Having already established himself with a breadth of dynamic releases these last few years, multi-talented musician and platinum-certified producer Gerson Marta is back to his best once again with his funk-filled new single '123... Let It Roll'.
Adopting a brass-infused swagger for his newest outing, '123... Let It Roll' makes for a stellar return to form for him. With its fun and lively energy layered throughout, he is certainly looking to get us up and out of our seats with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The voice. Even before I picked up any instruments, I was fascinated by how much emotion and identity could be transmitted just through singing. But if we’re talking about instruments in the traditional sense, the guitar was my first true love — it gave me a way to express myself outside my body limitations and feel free.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was drawn to everything with soul and strong melodies — The Beatles who are still my all-time favourite band, their songwriting, harmonies and timelessness blew my mind and ended up shaping how I approach music today. Almost a cliche to mention but also from Michael Jackson who was also my favourite solo artist. From semba and Angolan rhythms to 90s R&B. But I also discovered metal, opera and especially Grunge by Nirvana, which opened the door to raw expression.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I had a cassette of Dangerous by Michael Jackson around 1991 — I must’ve listened to it a hundred times. That album had groove, mystery, emotion… it was everything. Later I got into albums by Shaka Demus & Pliers and Whitney Houston, but Dangerous was the spark.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are many, honestly. Probably All Night Long by Lionel Richie — that song is pure joy and groove. Any of the Beatles’ catalogue too — “Something”, “Yesterday”, “Hey Jude”… they are eternal. More recently, Can I Be Close To You by Paper Kites hit me deeply — delicate, beautiful, sincere. There are many, I can’t possibly mention even 1/10 of all of them.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It always depends, but when I really want to force myself into making new music I usually start with silence. No phone, no noise, just breathing. Then I sit with a guitar and allow whatever is going on inside me to speak. I write in layers — sometimes a phrase, sometimes a melody, sometimes just a groove. I don’t force it. I just listen.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m always coming back to classics like The Beatles, David Bowie, and Elton John — they still inspire me creatively. I also listen to a lot of Angolan legends, and I’ve developed a curiosity for Indian music like “Tete Bina” or “Tete Naina”. Bruno Mars is brilliant. I also keep an ear on today’s pop, Afro sounds, even some Brazilian funk or electronic stuff — not always for personal taste, but with a producer’s mindset. I study what moves people.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars or Stromae. They both have that mix of energy, soul, and creative vision that I aspire to in my own performances. I think our styles could speak to the same kind of emotionally open and groove-hungry audience.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Creating something that lives beyond me — a song that touches someone I’ve never met, in a place I’ve never been. Music has this power to break walls and build bridges. When someone tells me a song of mine helped them through something… that’s everything.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The industry noise. The pressure to “market” more than to create. Sometimes I feel like I spend more time trying to “game” algorithms than making music, and that disconnect it’s a bit draining. Also, the invisibility that can come with being independent — it’s hard to be seen for the music alone.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Don’t wait to feel ready. Start with what you have, where you are, and let the art show you the next step.” It reminds me that imperfection isn’t the enemy — inertia is.
Don’t block yourself, Let It Roll.
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Gerson Marta's new single '123... Let It Roll' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.