Nanakuli, Hawaii-based MDMP’s, new single, “I Can’t Hold You Closer,” fuses hyper pop, dark pop, alternative rock and pop punk in a three-and-a-half-minute commentary on a relationship with unclear status. This single release comes a year after MDMP’s explorative 27-track LP “Day One” and his collaboration with Dayshell “Strength.”
MDMP’s name attributes no meaning to the singer or the fans, but he abides by one concept. To collaborate on a global level with other musicians. Part of this desire stems from his proximity to other musicians in Oahu, and the other half ensues from a drive to create a new method of making music.
“I Can’t Hold You Closer” opens with rainfall and a female vocalist imploring, “Baby, you know I love you. I just was wondering if you dream this way?”
A couple licks of confident rock drumming and hard guitar strumming later, Meyer launches into grungy vocals asking his counterpart, “Do you really know what it’s like to hold on to something? Grip it oh so tight, the fear of unfolding?” Noting his fear but committing to his belief in the pair.
MDMP grapples with the idea of wanting something he can’t (or shouldn’t have) and convincing himself to stay away from his true desires.
“I can’t sing for you in this room made of blue. I can’t feel for you. Can we pull this through? I am sick from your sense and presence. But I love these poison intentions,” he sings.
“Having the song ‘Strength’ featuring Dayshell already under MDMP’s belt, the desire to try something more daring by fusing an island vibe with metalcore was born. The demo was sent, and he was down for round two. This song was written off the western shores of Oahu, Hawaii with collaboration from all over the planet,” Meyer mentioned collaborations for this single also sprung from the UK and Kazakhstan.
As his album traversed new and familiar territories, MDMP promises his new releases, including “I Can’t Hold You Closer”, travel the same path.
“Some artists are determined to be the same and never change, and they’re going to go down with that ship,” he says. “I don’t want to do that. But I also don’t want to be like bands that have a style and then abandon it. Right now, it’s rock with synths. That’s where it’s at. But that doesn’t mean it can’t evolve and change as I collaborate more. And I’m definitely going to keep doing that. The more people I have invested in it, the better it is for me.”