There’s so many things to say about today’s artist. She’s beautiful, she’s talented, she has one of the most incredible voices I’ve heard in quite some time. The first thought I had when I came across “Mowgli’s Road” was ‘That’s what comes out when you sing . . . I’m jealous!’. Today I present Marina & the Diamonds.
Marina hails from Wales, now based out of London. Her schooling was a bit on the rocky side. She attended a few schools but didn’t graduate from any of them. Her career began in her bedroom with original lyrics and beats created on Garageband. With the help of a local producer, she was able to create her first EP Mermaid Vs. Sailor. This helped in her discovery by Neon Gold Records which lead to Warner Music Group signing her to 679 Recordings.
The pairing was perfect for Marina’s musical endeavors and personality and released her debut singles, double sided, “Obsessions” and “Mowgli’s Road”. She released another EP, The Crown Jewels, where “I Am Not a Robot” hit the radio waves. Later on, a re-recording of “Mowgli’s Road” was released with a music video. Check it out!
I’m madly in love with this video. I remember thinking, ‘Finally! Something other than a girl dancing sexy in a leotard in a lame scenario’. The video is artsy, out-of-the-box and open for interpretation and reminded me of puppets and a serious arts and crafts session. I love female musicians with deep voices. They can be quite one moment sexy, ironic and rough the next. The lyrics are relatable, written and delivered poetically, yet enters the realm of fantasy and allegory. The beat is layered with great instrumentals, indie coolness, a pop edge, hallucinative twangs, all in all, epic.
The Family Jewels, Marina’s debut album, was released back in 2010, which did very well in the UK. I loved the album. There’s a good range of themes, some fun satire and very personal words, all paired with interesting and classic sounds. Along with “Mowgli’s Road” and “I Am Not a Robot”, “Hollywood”, “Oh No!” and “Shampain” served as the promotional singles, accompanied with music videos. “Oh No!” is one of my favorite songs off the album. It is the national anthem of my life, poking fun at one’s ego and narcissism. The music video is cutesy with comic book colors and details. Another song I love from The Family Jewels has to be “Guilty”. A twisty-turny beat propels a dark scenario of murder and guilt.
I’m really excited to announce the upcoming US release, already available in the UK, of Marina’s new album, Electra Heart. I’ve already had a listen and I’m in DEVOTION. It is completely different from her first album and has elevated the pop and rock aspects of her music. There is a tone and attitude of a self obsessed, hurt on the inside, princess, poking at societal pressures on young girls, a broken heart and shedding old skin. I believe it’s character driven, made obvious by Marina’s new look.
I’m still wrapping my mind around her new look. The album seems like a fusion of The Family Jewels and Marilyn Monroe, including her demons. She’s released music videos, which are apart of a series of short films and crazy visuals, for “Fear & Loathing”, “Radioactive”, “Primadonna” and “Power and Control”. Take a look.
Everyone must hear “Bubblegum Bitch“, “Teen Idle” and “Buy the Stars“.
Marina & the Diamonds is definitely an act to follow. Her music is amazing and stands out from what is out today. With the new album, she is revealing her unique take on making music and I can’t wait to see what else she can do. I’m ready for some more music videos and the next album. Electra Heart will be released here in the US on July 10th and The Family Jewels is available. Enjoy and be inspired!
GabeTex Productions 
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