EQ Music Interview with Marlowe
In this EQ Music interview with Marlowe, we dive into the making of their debut album SUBMISSIVE and the story it tells about reclaiming power and identity through dance-pop. Marlowe will be bringing a reimagined live show to our New Music Showcase at The Camden Club on October 24th (complete with a surprise reveal), the pop icons who continue that inspire their craft, and what it means to create art by and for queer people.
Get to know Marlowe over on Instagram and peep why we think he’s one artist on the rise.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where are you living? What kind of music do you make?
I’m originally from Venezuela and have been living in London since I was 17. I make what I like to call singer-songwriter-dance-pop — it’s dance music, but with a personal, storytelling side to it.
We are very excited to be featuring you on our New Music Showcase on 24th October at The Camden Club in London, tell us a little bit about what you are going to bring to us on the stage.
I’ll be performing a reimagined version of the show I’ve been doing to promote my debut album SUBMISSIVE. The show, much like the album, explores the unraveling of a people-pleaser. It’s a story about regaining control — and how being vulnerable is part of that process. It’s not always pretty, but it’s always fabulous. I’ll also be performing a little secret that will be revealed for the very first time!
We love your latest release SUBMISSIVE – tell us a little bit about this song/project.
My debut album SUBMISSIVE, which came out on August 29th, is a dance-pop record about regaining control, as I mentioned earlier. It follows the journey from the “Cold-Hearted Bitch” persona to the “Death” of that same persona — telling the story of how I’ve had to fight to defend my identity, beliefs, and core values. And it’s something I continue to do every day, just like so many marginalized people do.
When it comes to music influences, who are your greatest heroes in the pop music space both legacy and new?
Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, and Prince are very much the epitome of pop music to me. I continue to learn from their craft every day. I consider myself a student of my craft and am constantly learning from both legacy artists and my peers. Caroline Polachek is my current study subject; she’s never boring and always has more to offer.
What was the last concert or gig you went to?
I saw FKA twigs and RAYE at All Points East last month, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. They’re both so different, but what struck me the most was their incredible commitment to their vision. When you see them perform, you’re stepping into their universe; and that’s exactly what I aim to create with my own performances.
Any parting words for our EQ Music Blog readers?
I just want to encourage everyone to come to the showcase, because art made by and for queer people is truly the gift that keeps on giving. There’s going to be something everyone can connect to. I’m sure I speak for all my peers when I say we’re working hard for people to find their next obsession in what we do.
