Visual artist and children’s book author Lalena Fisher is a veteran of the New York City music scene of the 1990s–2000s. After learning the ropes in her Houston band Catbox, she moved to New York and co-founded the Hissyfits while in art school. She later formed The Color Guard and led the band through several CDs and tours. But in 2009, with a mother in cancer treatment and a new baby named Annika, Lalena and her family relocated to Austin.

“Before Annika was born,” Lalena says, “I already had in my mind that if I one day had a daughter, I would want her to play music — so she would have something she feels she’s good at. So she’s armed for the battle of adolescence.”

Having no time for a band with anyone else, Lalena hoped Annika would be interested in playing drums: What kid wouldn’t? After discovering a kid-size drum kit at another yard sale, they fleshed out some songs Lalena had already written — and had played while pregnant with Annika, guitar resting on her belly. Among these are the female coming-of-age anthem “Mary Jane” and the gothic metal retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone.

By age 8, Annika was contributing songs. “My mom had been working on an art project that involved making a mold.” Lalena elaborates: “A sculptural mold often has two parts: a strong outer part made of plaster, cradling a flexible inner part made out of silicone or latex; the strong structural part is the mother mold.”

The Mothermold started performing regularly at Slowpokes Brisket Shack and were soon invited to play an official pool party and pancake breakfast event for Girls Rock Austin. “We weren’t very good yet,” remarks Annika. Lalena laughs: “We were probably pretty bad. But we were just as charming!”

Navigating a mother-daughter relationship while playing in a band is just part of home life for the duo. Yes, bickering happens — over rehearsing, screen time, and bedtime. But, it makes scheduling band practices easy when you share a home.

The 2020 pandemic lockdown gave The Mothermold an opportunity to finally start recording an album. Using GarageBand and a Scarlett 18i8 audio interface, Lalena and Annika reworked their rehearsal and art studio into a recording space.

Returning to the stage after the pandemic has been exhilarating. Social media wiz Annika instated a striking new visual trademark for the stage: she dresses completely in green, matching her hair; and Lalena wears red from head to toe. In 2022 The Mothermold performed on the Hulu Stage at the Harry Styles Love on Tour concert at the Moody Center in Austin; at YouTube Presents: DIY Musicians Showcase at the Empire Control Room in Austin; at the Highland Lakes Equality Festival in Marble Falls; as well as the Austin Public Library and their familiar haunts Parlor Pizza and the Thicket.

They are thrilled to finally be releasing Flesh of My Flesh. The album vibrates with hooks, harmonies, and heavy guitars; and traverses from silliness to despair and back. Lalena sees the album as a gift to her daughter. “I like the fact that we’re making something together now that she’ll always have — even after I’m gone.” Annika’s perspective is more of the present: “It’s amazing that I can be in a band with my mom, and eventually come out with an album!”

Flesh of My Flesh will be available on all streaming platforms October 28th.

Follow the band on Instagram.