Astari Nite Lighten Darker Waves, Pay Respects to David Bowie, Beatles, and Family on Fourth Album ‘Resolution of Happiness’

“Just live a little,” says Astari Nite vocalist Mychael. “So much life is out there waiting for you. Drop the phone. Throw your computer in a lake. Help your neighbor plant a tree or bake a cake.” This enlightenment comes after years of loss, a summer of love, and a newfound appreciation of life on the band’s fourth album Resolution of Happiness.

Doused in alt-darkwave, Resolution of Happiness follows a more hopeful pattern aided by Mychael’s David Bowie-imported vocals from the opening “Double Feature Matinee” and throughout the album and the band’s direct ode to him, “Bowie in Daydreams.” Special Sky, Special place, Special friend, special grace / Schizo with issues, pass me a tissue sings Mychael on the revelatory memo of self-respect, “Tongue Tied Galore,” and more spectral post-punk sketches of “Ashtray Ballet,” “What a Rainbow Feels Like,” and closing “We Are All Siamese.”

Mychael spoke to American Songwriter about the band’s journey toward Happiness, and why songwriting is “no longer a chore” nearly 20 years into Astari Nite.

American Songwriter: How/when did Resolution of Happiness start piecing together since Here Lies?

Mychael: Everything was new except for memories, as I’m sure you know, they can linger on and on. The Here Lies record (2020) allowed me to live in an imaginary world whereas Resolution of Happiness is our take on real life. During this time, I was mourning the loss of my brother and father. Dealing with death can be a beautiful thing, once you realize it.

AS: Thematically, what became more apparent amongst the songs as you spent more time with them?

M: Honestly during the writing process of Resolution of Happiness, I really got into listening to the Beatles. I’m happy to have missed out all this time. I believe their music helped during the writing process for the record. Take a listen to “The Inevitable Crocodile.” It speaks of my current mental state perhaps. Yeah, perhaps it does.

AS: How did your ode to David Bowie, “Bowie in Daydreams” come about?

M: During the time this song was written, for some of us, I guess you can say it was the Summer of Love. A lot of traveling and innocent moments took place. David Bowie was the soundtrack to our lives during all these magical memories being created. This song was a perfect way to pay respect to his beautiful soul along with telling our own story. For me, it was another way of saying goodbye to my sweet brother, Ryan.

AS: “Tongue Tied Galore” seems to fit into this theme of loss and self-renewal.

M: This was my breakup song to myself. Change can be so wonderful and healthy; it allows my hair to flow freely in the wind without giving a f–k. I always cared so much about what people may say or think of me.

With all the beats left in my heart, I really could care less any longer. Someone in this world will always fault you for something. So do what you want to. Don’t change the volume. Of course, respect others. I’m not saying become a murderer. Just live a little, so much life is out there waiting for you. Drop the phone. Throw your computer in a lake. Help your neighbor plant a tree or bake a cake.

AS: How do songs come together for you now? Has songwriting shifted for you since the band’s earlier releases, Stereo Waltz and Midnight Conversations?

M: Certainly, songwriting has changed intensely for Astari Nite since the release of those two records. Illia [Tulloch] and I found [bandmates] Howard [Melnick] and Danny [Ae], or did they find us,? I don’t know. The universe is strange that way.

It’s been a beautiful journey for us. Some people believe in religion. The four of us believe in each other. Songwriting is no longer a chore. Things kind of happen overnight now. We believe in the love that we have for one another. We also love to pretend that we enjoy airport cuisine. So, this makes traveling together more enjoyable.

Photo: Wendy Darling