As the vibrant tapestry of modern music continues to evolve, few artists capture the essence of transformation and emotional depth as poignantly as British alternative pop sensation, Marz Fay. With the release of her latest EP, Melancholy, the artist delves into the complex terrain of human emotions, bridging the seemingly disparate realms of joy and sorrow with an auditory landscape that’s as eclectic as it is heartfelt. This interview promises an intimate look at the inspirations behind Fay’s latest record, exploring how her personal experiences and her collaboration with production giants BMG have shaped this compelling project.
In our interview with the London riser, Marz Fay opens up about the intricate process of crafting music that resonates on a personal level yet holds universal appeal, especially in how these tracks lend themselves to the cinematic and digital realms. As we discuss the thematic and musical directions of Melancholy, insights into her creative partnerships, and her aspirations for the EP’s impact, Marz offers a unique window into the artistry and intention behind her music. This conversation not only highlights her innovative approach to blending genres but also her commitment to providing solace through her music amidst the chaos of contemporary life.
On Melancholy, you delve into complex emotional themes using a mix of genres. Could you describe what inspired the thematic and musical direction of this EP?
Overall the biggest influence on the music was my lived experience. As someone who has been through heartbreak and betrayal as well as love and harmony, this array of emotions made me want to explore this theme of light and dark, happiness and sadness throughout the EP. That's why the first half is lighter and more upbeat, while the last few tracks dive into some deeper, darker sounds. It's me pouring out some of my most honest thoughts and feelings. I remember jotting down in my notebook “They asked me why Melancholy? It’s because I'm sad, that doesn’t mean I'm never happy, it just means I'm human.” This music is just me being human, in a world where people only really show their best front.
Growing up in London, I've been lucky to soak up all kinds of music from different cultures and genres. That mix really shaped the sound of this EP. I wanted to capture that range of emotions – from the dreamy and ethereal to the raw and intense. So, I chose to play around with different musical styles and moods to make sure each track had its own unique vibe. Each track was created in a different session, so the instrumentals were also just a reflection of how I felt that day.
Growing up in London, I've been lucky to soak up all kinds of music from different cultures and genres. That mix really shaped the sound of this EP. I wanted to capture that range of emotions – from the dreamy and ethereal to the raw and intense. So, I chose to play around with different musical styles and moods to make sure each track had its own unique vibe. Each track was created in a different session, so the instrumentals were also just a reflection of how I felt that day.
Your EP is crafted with an eye towards film and digital media. How do you approach writing music that bridges personal expression with broader commercial appeal, especially in visual platforms?
I never really approached this from a commercial angle; to me, films are fundamentally about people and their stories. So, my focus was on being a storyteller through my music, aiming to paint vivid pictures and weave compelling narratives. I drew inspiration from my own experiences to tell these stories, as well as the stories of people around me. Take Knees, for instance, it's a real-life story about someone close to me battling alcoholism, my attempts to support them, and the heartbreak of feeling betrayed in return.
Being an editor myself, I have a keen understanding of how sounds can complement visuals. This background definitely influenced my music, leading me to create emotive and ethereal tracks that I believe can enhance the emotional depth of any scene.
Being an editor myself, I have a keen understanding of how sounds can complement visuals. This background definitely influenced my music, leading me to create emotive and ethereal tracks that I believe can enhance the emotional depth of any scene.
Could you share how personal experiences or specific influences shaped any of the songs on the record?
On Easy to Fall out of Love, I channeled the perspective of someone I'd had a falling out with. It was a way for me to explore the emotions of that relationship from their point of view. Selfish taps into the conflicting emotions of being attached to someone without wanting a committed relationship with them. It's about that selfish desire to keep them close while not wanting them to move on with someone else.
Kinda Crazy is a celebration of being madly in love, capturing that feeling of being completely consumed by someone, while Knees was inspired by someone I cared deeply about who struggled with alcoholism. It's a raw and honest reflection of my attempts to support them, only to feel betrayed in return. Sometimes captures the vulnerability of oversharing and the insecurity that follows. It's a feeling I think many of us can relate to, that moment of regret after opening up too much, and I Need Somebody delves into themes of dependence and a lack of self-love, drawing from times when I felt like I needed someone else to feel complete.
Kinda Crazy is a celebration of being madly in love, capturing that feeling of being completely consumed by someone, while Knees was inspired by someone I cared deeply about who struggled with alcoholism. It's a raw and honest reflection of my attempts to support them, only to feel betrayed in return. Sometimes captures the vulnerability of oversharing and the insecurity that follows. It's a feeling I think many of us can relate to, that moment of regret after opening up too much, and I Need Somebody delves into themes of dependence and a lack of self-love, drawing from times when I felt like I needed someone else to feel complete.
“Music has this incredible power to connect people and offer comfort during tough times. I hope that when someone listens to the EP, they feel understood.”
Working with BMG and producers like XSN & XST must bring unique perspectives to your music. How did these collaborations influence the final sound of the EP?
Working with producers like XSN & XST was just incredible. With over a decade in the game, they really get what makes a song tick and how to shape it into something special. Plus, their ability to play instruments, such as the guitar live into a project, brought an extra layer of talent to the EP. It was awesome to collaborate with people who not only understand the industry but also bring their own musical flair to the table and were able to generate ideas, such as the vocal chops in Easy to fall out of Love, which really helped to shape the song.
With the release of Melancholy, what are your hopes for how it will resonate with listeners, particularly those who may be navigating their own personal challenges?
My biggest hope is that it resonates deeply with listeners, especially those going through their own personal challenges. Music has this incredible power to connect people and offer comfort during tough times. I hope that when someone listens to the EP, they feel understood, like someone else gets what they're going through.
Having explored a rich blend of styles in your music, what new genres or themes are you interested in exploring in your future projects?
I love to blend genres and be experimental in music sessions. Lately, I've been really into blending electronic vibes with elements of indie and trap – I'm especially attracted to synth sounds. I'm keen on taking that ethereal, escapist feel from electronic music and weaving it into more organic sounds. 070 Shake is an artist that definitely inspires me at the moment.
