Swiss songwriter MirrorMouth returns with ‘Honest Emancipation’, a contemplative and rigorously precise piece of alternative pop that exchanges drama for discipline and hooks for hard truths.
Formerly immersed in the world of private banking, MirrorMouth has long positioned himself as a songwriter less concerned with musical flash than with the implications behind his words. ‘Honest Emancipation’ is no exception. Rather than courting controversy with bluster, he lays out his questions plainly: What does fairness really mean? Who gets to be emancipated? And are we prepared to apply our values evenly, even when they clash with our ideologies?
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I never approached music from a technical or virtuoso angle. What I fell in love with first was expression — words, melodies in my head, and the weight a voice can carry. As a boy, I was singing wherever I went — out loud when I was alone, and quietly in my head in crowded places. For me, songwriting came before instruments. Not just emotion, but reflection, awareness, and responsibility. Music, for me, has always been about melody with meaning.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger, I was drawn to music that spoke directly to my emotions — songs I could sing along to. It started with love songs, and as I grew older, I became more interested in music with deeper layers and more profound questions.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Queen — especially because of “I Want to Break Free.” Even back then, the idea of freedom, honesty, and emotional expression resonated deeply with me — including the courage to break free from mainstream thinking.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are so many — it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to choose, “Cat’s in the Cradle.” It always makes me feel sad — and that’s exactly why it’s so powerful. It feels like a wake-up call. It’s timeless, emotionally honest, and says something profound about life, relationships, and missed moments — without ever shouting.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yes. It usually starts with a thought, an idea, or a question. I will write it down immediately. From there, it becomes an evolving process: exploring different angles, weighing pros and cons, and shaping the lyrics. The hardest part comes at the end — “killing my darlings”. Letting go of good lines and interesting thoughts to keep the song focused and honest. I aim to write short songs with a message. To say as much as possible in as little time as necessary.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I listen less to specific artists and more to songs that resonate emotionally or intellectually. I’m drawn to music that feels honest, reflective, and purposeful — where lyrics matter and melody serves the message rather than distracting from it.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I don’t dream of huge shows or sold-out concerts. I prefer working from the background rather than the spotlight. That’s probably also why my profile pictures are a mirror and a mouth. Not chasing fame gives me freedom — creative and moral freedom. I don’t have to be politically correct or shape my songs to please an audience or fit an image. I’ve been told more than once that with these topics and these lyrics, support would be harder to find — that it doesn’t fit mainstream thinking or radio expectations. But that’s a trade-off I consciously accept. It allows me to write and sing what I genuinely believe, what I’ve learned, and what many people think — but rarely dare to say out loud. I’m not trying to be famous. I’m trying to be honest.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is when a song resonates with someone — when it makes them feel understood or encourages reflection. Music allows me to turn thoughts, questions, and lived experiences into something that connects people — or challenges what we believe to be true, and sometimes isn’t.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is how long it currently takes me to turn lyrics into finished songs. I already have three more songs finished — mastered and ready for release — and over 40 written, waiting to be produced.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Get your songs out there. A song that stays unheard doesn’t exist.
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MirrorMouth's new single 'Honest Emancipation' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.