INTERVIEW: MARBS

In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few artists manage to strike a perfect balance between raw emotion and high-energy soundscapes. Marbs is one such creator, crafting music that resonates on both a personal and dancefloor level. From their journey of self-discovery in the studio to the influences that shaped their sonic identity, they share insights into their creative process, the evolution of their tracks, and their vision for the future of electronic music. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind their latest work, the challenges of knowing when a track is truly "finished," and the impact of running a label on their artistic growth.

1.Desert Hearts has built a culture around music and love. How do you keep that spirit alive in your productions?

- The community is everything to us and our message is the core of what Desert Hearts is all about ~ spread as much love and good energy through music and art as possible. When approaching my creations this is always part of the process. I want to make things that are authentic to who I am, give a glimpse at me behind the veil, while simultaneously providing a message or evoking a feeling that’s positive. Even when the music is dark or heavy I tend to weave in themes that express the beauty within the dark. I think that’s an important life lesson, if we can find beauty in everything then we will live rich and meaningful lives. While the themes of Tidal Break can seem on-the-nose at first, deeper listens will show people that there is beauty and meaning in the dualities of life and that realizing the importance of these dualities brings more love into our life.

2. Tidal Break EP blends dancefloor energy with introspection. What message do you want listeners to take from it?

-This ep exports the dualities of life and the beauty within the turbulence. Toroidal especially explores this contrast. That feeling of “finding our way” only to be met by unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable life turns. I want listeners to feel that duality and to appreciate it, to understand that there is beauty in darkness and darkness in beauty. Its what makes the human experience so special.

3. What’s your favorite track you’ve ever produced and why?

-  Probably my Torus EP - the first release on my Desert Hearts Black Label. I made it with my good friends Rinzen and Evan Casey. Torus was the first track out of a 3 track EP we made together and it was the beginning of my label. That release laid the foundation for all my releases after and it opened doors that I never realized were there. It taught me that if I follow my heart and tapped into my flow that the universe will reveal paths to future horizons I didn’t imagine. One of the tracks in the release reached #1 in its genre chart, while another was played by some of my most influential idols in the scene. That first track was the beginning of all of this.

4. How do you approach track arrangement to create tension and release?

-  I like tracks to take unexpected turns. So if the traditional arrangement would have a constant build to a moment to then unwind in the outro, I try to shake that up a bit. When I listen to music I like it to surprise me and change my view on how music should be shaped or created ... or arranged. Especially as I get older I find myself trying to take more risks in my arrangement. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but at least it feels authentic and unique to me and I hope the listeners feel that as well. Instead of the anticipated big drop, maybe it does minimal or does the opposite... you can feel this in the lead track of this ep ‘Toridal.’ The uplifting vocal leads into a stuttery fractured trip drop for the first shift, and then instead of building to a massive moment it digs in deeper with psychedelic and trippy synths and an introspective feel.

5. If you could create the perfect setting for people to experience Tidal Break EP, what would it be?

- This is a tough one. I feel that our surroundings influence our perception or experience around music and art. The meaning shifts with each listener and environment. I think that’s what’s so beautiful about music and art... in the end it doesn’t really matter what the meaning or intention is to me, because it might be totally different to each person who experiences it and where they experience it ~ which gives its meaning more depth and fluidity. Maybe this answer comes from my deep love and relationship with psychedelics ~ set and setting play an integral role in the ever shifting experiences we have from any given thing. If I had to create an experience around this ep it would be different for each track... Toroidal would be in an outdoor setting that had immersive audio under the sky with surrounding trees and a vibing dance floor receptive to underground approaches to dance music. ‘Breaking’ ~ I would want it to be an eyes closed, immersive experience in a visual installation where people could go deep within themselves to explore the feelings that the track evokes.

6. Your music is full of textures and layers. What’s your favorite tool or technique for sound design?

- I use the Moog sub 37 and OB6 a lot, but lately I have been working a lot “in the box” manipulating samples and vocals that I’ve dug deep for. I also love using Foley sounds and textures to create interesting layers within the grooves. I really love how Robag Wruhme does this and he has influenced me a lot over the years.

7. What’s one misconception people have about the way electronic music is made?

- that it lacks the same soul as other forms of music. I get the argument that its electronic so it loses a human feel, but electronics came from humans. I think soul is found in the intention. AI might shift this perspective as people start to use computers to make things for them instead of people using the technology to create something from within themselves, but for now I think electronic music has its own glimpse into the soul of the producer in a different way than live music. Different doesn’t mean the two can’t exist simultaneously, it also doesn’t mean different makes one or the other worse. I’ve heard electronic music that took me places live music hasn’t, and I’ve heard live music take me places that electronic music hasn’t. The soul is in the creation.

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