Chasing Passion w/ Marley Sola

Artwork for Marley’s new single ‘Lift Your Head High’

Marley Sola
Singer, songwriter and producer based in Aotearoa.
Listen on Spotify
@marleysolamusic

Fresh off his latest release Lift Your Head High, Marley gave us some insight around his musical journey, process and goals for the future.

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Occupation: vocal tutor and mentor, producer, engineer, singer/songwriter
Based in: Christchurch/Ōtautahi

At what age did you get into music and what led you down this path?
I started on the music when I was about 16. A few of my friends and I just began doing covers and little love song originals that we used to record at our house or at the local school. From there I met my mentor, Nathan Phillips, who helped me get into it a bit more seriously and then connected me with the boys in Moorhouse.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Al Green, Adeaze, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Seth Haapu, Matt Corby, PJ Morton, Smokie Norful, Yebba, Six60, Katchafire, Salmonella Dub.

What was it like working with Vince Harder?
I really loved working with Vince. I learnt a lot from that experience and it opened my eyes to how everything really works in terms of writing sessions and production. I definitely had ups and downs with the whole experience, only because it was my first time writing songs solo with a producer but totally learnt heaps from him.

“I also think a big thing is lived experiences, that’s the best way to write.”

Can you describe your songwriting process?
I don’t really have a strict songwriting process. If I’m feeling something, for example a lyric or a title, then that makes me come up with a melody. Or a melody could make me mumble certain lyrics. Then there’s the instruments that can make you feel something too, it could be a certain sound of synth that might inspire melody, or a certain rhythm on the guitar that could inspire some lyrics. I also think a big thing is lived experiences, that’s the best way to write. If you’ve seen something happen to someone, could be in reality or in a movie or whatever, that could spark something amazing.

How much of a role does social media play in your career?
I know that it definitely helps the process of engaging with fans but in reality it can be quite difficult to do...I’m quite bad at keeping everyone up to date sometimes haha.

What’s the biggest goal you’re working toward right now?
Just writing and creating things that I love, and then seeing that through right to the end of the process.

Okay, one last thing before you go:

Band or DJ?
Band

Best way to settle the nerves ahead of a live performance?
Big breaths

Favourite instrument?
Guitar or Rhodes piano