INTERVIEW: Marnie

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Hi Marnie, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Alphabet Rock”?

Alphabet Block is the lead in track from my new album Strange Words And Weird Wars. I chose it because i think it’s the right track to break people in with. SWWW is perhaps a little more pop than Alphabet Block lets on, but it’s still a good introduction.

Actually, yes. Alphabet Block depicts a personal experience. Something that caused me a little anxiety and uncertainty which i think comes across with the busy lyrical content of the verses, and the release comes with the chorus. I don’t like to give away too much detail about song meaning, because i want people to relate to it their way.

Any plans to release a video for the single?

I will be releasing a single either end of February or beginning of March, and it will have a video.

The single comes off your new album Strange Words and Weird Wars – what’s the story behind the title?

I’ve had the album title for a long time now, perhaps a year or two. It’s a lyric from one of the songs, but somehow seems even more fitting for the turbulent times the world seems to be facing right now.

How was the recording and writing process?

Lengthy!!! but good. Jonny Scott was on production duties and we also co-wrote some tracks together. We would start by working up the demo’s to a good standard at home and then, when i had the funds, we spent a good few weeks recording in Chem19 studios outside Glasgow.

Would you call this a departure or a follow up to your previous project?

I’d say it’s a departure in the sense that i feel it’s very different to my last album. I don’t think people will be completely surprised, but Strange Words And Weird Wars definitely veers away from the more soft, folk-like, approach that i feel Crystal World had. SWWW is way punchier, more direct, and really, a lot more fun.

Known for playing with different genres – does one tends to shine out the most depending on the lyrics’ theme?

The record is literally littered with synths, so synth pop is prevalent, however, it is also awash with guitars which is where that shoe-gazey, dream pop element comes from. The two are jammed together, regardless of theme. They might be treated differently to reflect a mood, but they’re still there.

Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

Sometimes my inspiration is completely random. I might just get a strange idea in my head, or feeling. Most times though inspiration comes from personal experience. For me songwriting is cathartic. I feel absolute release to just let something go. To write it down or create music that conveys the sentiment.

Any plans to hit the road?

I hope to tour in 2017. Would love to get out and play all the new songs.

What else is happening next in Marnie’s world?

There’s the single, video, then album release on 25th March. Right now i’m rehearsing the new songs, ready for gigs. Hoping 2017 is gonna be a blast.

Listen here