Having spent the last few years releasing a flurry of bold and enticing releases, Buckinghamshire-based singer and songwriter March has returned with her captivating new single 'Simply'.
Lifted from her forthcoming new album, which was recorded with the 'Do It Differently Fund' from Help Musicians UK, 'Simply' makes for a wonderfully sweet and uplifting return. With her smooth and humbled voice layered amongst a fresh and soaring production, it certainly feels like she is blossoming out of her shell right now.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano - my mum and granny were both piano teachers so didn’t really have a choice. I also tried jazz clarinet up to grade 3 but got put off by my weird teacher who used to eat cooked chicken during my lessons. I write on guitar 90% of the time now and am totally in love with my guitars, I taught myself and have more of a creative relationship with the guitar than instruments I’ve learnt classically/conventionally.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Anything my mum played us, some Elton John and Kate Bush and a lot of classical/choral music. Mix that with whatever was in the charts at the time, from Sugababes to Alanis Morissette. At around 13 I had a classic emo-rock stage and painted my face black and white to go and see My Chemical Romance.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Besides ‘Now 48' etc, the first proper album I bought with my own money was Joni Mitchell’s ‘Clouds’ - I bought it by accident because I was looking for the version of Both Sides Now from Love Actually, but this had the earlier folky version. After this accidental purchase began my ongoing love for Joni.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The Man with the Child in His Eyes - Kate Bush. How did she write it at 13?! There’s something so magical about it.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Absolutely not - I wish I was an organised writer who sits down to write a song on purpose. But it’s all very random and chaotic. My space becomes a complete mess when I’m in the zone.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love the new Phoebe Bridgers album Punisher, and am looking forward to the new Laura Mvula. Also been getting into Tori Amos for the first time, and pretty much always have Bjork’s Vespertine on repeat.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Bjork, purely so I could witness her live show again. I saw her on the Utopia tour, but would have loved to have seen her live during the Homogenic/Vespertine era. I’ve actually opened for some of my favourite artists which has been super inspiring and surreal. Rae Morris and Rozi Plain were definite highlights!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Probably putting all the pieces of a song/album together. It’s such a mammoth task and always such a weird journey, but there’s nothing like the feeling of finally releasing something you’ve worked so hard on. I love listening back to old demos of my songs and recognising little ideas that survived the journey and are still a part of the track. Although it’s annoying when you find a cool idea that somehow got left behind.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Not being able to play for the past year! Can’t wait to get back out there this month… It’s also frustrating how much changes between the birth of an initial idea for a song and the final release of it - like I’m in a totally different mindset now but releasing all these songs that carry such weight from a past time. It’s relieving but can feel false that I’m sharing all these things that maybe aren’t even relevant anymore. By the time this album comes out I probably will have finished the next one. Songception.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Embrace the chaos… Put the making of art as the highest priority and try to forget the rest!
-
March's new single 'Simply' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.