world. I wanted to capture that sensation in music: the stillness, the vastness, and the deep sense of wonder. That’s why the track flows in waves, with space to breathe, but also moments where everything swells up and pulls you in.

The track blends organic warmth with precise synth work—how did you approach balancing these elements in production?

That balance is always key for me. I love the raw, imperfect feel of organic sounds, but I also want the track to have that hypnotic electronic energy. I used warm pads and airy textures to keep it human, but I layered them with crisp, evolving synths to give it depth. The key was letting both elements breathe—nothing too polished, but still structured enough to keep the groove locked in.

Did you face any challenges during the production of ‘Underwater’? If so, what were they and how did you work to overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was keeping the track immersive without making it too busy. It’s easy to overproduce a song like this, especially when you’re trying to capture something as vast as the ocean. I had to step back and ask myself: does this sound add to the feeling, or is it just filling space? In the end, I stripped some elements back and focused more on creating movement with subtle changes in texture and dynamics.

When building the groove of the track, what elements were most important to you in creating that immersive flow?

The low end was crucial—I wanted the bass to feel like it was gently pulling you forward, like an underwater current. I also focused a lot on the percussive details: soft shakers, deep kicks, and reverb-washed claps that blend into the space rather than hitting too hard. Everything needed to feel fluid and natural.

Your vocals play a key role in the track’s depth and atmosphere. How did you shape them to fit within the sonic space of ‘Underwater’? Do you have any go-to production techniques you use when it comes to integrating vocals?

For this track, I wanted the vocals to feel like they were floating inside the mix rather than sitting right on top. I used a lot of reverb and delay but in a controlled way—automating the tails to make them ebb and flow. I also layered whispers and harmonies underneath the lead vocal to create this ghostly, immersive effect. It’s all about making the vocal feel like part of the soundscape rather than just sitting on it.

With ‘Island’ on the horizon, how does ‘Underwater’ serve as a bridge to what’s coming next?

‘Underwater’ is one of the most visual tracks on the album—it really paints a picture and sets the tone for ‘Island.’ The whole album is about escape, nature, and reconnecting with something bigger than yourself. This track introduces that world perfectly: it’s deep, reflective, and sonically rich, just like the rest of the album.

How did you know ‘Underwater’ was complete? Do you ever find it challenging to step away from a track during the production process?

It’s always hard to step away! I’m someone who loves tweaking details forever. But with ‘Underwater,’ I reached a point where every change I made was just different, not better. That’s when I knew it was done. Also, sometimes you just have to trust your first instincts—this track already captured the feeling I wanted early on, so it was more about refining rather than overworking it.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from ‘Underwater’?

I hope they feel a sense of wonder and stillness—like they’re submerged in a different world, just floating. The track is about taking a step back, letting go, and allowing yourself to be present in the moment.

Can you give us a glimpse of what’s next before the album drops? Can fans expect any more releases ahead of its launch?

Yes! Before ‘Island’ drops, there’s another single coming—’Rhythm of the Sun.’ This track revolves around the big orange sun above us, carrying a hypnotic energy and featuring acoustic guitar. It still ties into the album’s themes of nature and escape. Plus, there are some exciting remixes on the way, including a stunning rework of ‘Underwater’ by Felix Raphael. Lots more to come!

As Mondingo builds towards the release of ‘Island,’ ‘Underwater’ stands as a powerful indicator of the emotive, nature-inspired sonic world he continues to create. Balancing immersive sound design with personal storytelling, he invites listeners to step into a space of reflection and wonder. With more music, upcoming singles, and remixes on the horizon, Mondingo’s journey is only just beginning—and it’s one worth following closely. So, be sure to keep up with his releases and evolution by following Mondingo across social media today.

Listen and Buy ‘Underwater’ Here:     

https://newsdigital.ffm.to/underwatermondingo