Music producer and performance artist Marc-E recently released his new single, “Before the Thought,” a chilled-out, psychedelia-infused composition.
Marc-E explains, “I wanted to create something with a much heavier sub-bass than my last few releases. Something that is sure to shake the subs. I believe I was successful. My music has always been a blend between psychedelia and spirituality. This track leans more to the psychedelic side.”
After working on various musical projects, embracing contributions to multiple albums and multinational tours, Marc-E started writing and producing his original music.
In addition to two long players, Sub Ek, and Catharsis, Marc-E has released a series of engaging singles, including “Nataraja (Lord of the Dance Mix),” “Seeds of Faith,” “Brahman,” “From the Pointless Forest,” and “Tides.”
Tattoo.com caught up with Marc-E to find out how he got started in music, how he describes his sound and his creative process.
What inspired your new single “Before the Thought?”
It was the Moog Subsequent 25 synthesizer. I recently purchased this beautiful synthesizer specifically to create sub-bass sounds. It wasn’t long after learning its capabilities I was able to create the descending sub-bass sound you hear on the track.
Why do you make music?
It’s a little like breathing for me, I don’t know If I’m able to live without it. A little cliché sounding, but it’s true. I honestly don’t know life without music. I started creating music at a young age, and always dreamed of a career in music as an adult. Releasing and performing the music I have created is one of my life’s biggest joys. I love when people take time to really listen and experience the music.
How did you get started in music?
At a very young age, I started singing in a boys’ choir. Growing up I learned to play many instruments including piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Some self-taught, others I took lessons. My childhood was full of music. Rehearsals, performing, touring… it was nonstop, but I loved it. I am also the hugest music fan! I love listening to music and grew up obsessed with my favorite bands.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
It evolved quite naturally and organically from my perspective. It’s all based on where I’m at in life mentally, spiritually, and physically. As the world shifts and changes around me, so does my music. It’s like a snapshot in time to when the music was created.
Your sound is described as psybient and/or psychill. How would you describe it?
I often find it difficult to describe. It’s psychedelic for sure, but also spiritual. Quite a lot of my music is great for yoga. But other songs are deliberately made to be played on very loud, large sub speakers. I like to describe it as a blend, or a bridge between psychedelia and spirituality. It’s down or mid-tempo, with electronic beats and psychedelic sound design, usually with the use of synthesizers or electric guitar. I often will use nature samples and animal sounds to create unique soundscapes. My music allows the listener to let go and become immersed.
What is it about psybient and psychill that attracts you?
Both psychedelia and spirituality. I love music that gives you the “feels,” ya know? You can become almost overwhelmed by the emotion the sound is conveying. Psybient/Psychill perfectly embodies what I love about music.
You have a new album coming out in 2024. What can you share about it?
All I should say at this point is I am working on a concept album. Expect more psychedelia and lots of big sub-bass! A release date has not been confirmed, looking at early 2024.
How have you changed as a person and an artist over the past two or three years?
Lots happened on this planet in the past three years, I think we all changed. I had many changes happen quite abruptly in the spring of 2020, most of them too personal to discuss. My last album, ‘Catharsis,’ was me working through many of these changes. The last few releases for me were more of my fun and trippy side. I’ve just been getting in the studio and experimenting, having fun. ‘Before the Thought’ is a perfect reflection of where I am now in life. It has a sense of curiosity and exploration to the melody. I guess that’s where I am in life. Curious and ready to explore.
What can you share about your writing process?
There’s no real process, to be honest. Or it changes a lot. I get a lot of chord and melody ideas from playing guitar. Other times I’ll just plug in a synth and play around until I hear something. I get a lot of rhythm ideas from playing djembe. Inspiration can come from anywhere and strike at any time. It’s best to just allow myself to be consumed in the music, and let it flow out of me however or wherever it may.
What are your ambitions as a person and an artist?
I am always striving to be my best, as a person and artist. I have always dreamed of turning music into a full-time career. This has been the ambition that has fueled many of my life decisions.
How do you define success?
I define success quite simply as completion. Once the project (whatever it is) is done, you are successful. Simple as that.
