MARCELØ DEISS is a project headed by a Brazilian musician based in London, who has just returned to South American soil for a series of shows. Walking through indie and folk-rock music, he brings in his worked songs that approach themes about social alienation and the human condition in subjects like greed, hypocrisy, absurdity and despair. Certainly not positive criticism
Influenced by visual artists such as Steve Cutts and John Holcroft, the songs revolve mostly around the struggling underclass with anthems about anti-establishment, anti-capitalist and anti-war with tunes full of originality.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I remember listening to Guns n Roses over and over when I was 11. I used to love them. Still do. My first CD was a present from my parents when I was about 8 and it was INXS greatest hits. Used to listen to it non-stop. Great classics in that compilation.
I started taking guitar lessons and my teacher was really into blues. I learnt a lot about B.B King, Clapton, Johnny Winter and all of the greatest guitarists that inspired so many people. That got me into the whole era of the ‘60s and ‘70s which I love. My first time recording in a studio, I think I was about 20 or 21. I recorded about 5 songs with a guitar that only had 3 strings. Only the top strings. I think I was just so curious and desperate to find a new sound. I wanted to bring something new to the table. I’ve always felt this way about writing and recording.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
90% of the time it comes from the melody. That’s my first step when creating a new song.
Establishing the melody throughout the whole song. From there I can start putting words to it. I am forever writing things in notebooks or on my cell phone. This way I have always got words that I can play with once I have the structure of the song finalised.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
There is no particular method or formula. I love discovering new shit. It usually stems from those moments when I am discovering something new. I have a few sentimental places that I like to visit from time to time. Travelling and exploring new places, meeting new people all play a vital role in inspiring me to hit the recording studio.
As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
The music scene is always changing. And it always will be. That’s what makes it a business. It’s about trying to find new ground to cover. Personally I would give more space to artists from other countries. Particularly non-English speaking countries. There is a ton of original material coming out from them. And it doesn’t have to be in English. Who knows? Maybe kids will dig it. I love singing and writing in English, but I would be a fool to not recognize that there is a lot of great material out there to explore.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
Definitely playing live, nothing beats it. However, I have had such a great time producing all the new material in the studio over the last year and a half. I felt like it was a very different experience from before. I felt a great sense of freedom because I knew the type of sound I was looking for and the things I wanted to say. I am really looking forward to sharing the new music on stage.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
I particularly love it when friends send me videos of them listening to the songs or watching the videos. It really puts a smile on my face. Other than that I think it’s just the general support from people that are getting to know my work and feel a deep connection to the music.
What’s on your current playlist?
Rafiq Bhatia, Aldous Harding, Ben Harper, Rodrigo Amarante, Sufjan Stevens, Thundercat,
Parquet Courts, Secos e Molhados, Cat power, Kevin Morby, Ten Years After
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?
There is a lot of new material that is due to come out this year. Singles, videos and a couple of EP’s. I’m also really looking forward to playing gigs in the UK. I am currently still recording and putting some final touches on a few songs but I’m looking to line up gigs during the summer months in the UK!
Famous last words?
Time to go back!
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