INTERVIEW: Indie Rock from Marlene Larsen

Hailing from Lyon, newcomer Marlene Larsen arrived on the music scene this summer, instantly winning over listeners with her raw, emotive storytelling wrapped in a nostalgic blend of 90s soft rock. With unflinching honesty and a clever sense of humour, Larsen’s music illuminates her deepest insecurities while reshaping them into relatable musical experiences.

Marlene Larsen introduced herself with the debut single “Galore,” followed by her sophomore track “I Said I’m Fine.” Now, she unveils her debut EP, fittingly titled Galore. This collection of five tracks showcases the full spectrum of Larsen’s musical prowess and her ability to craft stirring, relatable songs.

The EP opens with “Birthday,” a captivating indie rock anthem infused with hook-focused writing. Marlene Larsen’s velvety vocals glide over a backdrop of gently gritty guitars and rhythmic drums, resulting in a dynamic track that oscillates between upbeat, sing-along moments in the chorus and contemplative, subtly melancholic tones in the breakdown.

“I Said I’m Fine” follows, enchanting listeners with its slow-burning vibe and hypnotic melodies. The track is a masterpiece of lush harmonies, exquisite production and Marlene’s compelling voice. It embarks on a mesmerising sonic journey, gradually building into a crescendo of energy and emotion. “Careful” offers a delicate ambiance with its airy guitar tones and Marlene’s elegant, hushed vocals. The song is a superb showcase of Marlene’s ability to craft intimate and emotive sonic landscapes.

The title track, “Galore,” is a sonic journey through moody alternative rock, featuring Marlene’s tender vocals and poignant lyricism, effortlessly flickering between reflective moments and anthemic heights. The EP’s grand finale arrives with “Public Apology,” an epic indie rock odyssey led by driving drums, expansive guitar textures and rapid, spoken-word-style lyrics. As the song progresses, it gracefully glides into a piano-led section, gradually building with intricate guitar work and gentle percussion. Marlene’s captivating melodies shine, culminating in a sensational conclusion to her debut EP.

Marlene Larsen’s Galore EP is a remarkable distillation of her songwriting prowess and timeless artistic vision. Blending pop catchiness with the raw authenticity of distorted rock, Galore offers a collection of songs that are simply irresistible.

We caught up with Marlene Larsen to find out more about her inspirations, her debut EP Galore and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Marlene Larsen below.

Hey Marlene, how’s things?

Things are well! I’m still in disbelief that I put out my first record a couple days ago. If I think about it too hard I can’t function normally, but otherwise I’m very well! Thank you for asking and having me!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I must have been 15 or 16, I was writing A LOT and I had just started singing. A musician friend who was older asked me if I wrote songs and I said « I write poems then put melody on them ». And he replied « Well… those are songs. You write songs. » I remember being shocked by the ‘revelation’. It was that easy then?

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Hayley Williams and Taylor Swifts are my spiritual mothers. If you were to hear their influence on my record I would be flattered. Lately the artists that inspire me most are SELF ESTEEM, Blondshell and Lucy Dacus. Hypnotizing women.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

In anything. I’m a sponge that monitors everything. I write down every word, sentence, quote, detail, situation, story, mental picture… that me or other (real or fictional) people say/see/experience and that I think is somehow inspiring. I keep these in notebooks and use them when needed. I care deeply about my lyrics, and I always try to tell proper stories in my songs.

What do you love about the Lyon music scene?

I love our music scene in Lyon, it’s cool, rock, and human sized. For the past three years, I’ve felt very much at home here. With musician friends we’re building a safe, honest and supportive community that I love to be a part of. I’m friends with some of my favorite bands and artists, how cool is that?! Btw, you really should check out the lyonnaise bands Send Me Love Letters, Last Train and Luje, and my pop star friend Cavale. She is the founder of a community for female and/or gender minority artists called Trajectoires, that initiates great events and deep connections in our city. It’s amazing to be a part of all this.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I would say the perfect setting is when you’re moving around, whether it’s in a car, on a bus, walking. Some time when you can daydream but also be honest with yourself. Some place where your inner voice can roam freely.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Well, I first joined a hard rock band when I was 17. I used to sing like Axl Rose and wear a dress with a skull pattern on stage. It was… really bad. Then I got traumatized by the rock/metal scene, went folk, tried the electro pop thing. And finally, 3 years ago I went back to rock music, because it’s what I truly love to do. But with my rules, my way of doing things, my voice. And now I know my music is 90’s tinted soft rock music, with dreamy vocals, catchy melodies and gut wrenching lyrics. I’m finally making the music I’ve wanted to make since I was a kid.

How did you find making your new EP ‘Galore’?

Writing the songs was easy, choosing what songs to put on it was not that hard. Producing the record myself was a challenge because I had to think ‘EP’ as in ’body of work’, and not ‘single’. I wanted something really cohesive and mature sounding. The studio experience is always full of ups and downs, even when it lasts a week. Overall it went pretty smoothly. I felt very grounded and present the whole time, and it kept me on the right path.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

‘Hi! My name is Marlene, I’m trying to stop the self-sabotage thing and dare become the person I was always meant to be, this is the music I make, and if you relate to it, we should be friends’

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Gosh I’m obsessed with the new Troye Sivan, ‘Got Me Started’, such a fantastic banger. Also I’ve been listening to the first Blondshell album on repeat for the past weeks.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Strength, hope, light, feeling like we’re all living the difficult ‘being human’ experience, but we’re together in it so it’s ok.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

The concert I did for the release of my first record, a week ago. People were SINGING. MY. SONGS. And LOUD too!! Just thinking about it makes me want to cry again.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

PARAMORE, TAYLOR SWIFT, SELF ESTEEM. I would cry h a r d. If it could be close to my home and inside a venue that would be incredible. I’m not a huge fan of outdoor festivals, sound wise.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Be curious about every aspect of the industry, have the most fun you can, and don’t stay by yourself, find your people.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

Play shows, promote my record, also I really want to have more fun with my social media, I want to make more content and make new friends.

Listen to Galore below