Whilst I’m not normally that into EDM music, I couldn’t help but pay attention when I heard MARQELECTRONICA’s captivating sound, in the form of his new track, Boy. Whilst it has all the hallmarks of the EDM genre, it’s also quite unique sounding – check it out if you like what you read below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Boy. What can you tell us about the track?
The song is a thumping dance track but like a lot of my music, it has serious themes and dance pop sounds. It’s a reaction to seeing one of the people I taught on the news being convicted of murder and it shocked me, and I thought if I knew then how he would turn out I could’ve tried to make him change his ways… It could also be about any self-destructive person who lashes out and alienates everyone or hurts them.
How has the reception to Boy been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
I’m really amazed as I didn’t have a budget this time for promo, like I did with my album. So I didn’t expect the streams I’ve got over 15,500 streams on Spotify alone. The track is available on all streaming platforms now.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes I have 5 other tracks for release in 2023 and I’m working on new collaborations too.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
I’m not sure about an EP or album yet but my prior album came out in July and is available on my Bandcamp, streaming platforms and as a shiny CD in HMV Newcastle.
Did the pandemic hinder your work much?
Prior to the pandemic, I was in a band – I started solo work when we couldn’t get together, so the pandemic helped launch me in a sense.
Your music contains elements of several EDM sub-genres. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Recently I have listened to a lot of MNEK and Joel Correy, I love Lion Heart with Joel and Tom Grennan and artists like Subfocus and Gorgon City. My influences are mainly artists like Chase and Status, Camelphat and the orchestral house disco edge of Freemasons and DJs like Dimitri from Paris and the funky strangeness of Missy Elliott.
What is the composition process like for you?
It varies – sometimes the lyrics come first, and I search for the right sounds and samples and instruments and notes, but a lot of the time I experiment and download loops and mess around with them. The process can take anything from 3 hours to 3 months. I’ve so many unfinished tracks that I’m not sure about.
Where are you based? What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
The music scene is quite diverse in Newcastle, but you have to look hard if you want more than guitars and rock bands – there is a wealth of talent that just blows me away, lots of great supportive venues too.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No tour planned yet. I’ve taken a back seat after a recent struggle with anxiety and depression and we lost my mother in L.A. on the day Boy was released. I’m looking now to attack the venues and gigs in the new year and hopefully do more than the 2 festivals I did last year.
Any last words for the fans?
Don’t give up and go for it folks. I did and it’s an amazing release and confidence boost. Support live music too – likes and shares are lovely but they’re no substitute for seeing you all bouncing around in the venues! I’ve only got 2 electrickeries (that’s what I call faithful mad dancers) and I need more to just let go when you are at the gigs like I know you can. This music is about release, so throw some shapes and have fun!