The Noticer by Mt. Kili (Interview 2026)

Edition Six – Week Six; Unit 3:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Introduction

MT Kili: A Creative Journey Through Music

Music has the power to connect people, express emotions and tell stories that words alone sometimes cannot capture. For MT Kili, music provides an opportunity to share creativity, explore ideas and establish an individual artistic identity. In an ever-changing music industry, developing a distinctive sound and connecting with listeners is an important part of an artist’s journey. Behind every release is a creative process, a source of inspiration and a determination to bring musical ideas to life.

We wanted to find out more about the person behind MT Kili, the influences that have helped shape their musical direction, the stories behind their work and the ambitions driving their journey. Join us as we discover more about MT Kili, their approach to music, and what the future might hold.

Short Review

MT Kili – A Sound Worth Discovering

With a distinctive creative approach and a passion for musical expression, MT Kili offers listeners an opportunity to discover an artist with their own musical perspective. The production, vocal delivery and overall atmosphere come together to create a listening experience that deserves attention. What makes the music particularly interesting is the opportunity to explore the ideas, emotions and influences behind the creative process. There’s always something fascinating about discovering an artist’s individual identity through their music, and MT Kili gives us another reason to keep exploring the independent music scene. An artist worth keeping on your radar, with an exciting opportunity to connect with new listeners and continue developing their musical journey.

Verdict: One to discover. We look forward to hearing what comes next from MT Kili.

Q&A

For readers who may be discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe yourself as an artist, and how would you define your musical identity?

“I remember the first time entering the studio and one of the owners asked me that question, “are you an artist?” I replied to her that I did not know yet. After recording that album and the Noticer, I still don’t know if I am. Music is much more to me than art. It’s life, therapy, a portal into something that our minds cannot trace or understand, as well as a practice and a gift. It saves lives, provides hope, symmetry, bends time and space – it’s pure magic.

As for a musical identity, I hope we do not have one, although meditative folk is the one that comes to me first. The music is all about finding its way to someone who feels it immediately for what it is, an art form designed to be nothing and everything at the same time.”

When did your passion for music first begin? Was becoming an artist always something you dreamed about, or did it develop naturally over time?

“When I was young we were in a pawnshop and I saw a guitar and asked my Dad if I could get one. He grudgingly bought a used guitar for me but mentioned he did not think I would ever play it. He had good reason – I did not even know what a “chord” was and asked the salesperson to demonstrate what one was on the guitar before I left the store. That night, with a songbook I also had purchased, I started playing the guitar, and never stopped. Throughout the years on my birthday, my Dad would buy me a guitar to show his understanding that this was something he knew was a part of me forever.”

Which artists, musicians or musical genres have influenced you the most? Are there any particular albums or songs that changed the way you think about music?

“I tend to find new music through adventuring. I discovered the National in Oslo, Norway, after a Norwegian friend took me to a record store and said “buy this.” The Bright Eyes was another recommendation from an individual I met in an Irish Bar. I met Mississippi John Hurt’s music at a hookah restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey. The list goes on: Sigur Ros in a dorm room in Boston; Arcade Fire in Jacksonville, Florida; Fleet Foxes from a Starbucks (when they used to sell cds) in Big Sur, California, etc.

Discovering and loving music for me goes hand in hand with experience. Once those two meet, the memory and feeling stays inside me forever, and I’m sure some of that subconscious feeling bubbles out when I create my own music.”

Developing an individual musical identity can take time. How would you describe your sound, and how important is it for you to experiment with different styles and influences?

“Developing an identity was not as important as developing my SELF. That is the key to good music. You can know each chord, progression, scale, genre, and be a brilliant musician, but until you know yourself on a deeper level, to the extent where you know that a part of yourself is unseen and a part of everything else, true, genuine music cannot escape you. This can occur early or late in life, and I believe that is why it is so special.

As for styles and influences, as my understanding of my self grows, so does the music. It is not so much playing a different style or influence more than it is knowing that you are unique and reaching that uniqueness. The moment you think about creating a different style or influence you have left the realm where real creation is possible.”

Where can we hear more, and why should we?

“We are on all listening platforms, so pick your favorite. The Noticer on Spotify: open.spotify.com…T9Mg0t — and our home on the web is mtkilimusic.com. As for why? Well, what have you got to lose? You get to listen to new music, hear lyrics that describe ways to better your existence, and perhaps find a new band you really resonate with.”

Anything to add here?

“We are recording our third album, Ikigai, this December, with a release date for the record May 1. I wrote all the songs in the jungle in Costa Rica, and the amount of talented musicians coming in to contribute to this album is overwhelming to me. It is going to be a special album, and releasing it on my birthday (May 1) is the best birthday present I could ask for.”