Detroit-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Marcus Assenmacher is continuing to build momentum under his Twin Phase project with the release of 'One Way Out', a vibrant indie-pop single that blends dancefloor energy with emotional depth.
Following the strong reception of debut release 'Wired The Same', which earned widespread playlist support and international coverage, Twin Phase is quickly establishing itself as an exciting new voice in the worlds of indie-pop, nu-disco, and alternative R&B. Crafted entirely by Assenmacher in his own studio, 'One Way Out' explores the difficult but necessary moment of choosing growth over familiarity, pairing introspective songwriting with irresistible grooves and polished production.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has bee inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The trumpet was the first instrument I played seriously and it taught me a lot about music. There was definitely a learning curve with the whole embouchure thing, learning how to read sheet music for the first time, and eventually becoming a pretty strong sight reader. That said, it wasn't until I picked up the guitar that I truly fell in love with an instrument. I would spend hours trying to learn songs I heard on the radio by ear, long before I knew scales or music theory. There was something magical about sitting down, listening closely, and figuring out how to recreate a song just by spending time with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up on a mix of everything. My mom owned a dance studio, so there was always music playing around the house, from Motown and classic pop to Broadway and classical music. As I got older, I became obsessed with the pop-punk, emo, and alternative scene. Bands like The Used, Blink-182, The Starting Line, and Underoath had a huge impact on me. Those records made me want to start writing songs and eventually pursue music as a career.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It would have to be either Dookie by Green Day or Smash by The Offspring. I honestly can't remember which one came first, but both albums were constantly playing and definitely helped shape my taste in music growing up.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I'm a sucker for sad songs, so it's probably a tie between "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World and "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi. Both songs capture loss in a way that feels incredibly honest and human. Loss is something every person will experience at some point in life, and while it's painful, it also reminds us to appreciate the people we love while we still have them. The best songs have a way of taking something deeply personal and making it feel universal, and both of those songs do that beautifully.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Honestly, these days I try not to force it. Earlier in my career I spent a lot of time in writing rooms where the expectation was to walk out with a finished song no matter what. That experience taught me how to finish ideas, which is a valuable skill, but I've also learned that some of my favorite songs happen when things develop naturally. If an idea feels forced, I'll usually step away and come back later. For me, the process has become much more enjoyable when I allow creativity to happen instead of trying to manufacture it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately I've been listening to a lot of almost monday, Sports, and Good Neighbours. There is so much great music coming out right now that the list is constantly changing. I love discovering artists that blend strong songwriting with great production and a sense of fun.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably Phoenix. They have a way of making music that feels both sophisticated and effortless. Their live shows are incredible, and they've always balanced songwriting, production, and performance in a way that I really admire.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Connecting with people. Music has brought so many incredible people in and out of my life, given me countless stories, and created friendships that have lasted for years. Beyond that, music teaches you a lot about yourself. It teaches patience, persistence, and how to keep showing up even when things don't always go your way. Every musician faces setbacks, criticism, and moments where they question themselves, but there is something really rewarding about continuing to create anyway. The fact that so many of my friends and peers are still making music years later is a beautiful thing. The community, the lessons, and the connections are what make it all worthwhile.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is probably balancing the creative side with everything else that comes along with being an artist today. Musicians have more tools and opportunities than ever before to release music and connect directly with fans, which is amazing. At the same time, it can sometimes feel like you're expected to be a songwriter, producer, marketer, content creator, and business owner all at once. The reality is that only a small percentage of artists earn a full-time living from music alone, so persistence becomes incredibly important. The silver lining is that people are still creating music because they genuinely love it, and that passion is what keeps the industry moving forward. The challenge is learning how to navigate the business side without losing sight of why you started making music in the first place.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I ever received was that you have to love the process itself. If you're only doing it for success, validation, or numbers, you'll probably burn out. The people who stick around are the ones who genuinely enjoy creating, learning, and getting better.
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Twin Phase's new single 'One Way Out' is out now. Check it out in the player below.