Getting To Know... Marina Avetisian

After spending the last few years building up her reputation for smooth and seductive releases, Russian-born but London-based singer and songwriter Marina Avetisian has now returned to sweep us off our feet once again as she delivers her latest swoon 'Amber'.

With its crisp and soulful direction, 'Amber' makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and calming listen. With nods to the laid-back sounds of artists such as Kali Uchis and Jorja Smith, her latest gem will transport you to a warm and inviting plain, filled with laid-back guitar hooks and her own sugary sweet vocals.

So with her new single doing the rounds right now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.

-

What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Piano. When i was 7, I found a music school near my house and signed myself in. We had a tiny apartment at that time so it was hard to fit a piano in there but eventually my parents got a very old and not very big one so I could practice and play and I am forever grateful for this.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

There are too many to list but the first ones that come to mind are: Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Norah Jones, Remy Shand, Esperanza Spalding, Feist and Nina Simone

.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

Ok well that would be quite easy: Radiohead (I loved Ok Computer album, still love it), Skunk Anansie (still a fan), Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana (Unplugged) and Prince. I liked blues as well and listened to it quite a lot, I also had a random tape of Ace of Base.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

Yesterday by The Beatles. It was one of the first songs I learned to play piano and sing when i was 12.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

I always have a song for my morning alarm which I change every now and then. At the moment I have Wade by Bobby McFerrin, before this i had ‘Java Jive’ by The Manhattan Transfer and ’In the silence’ by amazing Icelandic musician Asgeir. But generally I like to start my mornings with something mellow and gentle.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Seven. Although, most of my songs are inspired by different life experiences, ideas or feelings which always involve people one way or another.

 

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

BBC Introducing Airplay. And playing for a beautiful festival called HowTheLightGetsIn. After my set, I went to Rupert Sheldrake’s talk and asked him to sign the book for me. He said he loved my performance and especially my song ‘Sigh’. I was over the moon.

 

Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?

Interior design and decor, good food, spirituality and art.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Hmm…. probably in film production or set design.

And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?

Just keep doing it, keep going, practice loads, get inspired by great musicians and don’t compare yourself to anyone.

-

Marina Avetisian's new single 'Amber' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.