Ducktails is the musical project of Matthew Mondanile originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey.
“On the other side of the globe, solo artist Ducktails approaches psychedelic music from a pop perspective. Born in Northern Jersey and a graduate of Western Massachusetts liberal arts magnet Hampshire College, Matt Mondanile constructs tropical mixed tapes from outer space.
Reached by phone before a show, Mondanile described his live performances as “like making a soundtrack to a movie on the spot.” Though his recordings are improvised, his live sets weave longer pieces together. Acting as a collagist, he uses samples and plays over them with a synthesizer or a guitar.
Asked about the influences of his work, Mondanile emphasized melody and a pop sensibility. He cited “oldies stations” on the radio as major touchstones. “I really like it when people can pick out melodies from the mush of sound they are presented with.”
Ducktails’ music shimmers and sparkles as interwoven and overlapping transmissions. Though he cites the solo work of Tangerine Dream member Edgar Froese as a touchstone, and has been in his share of punk and noise groups, Mondanile highlighted the significance of song-craft in neo psychedelic music.”