Mouth Water Interview: From Chord Progression to Finished Song

Italian electronic producer Mouth Water recently released his newest single, “Smoke,” a fusion of synth-pop and dream-pop that conveys listeners into a hazy, ethereal landscape of nostalgia and introspection. Mouth Water explains:

“‘Smoke’ was born from the urge to tell a story of escape — a quiet rebellion. It’s about a girl trying to leave her past behind, crossing borders with a suitcase full of smoke — a hint that she might not be who she says she is. For me, it’s a hymn to freedom, but also a bitter reflection: today, we can’t truly disappear. The past follows us, even when we think we’ve outrun it.”

Mouth Water is the brainchild of Italian producer and multi-instrumentalist Lawrence Fancelli, who began his career working behind the scenes as a sound engineer and bass player in New York and Florence, Italy. His Mouth Water project debuted in 2019. In 2023, Mouth Water began performing hybrid live sets that showcased his background as both a musician and mixing artist.

Mouth Water opened for Röyksopp at Tenax Club and performed at the renowned Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona in June 2024. Mouth Water joins us today to discuss “Smoke,” his upcoming long player, the name Mouth Water, and his creative approach.

Let’s start with a simple yet revealing question: Why do you make music? 

Mouth Water: “I make it for the challenge and for the feeling of accomplishment I get when I’m able to create something I truly like. I also love pushing buttons all day.”

What inspired your new single, “Smoke?”

“Musically, it’s influenced by the ’80s and ’90s, and I recently realized one of the melodies is actually a variation of a popular tune from 1999, I won’t say which. Lyrically, the song is a bit of a ghost story about a person I used to know a few years ago who vanished like, well, smoke. This is the third iteration of the song, I have two earlier unreleased versions with a different production.”

You have a new album coming down the pipeline. What can you share about it?

“Technology Fueled Dream Obsolescence is not really a concept album, but the lyrics in each song all share this common theme of how technology influences our lives. The tracks vary kind of wildly in style, but vocally and thematically they’re pretty consistent.”

Mouth Water, photo by Alessandra Pellegrineschi

Where are you from?

“Florence, Italy. But I’m half-American, so I sort of have a second hometown in Lakeland, Florida.”

Did your hometown have an impact on your music?

“I’ve always listened mostly to English and American music, but I feel some Italian melodies influence my music.”

What’s the story behind the name Mouth Water?

“It’s a literal translation of an Italian expression which means: ‘don’t tell,’ because initially I was shy and didn’t want to put my face on the project.”

How did you get started in music?

“I started with the classical child torture device: the piano. After a teacher told me at age 10 that I was behind for having played three years, I switched to the clarinet and then to the electric bass in bands as a teenager and in my 20s.”

Mouth Water “Smoke” single artwork

If you had to describe your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?

“It’s electronic pop, with both synthesizers and acoustic instruments. Sometimes the beat is danceable, sometimes it’s more chilled like in ‘Smoke.’”

What’s your definition of tone? And has your tone changed over time?

“Tone for me is the timbre and quality of a voice or instrument. When I started producing music as MW, I thought I couldn’t sing, so I developed a soft, harmonized, multilayer vocal sound which I’ve been consistent with up until now, including ‘Smoke.’ But I have two upcoming singles from my TFDO album in which I explore a different vocal tone.”

Over the course of the last few years, how have you changed as a person and as an artist?

“I have become more self-confident in several aspects of my life, not just when it comes to music. I think it’s a combination of getting older and seeing how audiences usually respond well to my releases and live shows.”

Mouth Water, photo by Chris Davison

What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?

“Aside from constantly searching for and listening to a lot of new and sometimes old music, I like to read novels in English (not often enough). Especially the older ones tend to have a very colourful language, which is sometimes hard to understand, but it teaches me new words and expressions, which I sometimes repurpose into my own lyrics. I also observe people I know or have met and get inspired by their stories.”

What can you share about your writing process?

“I usually start with a chord progression on the piano, which I turn into a synth riff or pattern. Then I start adding anything that comes to mind, including loops, other instruments, and vocal melodies. When the music is practically finished, I then turn those hummed vocal melodies into lyrics.”

Which artists, in your opinion, are killing it right now?

“My favourite acts right now are Franc Moody, Poolside, SebastiAn, and most of all, French79, whom I’ve seen live multiple times and take inspiration from for my live shows. I also like to mix my music myself.”

How do you define success? 

“The ability to be able to do what you love and be respected for it.”