Interview: Broken Promises With Luke Marzec
Photo by Natalia Bjerke
Written by Lindsey V. Britt
After releasing side A of Something Good Out Of Nothing, British artist Luke Marzec has just released the full album on August 15th, which includes “I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind,” “Growing Up With You,” “Space To Be Free,” and of course “Broken Promises."
What is your new song “Broken Promises” about?
"Broken Promises" was inspired by a friend’s story. I guess I was missing him, so I was channeling my prayers of sorts - a hope that his travels around the world and new experiences would give him a new lease on life.
Your debut album ‘Something Good Out Of Nothing’ is coming out in full next month, how excited are you for people to hear the whole album?
I'm ten out of ten excited. So many gems on there and a great variety of music.
Are your future albums going to have a Part A, Part B as well?
Being released on vinyl, they have a Side A and Side B, naturally. The truth is that the online distributors wouldn’t actually let me call it “Side A” because it refers to a physical product, so I had to call it “Part A” for the digital release. How crazy is that? Thinking about it now, it’s almost like the Streamers want to stamp out any reference to physical records in the real world. Anyway, to answer your question, the next album I release will likely be released in one go - it can often take way too long to release an album with lead singles etc. I just want to get the next one out there and keep making more.
You were recently called “The UK’s answer to Teddy Swims” what do you think about that comment?
It’s an honour to be compared to him as he is doing very well and has a great voice.
Aside from your solo work, you are a part of the group Lazy H and the Loose Cables, how is it going between the two projects?
Working with Lazy H is always a joy. Especially when writing an album, like we did recently at my studio, as it really takes me out of my comfort zone (songs and soul music) and thrusts me into the worlds of sound design and electronic music. This band really stretches my musical palette, and though I often bring a bit of soul and chaos into an otherwise techy set up, I get the opportunity to channel my musicianship through new instruments and different sound worlds.
When researching I noticed you mention Bob Marley a good bit, what about him inspires you?
Bob Marley speaks from the soul, sings from his belly and communicates a story that all around the world can understand. I love his melodies and song-crafting - so many amazing hooks. Some songs are a succession of incredible hooks - like “Satisfy My Soul.”
You’re doing a couple of shows to celebrate the album’s release, are there any nerves about playing it live for the first time?
Let’s just hope the room ain’t too empty! I have a new band with me and we’ve interpreted the album into an amazing space of its own. My nerves are quelled by the fact that I have such an incredible team with me - they are such great musicians.
Photo by Theo Batchelor
Any plans on playing in the US anytime soon?
No plans right now! It costs a fair amount to come over, and as an independent artist, it would require a fair bit of investment. I’m actually just focussing on keeping things local for the time being.
What’s something about you that people might not expect?
I have a freelance job in the Greenery department of the film industry where I do set dressing with plants, grass, trees, flowers and any other landscaping materials like rocks, gravel and sand.
With the Oasis tour starting, are you planning on going?
No.
Okay, I heard that you designed the candy tree in the film Wonka, how did that happen?
I didn’t design it! But I had a large part to play in its creation. The tree was built by a team of metal workers, arborists, sculptors and dressers. I and another colleague spent the final two weeks re-dressing the tree from a “chocolate” willow tree into a Pink Candy Cherry Tree and I had a big part to play in that transformation. I loved it.
The full Something Good Out Of Nothing album is out now.
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