London singer-songwriter Paul Garside transforms a deeply personal battle with depression into something remarkably hopeful on new folk-rock single ‘Mariana Trench’.
Taking its name from the deepest ocean trench on Earth, the song uses the image of being submerged in darkness and under immense pressure as a metaphor for his own experiences. Yet rather than dwelling there, ‘Mariana Trench’ is about the journey back towards the surface, driven by a simple underlying message: keep swimming up.
Beginning life with just Garside's acoustic guitar and vocal, the track grew into a richly textured international collaboration. Jamie Jordan's Scottish bodhran and Ugandan musician JJ Bugoma's congas and shaker provide its forward momentum, joined by Hammond B3, double bass and backing vocals.
Drawing inspiration from Blind Faith and Peter Gabriel, ‘Mariana Trench’ combines organic folk-rock warmth with an uplifting sense of movement. Personal without becoming defeated, it's a stirring reminder that even from the deepest point, there remains a way back towards the light.
Have a listen to 'Mariana Trench' in the player below.