Hiya Marnie, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
Thanks for having me! I was born and raised in York, and now based in Leeds – so a die-hard Northener.
I often credit my mum for getting me into music. She’s a classical musician and teacher who plays every woodwind instrument under the sun. We have followed very different musical paths though – stringed instruments were my first love!
What’s the live music scene like in Leeds right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
I think anyone who knows Leeds would agree that the music scene is incredible here. As well as a huge amount of great music venues of all sizes (the Brudenell, the Attic, Hyde Park Book Club), the standard of music-making here is ridiculously high. I’m honoured to know and work with artists like Rail Replacement Bus Service, Kindelan and Zoe Cure (and too many others to name!), who are all pushing boundaries and writing genius songs. I feel so lucky to be a part of this scene.
I hear you have just released a new single, Iron Out. What can you tell us about it?
Iron Out is an ode to awkwardness, about not quite fitting in or getting it right.
It is my favourite song that I’ve released so far, and I am so so proud of it. I worked with producer Chris Hyson (Jordan Rakei, Snowpoet) to bring it into the world. We wanted to match the lyrical theme of subtlety and dancing around the obvious; Chris did an amazing job of bringing that feeling to the forefront through small nuances and moments that you can hear across the track. I’m thrilled that it’s been reaching the ears of people who connect with it.
I also want to shout a bit about the music video, made with geniuses and good friends Lizzie Farrell and George Hall. We used shadows to create this beautiful world and tell a story about fitting in, and the shapes we contort ourselves into when we try… it has a happy ending though! You can find the full video right here.
This song is the first part of a dual release; the second part, Fairweather, will be out in April. This next one is a crowd favourite at shows and means a lot to me, so it will be pretty special.
What was the recording process like?
A dream! It was my first time working with Chris but it won’t be the last – we are gearing up to record a second EP this Spring.
I love the sound of records like Aldous Harding’s Designer, and we made sure to capture that feeling across both tracks. So tight, so small, and so careful, but with little bits of space creeping through. Co-producer Ed Allen added these gorgeous pianos and textures across the two tunes which coats the songs beautifully. We also worked with Lloyd Haines on drums, who nailed the dry sound that we were going for.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Ha! The eternal struggle of a musician and perfectionist. I mean probably. But I try not to second-guess myself once it’s out in the world, there’s no point. I made every decision for a good reason at the time. Anything I’ve learned I can channel into the next batch of songs.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
Oof – it’s a minefield of course! There are definitely some huge positives; you no longer need a record label or any financial backing to release music (in theory), and anyone can start a music career at any time. However, despite this there’s no question of a growing class divide deeply affecting who “makes it” and who doesn’t. Like most artists now, I have a day job on top of creating and managing my music, which makes an artist career infinitely more difficult than those who are financially supported through other means. That’s why I’m so grateful for funds like Help Musicians and Youth Music – my next releases wouldn’t have been possible without them.
When I think about it too much it breaks my heart – working-class musicians have historically been the ones that break new ground in the UK, and have continually revolutionised British music for the last six decades. They are the ones that can write what we feel, who we can connect with the most. With artists and music grassroots music venues struggling to make ends meet, what are we missing out on? Whose voices are going unheard?
I really admire the work that organisations like the Music Venue Trust are doing to increase awareness of these issues and fight for change. Do check them out.
What are your thoughts on AI generated music?
Mainly I feel frustration at the law lagging behind as always. We have a chance now to stand up for our own copyright; the thought of my music being used without my consent to churn out meaningless soundwaves for profit makes my toes curl. On top of artists struggling financially, it feels like a kick in the teeth, and a massive violation of our intellectual property rights as artists and writers. The law should be updated to reflect this and protect us.
At the end of the day though, art is human. Human art carries meaning and I think (I hope) people will always crave that.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Being honest with yourself is important. Trying to write what I think people “want” is an eternal blocker for me. Writing for myself works for me and for the audience.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
Recently I’ve been buying a ton of charity shop CDs for my little car. My collection includes Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys, Big Thief (Capacity album), and my current favourite, Laura Marling’s Patterns in Repeat. “Caroline” is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
If I’m being totally honest, I find social media a tough pill to swallow a lot of the time, and although I put myself out there as much as I can, I avoid using them too much to protect my mental health. My mailing list is probably my favourite haha, since I know that everyone who reads it is invested in my music and my emails get slightly less lost in the social media abyss. (If you’re reading this, join your favourite artist’s mailing list!)
What’s next for your project?
Recording-wise it’s going to be a busy year for me, with the next release and working on my second EP. I’ve also been writing some new stuff that I’ll be sharing at my upcoming shows. This May I’ll be taking my guitar on the road for some solo gigs across the UK – keep an eye out as I’ll be announcing those really soon!
My amazing band will be joining me this summer at Gadabout Festival in Cumbria too – I played it last year with another project I am a part of, the Luca, and it’s just the loveliest place.
There are a few more things coming up this year that I’m excited to share – but I can’t just yet!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
If you like what you hear, you can support me by subscribing to my mailing list, following me or purchasing music and merch on Bandcamp, or finding me online in all the usual places! Loadsa love x
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