INTERVIEW: Marshes talks new music, DJ-ing and going 'M.I.A.'

Sydney based singer, songwriter and DJ Marshes (real name Erin Marshall) has always had ambitions to release her own music as a singer, but after carving out a solid career as a touring DJ collaborating with the likes of Hugh Jackman and Nicole Millar life behind the decks took over. At the beginning of November though it was mission accomplished when she released her debut single ‘M.I.A.’ A super-cool, captivating slice of electropop-R&B blend with a hint of Scandipop thrown in, it marks Marshes out as a seriously impressive new talent to watch. Written at a time when she felt the need to ‘disappear’ from the world, withdraw from her friends and have time alone, there is a sense of melancholy in the lyrics coupled with smart, wry humour: ‘You’ve got plans / Good for you / Cause I’ve got plans / To ruin them’ she sings with an almost audible smirk. We’re so excited to hear more from Marshes and we recently sat down to chat all about her career, her music and her future plans.

Hi Erin! Thanks so much for chatting with us. How is everything in the world of Marshes at the moment?
Thank YOU for chatting with me! Everything is going good. I’m so excited the weather is getting warmer, everyone’s seasonal depression is wearing off and I’ve already had a few beach visits. Musically there is some fun stuff happening including a cute little summer tune I’ve just put out called ‘M.I.A.’

If we take it all the way back to the beginning, what are your first memories of music?
One of my earliest memories would be of my mum when she used to play the piano, in particular this one piece called Ronda Alla Turca by Mozart. Whenever she played it us kids would all run laps around the loungeroom to it and scream and laugh. It was chaotic, fun and pure madness.

You’ve been performing as a DJ for a while now, how did your DJ-ing career start?
I had been the industry as a singer for so long, there is no way I ever imagined I’d be a DJ. But after I reconnected with a girlfriend from school who was a DJ I started going along to her shows and I became intrigued. It didn’t take long before I got some old decks to muck around on. A lot of the venues I already performed at also booked DJs so I had some really great connections to get gigs and gain experience quickly. I think my third set ever was to 2,000 people. I was so sick with nerves. It’s been going steady ever since. The nerves too.

Do you feel a change of energy or anything else different about your creative self when you are singing compared to DJ-ing?
Yes actually! Good question. I don’t think I can answer this without sounding like a hipster, but here it goes. 

What I like about singing is that the instrument you’re using, your voice, is totally one of a kind and unique to you. I think that is so cool. No one else can have it. For me singing is second nature and I feel really comfortable doing it, it requires my whole body to switch on and it actually helps me connect to emotions and communicate.

When I DJ, I just feel like I can let go. I am part of the party and I can be a bit of an idiot and just vibe out. There is always so much going on around you to laugh at/with and it’s super fun.

I can’t imagine not doing either now. I love that both have introduced me to awesome people, to different types of music and they have both definitely challenged me.

As you mentioned earlier, your new single ‘M.I.A.’ was released last week and it is brilliant, congratulations. You have said the song is about you ‘disappearing’ from your friends – can you tell us a little bit more about the inspiration behind the song?
Thank you so much! It’s been super nice to have it out and I’ve had such lovely feedback already.

So yes, ‘M.I.A.’ is a song about disappearing and withdrawing from your friends when you’re overwhelmed, which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to. Do you ever get that feeling of pressure when people want to lock in future plans with you, but you don’t want to commit because you don’t know how you’re going to feel that day or if you’re gonna need time to yourself? You don’t want to let anyone down so instead of answering the phone and having to explain yourself you just stop answering calls altogether and disappear. That is basically what ‘M.I.A.’ is about.

Can you tell us a little bit about the creative process making the song with Xavier Dunn?
Xavier Dunn is a clever man and the first person to actually give me the space and support to explore being an artist. I started the chorus for M.I.A. on the piano at my house and then I took it to Xavier at his comfy studio in Surry Hills.  He makes really great coffee, so over a fresh cup we chatted about the vibe and what the song was about, then fleshed out the rest of the song together. He never rushes me and by having that freedom I feel like we always get a good result.

You have worked with a number of amazing artists, including Nicole Millar, Hugh Jackman and Set Mo. Who is on your dream list of collaborators?
Oh man, my only dream was to actually release music, I never even considered to write a dream list of collaborators. Off the top of my head, locally I think Touch Sensitive is brilliant. If I’m aiming for the stars, my fave is Robyn. I would die.

There has been a lot of talk over the last year or so about gender equality, sexism and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. What are your thoughts on the current state of play for women in the music industry?
There has? (laughs) Look it’s difficult for me to comment on this because I honestly just focus on what I’m doing and make sure I pay attention to the people I surround myself with.

But with the interest of women in the music industry, allow me to take this opportunity to highlight a wonderful song writing camp I was on recently called Ricochet Songs curated by KLP. This camp was made up of all female and non-binary artists, producers and songwriters who were all absolutely BOSS at what they do. In particular the female producers blew me away. I had never worked with a female producer before this camp and let me tell you the standard was HIGH and they are all now at the top of my list to collaborate with on my next batch of songs. Check out @thisisricochet

What’s up next for Marshes, into next year and beyond?
Hopefully a good nap at some stage, but I’m currently nutting out the rest of my shows for the summer season through The Harbour Agency who are now taking care of booking all things MARSHES. I do have some new music coming next year, but for now I am still celebrating the release of my current single ‘M.I.A.’, focusing on one week at a time and working on my dream collaboration list. Feel free to say g’day at @intothemarshes

‘M.I.A.’ is out now. You can download on iTunes and stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

To keep up with all things Marshes you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook