Introducing WINIFRED, who makes a grand arrival with ChainThe Melbourne-based songwriter, whose past work has been felt on tracks by Alice Ivy and more, bursts out of the gates with her own work.
Premiere: Meet MARSHES, who takes a big leap into stardom with M.I.A.
The Sydney-based DJ/producer/songwriter/multi-specialist is in her prime with her debut single, officially out tomorrow.
Posted By Hayden Davies
5 years ago
Even if you aren't familiar with the name of Sydney's Erin Marshall - a.k.a. the brainchild of newcoming Sydney-based DJ/producer/songwriter/vocalist MARSHES - you're probably familiar with her work in one way or another, working in a songwriting/production role across many of Australia's greats both established and emerging: The Presets' Julian Hamilton, Cosmo's Midnight, Motez, Set Mo, KLP, Tyde Levi, LO'99, Asta and the list goes on, and on, and on. She's the latest example of an established behind-the-scenes musician moving into the spotlight, something she does with her debut single, M.I.A..
M.I.A. is an introduction into MARSHES as a musician in the spotlight, encapsulating her years of knowledge from working behind-the-scenes with some of the country's best into a tasteful serving of her genuine musical self, which as it turns out, is a damn lot of fun. It's bright and buoyant, channelling the quick-firing energy of some of music's strongest, chart-dominating songwriters in a distinctly unique way that sets her apart - a difficult feat, but one that MARSHES is able to pull off at ease (again, perhaps another result of her experience outside of the spotlight across the years).
Dive deeper beyond the single's blissful vocal and platforming production, and you'll find something a touch deeper: MARSHES looking in, reflecting on a time she felt the need to distance herself from everyone because she didn't have the capacity to deal with them. "I wrote M.I.A. at a time when my friends were calling me a lot, but I wouldn’t answer, it was disappointing to them cus I needed time to myself, but I never communicated that to them," she says on the single, which was produced alongside Australian go-to Xavier Dunn. "I just disappeared."
There's plenty more to come, with M.I.A. serving as an introduction to MARSHES as the things she promises an artist-to-watch in the spotlight. For now, however, dive into M.I.A. below ahead of its greater release tomorrow, and introduce yourself to MARSHES while you're at it:
Tell us about yourself?
Hi! Artist name is MARSHES. I like Pinot Noir and Strong coffee. Sunshine and Dogs. This is sounding like a pretty generic Tinder Profile so far. I’m a singer, a songwriter and a DJ based in Sydney. I send 20 short texts instead of one big one. I pull my bed out of the cupboard every night. My hobbies include staring at the wall and talking to my plants.
This year I started MARSHES when I was booked to DJ the Groovin the Moo Tour. I also DJ'd on the Hugh Jackman Australian tour and some other great festivals like Field day and Origin Fields. I reeeaaally like making pop music and I’ve always wanted to put some out, so now I am.
What’s the vibe music-wise?
Pop music with feels. I’m all about complicated shit but presenting it in a light-hearted way. The whole strength in vulnerability vibe but also not taking it all too seriously. There are also some really cool sounds in there.
What are your production and writing processes like?
Usually something like this:
Me: I’m gonna write a song I’ve got so much to write about
Me: Sits down to *Writer's block*
ME: Questions writing ability
Me: Questions identity
Me: Questions life
Me: Cries and lets feelings out
Me: Writes an awesome song.
Alternatively, I go to Xavier’s house, my producer. We make coffee, talk about what’s going on lately, then craft a song together. Or sometimes we go and get brownies instead. Writing with someone else was a game-changer for my own tunes, it helped me get shit done instead of overthinking too much.
Can you tell us about your new single, MIA?
Yaaaass I can. It’s a bit of a cute summer vibe. Kinda reminds me of Mura Masa or All My Friends by Snakehips. You can let me know if you agree.
I wrote M.I.A. about a time where I didn’t have the capacity for anyone. My friends would call and I wouldn’t answer because I didn’t want to be social or make any plans that I would then feel obliged to stick to! So instead of actually communicating that I needed space, I kinda just disappeared. It was a bit shitty. I’m sure people can relate to that though! I started M.I.A at my piano, I took the chorus idea to Xavier, and we fleshed out the rest together.
Any tour dates coming up?
The Harbour agency have just come on board for booking all things MARSHES which is sick! We’re locking in some summer dates now.
What does the rest of 2019 – and beyond - have in store for you?
Finessing the live show, drinking more wine and finishing off some new songs.
Where can we find more of your music?
MARSHES is brand spankin’ new and this is the first release! If you dig it, would love you to say hello!
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