Following on from the release of her highly-praised studio album 'I Found Love (In Myself)' last year, Chinese-American artist MARG is back on the grind once again with her wondrous new single '5am Wasted'.
Pursuing more of that warm and invigorating alt-pop aesthetic she has been building for herself over the years, '5am Wasted' makes for a vibrant return to form throughout. With her rich and shimmering vocals layered across a pulsating production from start to finish, she is returning to the fold with one of her most captivating cuts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I think it was the xylophone. I love the sound of a soft mallet on a wooden xylophone. It sounds like a bubble. Also piano. I love classical piano, it's so relaxing.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Side note- I was gonna say classical but I’m pretty sure I hated classical music when I was young because I was forced to play it. The stuff I remember loving was: Alt pop (Paramore, All American Rejects), or rock (Nirvana). The Emo stuff.
I wasn’t really exposed to much mainstream music when I was younger. I remember my older sister was listening to lil Wayne and I wasn’t allowed to hahaha.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Honestly I don’t think I ever owned an album. (Oops) I have my own album on vinyl but I only got it late last year. Oh - I got ‘Born to Die’ on vinyl last year too…. I'm pretty sure I would just listen to Pandora radio stations when I went to bed. I know it’s so bad- I’d fall asleep with the music blasting in my ears.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Tears by Skrillex. I have 0 clue how to make that kind of music so I feel like it’d be awesome if I was able to make something so sonically satisfying . It’s just so good.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Experiencing life & letting things flow.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Joey Bada$$, Daniel Ceaser, 6lack, Kali Uches, are some… last night I found XG AND THEY'RE SO CUTE.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
SZA or Blackpink.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
UGHH when I get messages saying my music has been there for people through emotional times. We all experience similar things in our own different ways - which is a beautiful part of being human. Sometimes people just need someone else to say what they’ve been feeling in a song and then they can take it and heal in their own ways.
It’s cool to see the type of people my music attracts because I think we’re all pretty similar.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being heard.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Trust YOUR gut.
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MARG's new single '5am Wasted' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.