Marlow focuses on raw, confessional lyrics that aim to be storytelling and empowering. They have received praise from the likes of BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, The New Age Magazine and EQ Music to name a few. In 2023, they performed multiple live shows across London including headline gigs at O2 Academy Islington and Camden Assembly.
Originally from Venezuela, Marlowe now resides in London, and they has just released SUBMISSIVE. Their debut mini-album questions how we allow society to shape our thoughts and actions, yet still crave the idea of structure – especially when we don’t trust ourselves to take control. The release is oozing with fun-filled dance-floor fillers evoking a powerful message throughout, including previous singles Give It Up, SWEATBOX and INVINCIBLE to name a few. Fans of Troye Sivan and Olly Alexander will feel at home here.
We talk to Marlow about their latest release, the inspirations behind the their music, people pleasing and where they like to hang out with their friends.
Who have been the major influences in your career bringing you to where you are now?
I feel like my life has been an amalgamation of music; a chaotic mix I am so grateful for. Being Latino, I feel like dance music is in my blood; it’s what we’re most famous for – dare I say. So, I learnt a lot in terms of arrangements and rhythm from big-shots like Tito Puentes and Celia Cruz. But discovering Lady Gaga, Prince and MJ when I was around 10 years old (from the only DVD I had at the time) was revolutionary for me. Still remember dancing around my room to Paparazzi or learning the steps from the Billie Jean music video. I continue, to this day, to study their work. And along the way I have learnt from so many other artists; from Bjork to even Nicki Minaj. Though, I must say, the work of what I consider to be the new generation of greats like Sophie Xeon and Arca have been my north star since I started producing music 7 years ago. So alive, so authentic, so queer! Everything I long to be.
What have been the big career moments for you?
Might be cheesy to say, but nothing feels better than talking with the fans. People that travelled hours to go see you at a tiny venue in southeast London, talking to them over a pint or a cigarette after playing feels like a big “I made it” moment every single time. Or talking to the ones that message me online asking for music sheets so they can play the songs themselves.
Playing Trans Pride this year was also a big moment for me. I guess I could say when I headlined Camden Assembly or the 02 Islington, and those gigs were a hell lot of fun, but playing to your community just feels different. Every lyric just gained so much more power. because other people bring complexity, this is something I learnt early on, it’s all about the audience. And that was so fulfilling for me.
Your lyrics emphasise the importance of being true to oneself. Do you believe that we, as LGBTIQ individuals, are more likely to be people-pleasers? Why do you think that is, and how does it affect us?
Absolutely! But I think breaking free from that is our greatest strength. We face so much pressure early on in our lives to be what we’re not. We’re asked to change our mannerisms, the way we carry ourselves, even the way we talk – Pressure that never really goes away. But learning to push back against it, something most people in our community learn to do sooner or later, is where I think we find our creativity, we learn to trust our instincts, and ultimately build our unique selves. And the embrace of our differences is what makes us unstoppable; something that is so necessary at this moment in time. It’s always hard to go against the norm, especially when we’re in places outside or usual safe spaces, but we got to remember we’re not only doing it for ourselves but also for everyone else. For if everyone was a bit freer to be themselves, the world could be a more loving place.
Where do you go dancing? And are there any particular queer spaces where you think your latest release would be a real crowd pleaser?
My friends and I love Dalston Superstore! It remains unmatched when it comes to queer spaces in London; I’d love to get down to ‘Invincible’ there. I can already picture everyone in their best, weird-ass outfits and smudged eyeliner shouting “Hate is not that far from love.” I also love The Eagle in Vauxhall and the Feel It party they do around London. Though, I think ‘Sweatbox’ would be best fitted for those steaming nights haha.
Outside of music, who has been a positive role model and inspired you to embrace your true self?
Well, while we’re on the topic of community and clubs in London, I think that’s exactly where I have learnt the most. Older queer friends I have made when I was a 17-year-old kid running around London taught me so much about identity, confidence and a general attitude towards life that I see as a rite of passage in as a queer person. A lot of us came from broken homes so out in the clubs is where we learn what support is.
I also love to read, so I think from great authors like James Baldwin or Bell Hooks I have learnt the most about authenticity and the power it gives you. I think ‘All About Love’ should be compulsory reading everywhere; an absolute must-read.
Please tell us about the other projects you have in the pipeline.
I am just about to release Submissive. There are other artists working on tracks in a ‘Submissive’ related project as we speak, there’s something special coming for – the gayest holiday – Halloween! And also, some live recordings?
There’s a lot of things in the works at the moment and I’ll be announcing it as they come. One thing is for sure, the release of the album is only the beginning of the ‘Submissive era’!
SUBMISSIVE by Marlowe is out now.
