Etta Marcus

Etta Marcus
Born (2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 23)
Brixton, South London, England
GenresAlternative, Indie, Indie Rock
Instrument(s)vocals, guitar, piano
Years active2021–present
LabelsPolydor Records
Websitehttps://ettamarcus.com

Etta Marcus (born 26 January 2001) is an English singer-songwriter from London, England.

Early life

Marcus was born in Brixton, South London. She began playing the piano at the age of 8 and moved on to guitar when she was 10. Marcus began studying jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in her native London, but was kicked out during her first year. She then decided to dedicate her full attention to her own music.[1]

Career

Marcus released her debut single, "Hide & Seek", in October 2021,[2] gaining a cult-like following soon after its release.[3] She then released a second single, "Salt Lake City," a collaboration with Matt Maltese. These tracks would go on to form part of her debut EP, View from the Bridge. (2022) After being signed to Polydor Records, Marcus released "Crown",[4] a song characterised by its distinct riff on the electric guitar, marking a shift from the dreamy, ethereal sound of her earlier music. "Crown", along with four other tracks, featured on her EP Heart-Shaped Bruise. In 2023, Marcus opened for Lana Del Rey in London.

Her debut album, The Death of Summer and Other Promises, was released in January 2024. Marcus promoted this album through a UK tour of the same name.[5]

Artistry

Marcus grew up in Brixton's jazz scene and "became obsessed with music"[6] after listening to Richard Hawley's Coles Corner (2005). She said the former "will always be embedded in my music", while she often revisits the latter for inspiration.[7] In addition, Marcus recalls her father listening to The Zutons, MGMT, and Gorillaz. She named her guitars in tribute to Everything but the Girl.[8] Other artists who "had an impact on" Marcus in her youth include Alex Turner, the likes of Sade, David Bowie and Joni Mitchell, as well as Mazzy Star, Fiona Apple and Jeff Buckley.[9][6]

Moving onto her second EP Heart-Shaped Bruise (2023), Marcus was influenced by Radiohead and The Strokes.[10] A particularly "upbeat" track "Smile for the Camera" drew upon Fountains of Wayne,[11] a band Marcus claimed do not "get the respect they deserve".[12] Creatively, Marcus echoes Lorde and Tyler, the Creator.[13]

Critics have compared Marcus to Lana Del Rey, Mazzy Star and Fiona Apple, primarily due to her aesthetic and small yet active fanbase.[3]

Discography

Information imported from Spotify.[14]

Albums

  • The Death of Summer and Other Promises (2024)

Extended Plays

  • View from the Bridge (2022)
  • Heart-Shaped Bruise (2023)

Singles

  • "Hide & Seek" (2021)
  • "Salt Lake City" (2021)
  • "Crown" (2022)
  • "Nosebleed" (2022)
  • "Mechanical Bull" (2023)
  • "Theatre" (2023)
  • "Little Wing" (2023)
  • "Snowflake Suzie" (2023)
  • "Girls That Play" (2024)
  • "Death Grips" (2024)

References

  1. ^ Wilson, Sophie (2022-11-08). "Etta Marcus: London storyteller's dark, brooding pop feels entirely otherworldly". NME. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  2. ^ Murray, Robin (2021-10-08). "Etta Marcus Shares Impressive New Single 'Hide & Seek'". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  3. ^ a b "Etta Marcus is music's new 'if you know, you know' star". The Independent. 2022-11-07. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  4. ^ Daly, Rhian (2022-09-13). "Etta Marcus Shares Striking Video For 'Crown'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  5. ^ "Etta Marcus announces forthcoming mini album, The Death of Summer & Other Promises". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  6. ^ a b Lindsay, Ed (18 January 2022). "Etta Marcus - View From The Bridge (EP) + 10 Questions". Wordplay. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  7. ^ "New Noise: Etta Marcus". Wonderland. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  8. ^ Clegg, Sally (23 January 2022). "Etta Marcus: "I can make music that sounds however I want"". Vocal Girls. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  9. ^ "Introducing #191 - Etta Marcus". When the Horn Blows. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  10. ^ Graye, Megan (7 November 2022). "Etta Marcus: 'Being an artist seems like such an untouchable thing'". The Independent. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  11. ^ Daly, Rhian (13 January 2023). "Etta Marcus Shares 'Smile For The Camera' Video And New EP 'Heart-Shaped Bruise'". U Discover Music. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  12. ^ Wright, Lisa (14 June 2024). "Etta Marcus talks "sad girl" music and her mini-album 'The Death of Summer & Other Promises'". DIY. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  13. ^ Loftin, Steven (15 February 2024). "On the Rise: Etta Marcus". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  14. ^ "Etta Marcus". Spotify. Retrieved 2023-11-09.