Marshall Vincent is a queer Berlin-based singer/producer from Chicago via New York. His new EP “In No Particular Order” is a collection of five tracks, out this October 15th on SA Recordings. This project is a mix of heartfelt ballads, haunting basslines, and dramatic strings. Inspired by his time spent living in Berlin, New York, and Chicago, Marshall weaves together a soulful blend of orchestral, electronic, pop, and folk elements to tell stories of life and love in vivid color.
Following a series of EPs that have garnered him critical praise his latest project “In No Particular Order” draws upon a multidisciplinary background spanning orchestral and theatrical training to explore the idea of ‘provocative healing’ – the use of pain, conflict, and emotional turmoil to create love, honesty, and intimacy. Employing this proactive approach to emotional growth, Marshall’s songs are concerned not only with the nuances of love and emotion but also with deeper identity issues such as race and sexuality, harvesting a deep, radical sensitivity to find power in pain.
Here is our conversation with him/they:
You are currently based in Berlin and it seems that traveling is something that inspired you a lot. How was the process of moving from New York?
Traveling inspires my work tremendously. Meeting new people, gaining new perspectives, understanding things outside of yourself, and having new yet familiar conversations is nothing but inspiration for my work. The initial experience of moving was quite daunting if I’m honest – but I felt that it was absolutely necessary for freedom within my music. I arrived with nothing but kept the hustle from my time in New York to do what I could to meet friends, book shows, and continue my craft. It took me years to settle properly, and although after five years it continues to be an ongoing process – I haven’t felt more confident in myself or my work. It was absolutely the right decision.
Your sound has been described as a mix of Moses Sumney and Kate Bush. What were your main influences when you decided to make this new EP? (It can also be a book/piece of art…)
That description is quite flattering! It’s quite a wide array of influences that inspire my music, so with this particular EP, I would be hard-pressed to trace specific lines. Ultimately, I wanted this project to be both true to me and operate as an introduction to my world. Building a space sonically is very important to me, so with that said it was best for me to keep with a sonic expression that felt truly familiar to my youth as well. Michael Henderson, The Isley Brothers, Broken Social Scene, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Hawksley Workman, Feist, Andrew Bird, Prince, Laura Marling, Radiohead, Solange, 702, Ryuichi Sakamoto – all seem to find a pocket here, along with Kate Bush and a bit of Three Six Mafia, believe it or not.
Talking about your new EP “In No Particular Order”, how was it making this new project? Specificity after all what happened in 2020.
Well, half of this project was made before covid, as I was in the midst of a few different personal projects. When I create music, I feel that one song is not the entire conversation, so I find myself doing “capsules” of different points in said dialogue – so when 2020 hit us all in an inescapable wave, I revisited conversations and revised personal feelings. It was a fun journey… an opportunity to reproduce some of my favorite tracks, and reflect on something within instead of the external chaos and worry in the world. My most interesting revisit would have to be Bella Noche. If I was to separate the context of each version, both would appeal to different parts of me… but within the context of my record – I deeply connect with the EP version. It’s not helpful to dislike previous work or hate what you have said, but questioning within the greater landscape of your contribution to your work, it’s a beautiful exercise I wouldn’t have discovered without 2020.
Your song “If I Was Your Lover” is about being successful at love and relationships. What was the craziest thing you did for someone?
I have lost and sacrificed myself for many lovers, and I think that is the craziest, and easiest thing one can do for love. With that being said, finding my way back made me stronger and able to write “If I Was Your Lover”.
You said that you were a very sensitive guy when you were young. Did making music help you become more confident about your emotion and being a queer black artist?
One hundred percent. If you grew up othered, queer and/or marginalized, it was more or less accepted that you were not heard. That is why we yell, scream, and take over – because our existence is important and is true. I particularly am not going to let anymore drive me to hate myself… so I create. Making music and being creative in general gave me a voice, a mind, and spirit without anyone being able to say that I am wrong, or too much. It’s power given to myself, and it’s inspiring.
You opened for Kelsey Lu in the past, what is your relationship with making music on stage? Is it like an escapism moment?
On stage, it feels like home. When music is expressed and energy is given from this space, it is healing. I consider it the best way to get high without escaping, actually. You have many people giving you themselves and you feel this, then decide what to do with it. For myself, I try to give them this energy back the best way I know-how, and you can’t achieve this by feeling like it’s an escape. It feels confrontational and honest. It really feels like home.
What would be your iconic collaboration?
I had a few answers for this… but I always think it would be pretty amazing to work with Jon Brion. I’ve been a fan since I was 13 years of age, and he is alive! Jon should message me if he’s interested.
