Ahead of the release of “DAY 42” we chat to London native Marin about her best pinch-me-moments, her dream venues to play at and what makes her sound unique.

With a voice that’s like butter sliding down hot toast, Marin is the fresh faced young jazz vocalist from North London who’s now on our radar. Both the genres of jazz and electronic music melt beautifully together in her new debut single “DAY 42”, making it the perfect soundtrack to summer nights around a crackling fire. Marin has already had great exposure and her career is just beginning, training as a jazz vocalist when she was younger, Marin caught the ears of major London producers. After the release of “Prevail”; a bootleg of Zomby’s 2011 track “Witch Hunt”, her new track “DAY 42” speaks about the transition and change that leads to the unknown. Silky, raw and rich Marin’s sound combines the alternative classic of jazz with electronic beats and an addictive baseline. We caught Marin on a break from songwriting in the studio to hear more about how she hones her unique sound.

So Marin, what’s your first music memory?

Singing the lead on “Papa was a Rolling stone” in school.

Amazing song. You trained as a Jazz vocalist when you were younger, right? How did you become interested in that genre of music?

I was doing some exams and “popular” music tended to be frowned upon in those situations. Jazz was the perfect classical alternative and I loved that I could put my own stamp on things. It’s amazing how you have standards that have been around for so long and “done” by so many artists yet each version can be so interesting in its own way.

You’re from North London, right? Do you get inspiration from the places around you, if so where? 

I used to love Highgate Wood as a kid, it’s eerily tranquil. I get inspiration from people more than places, though. I’ll be on the tube and see someone that looks a bit sad or angry and wonder what their story is, then write songs about the possibilities.

How would you personally describe your sound and what do you think makes it unique?

It’s minimal electronic with a jazz vocal – I don’t think there’s much, if any, of that around at the moment! I use space a lot too.

Tell us about ‘Day 42’, what is the meaning behind it and what does it mean to you?

It’s about transition and uncertainty. Knowing you’re going to change or grow but not really knowing what the end result will be. It could apply to quite a few situations.

https://soundcloud.com/marinofficial/m-a-r-i-n-day-42

Your music blends together both jazz and electronic sounds, who are the artists you admire and how have they inspired or shaped your music?

Ella Fitzgerald, James Blake, Burial, Four Tet, Actress, Louis Armstrong, Amy Winehouse… there are so many. I guess the influences have just shown me that less can be more and that feeling is everything when it comes to singing.

Have you worked with anyone that has been particularly exciting or aspirational?

I think it’s too early to pick a favourite – I’ve worked with some great musicians so far and there are a few collabs coming up that could be really interesting.

What has been the most pinch-me-moment of your journey so far?

I had an email from a huge pop producer asking if I’d do some toplines for him. I was a bit baffled as to how or why he knew who I was, but it was pretty flattering considering I don’t have much out there yet.

Which would be your dream venues or festivals to play at?

I’d love to do a small London venue, I’d have it really dark and smoky with some sort of weird light things going on. Great Escape or Pitchfork festivals would be cool. I’d love to play in the US.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Any of the inspirations I mentioned earlier would be fantastic.

It is amazing to have this sort of exposure at just 21, what will we be seeing from you in the future?

The beautiful thing is, I don’t know. Let’s see…

Words: Sarah Barnes

Photography: Alexander Jordan