Interview: Maribelle Is The Mutlitalented 21-Year-Old Who Knows Exactly What She Is Doing

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. That's cool! We get it :)
You can support us by sharing this story or following us on Facebook.

Back to Top

Interview: Maribelle Is The Mutlitalented 21-Year-Old Who Knows Exactly What She Is Doing

For those who have been deeply sleeping over the past 2-years, Maribelle is a Melbourne based singer/songwriter/goddess who pretty much has life by the balls.

Aside from her own swiftly growing musical career, the 21-year-old artist runs a publishing company (Defs Not) and a record label (Crush Club), allowing her to push new talent as best as she can. What a bloody legend!

Following the release of her debut EPOvertake‘ last month (which features the production from her friend uber-talented producer Djemba Djemba), we caught up with Maribelle to chew the fat and get some insight into whats next – and as it turns out, there is plenty on the way.

Stoney Roads: At 21 you’re doing more than most can hope to in their lives, what pushed you to run your publishing company Defs Not, and record label Crush Club in conjunction with writing and performing. 

 

Maribelle: The idea of running a publishing company (Defs Not) and a record label (Crush Club) has been a long-term goal for me. Both opportunities came about organically when I realised others trusted me to help them professionally. I never expected to start either company so early in my career.

 

SR: A lot of artists are leaning towards creating publishing companies and labels after they’ve established themselves how do you stand on that front? Is the pushing of talent something you yourself believe in? Or is it more of a backseat endeavour to your personal music production?

 

M: Pushing talent is something I’ve always believed in. I love being part of the creative process, whether the public is aware that I’m involved or not. Some artists truly deserve the spotlight but just aren’t sure how or what gets you there  – the same goes for writers and producers. I’m still growing myself, but I can definitely back those writers and artists all the way and help them to be the best they can be in the process.

SR: Do you consider yourself more of an industry gun or a performer? 

 

M: It’s 50/50 really. When I’m on stage, I’m a performer – I’m in the moment and I’m singing my heart out. When I’m behind the scenes – I’m business and it’s all about being creative. I like to think that every artist is this way.

 

SR: Overtake was huge and saw you collab with Djemba Djemba, who’s a bit of a legend, what lead to him co-producing three of your tracks from the EP? Has he influenced your overall style? 

 

M: I wrote a quick top-line over a beat Djemba Djemba posted on SoundCloud over two years ago. My cousin sent it over to him and he reached out within days. We’ve kept writing together ever since, and I even flew out to LA to write with him in person. Three of the songs on the Overtake EP were written on that trip. Djemba Djemba has influenced me in the sense that he helped me understand myself as an artist. We’ve written so many songs together and the EP wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for him believing in me.

 

SR: In relation to influences, who have been some of your biggest influences in the scene?

 

M: I’ve always been inspired by Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Prince. When it comes to new artists, Nao and Banks mostly influence me. Both of their writing styles are incredible.

 

SR: You’ve been uploading music to YouTube since you were a teen, which saw you picked up by New York label Titanium Music. How has the label influenced you as a growing artist? 

 

M: I found myself as a writer with Titanium. I was writing with some incredible people and it was definitely a wake up call as it helped me realise that work ethic is just as important as having talent. I wouldn’t be able to write the way I do today if I hadn’t worked with Titanium all those years ago.

 

SR: You’re quoted as saying in relation to the future “It’ll be all about the music” was there ever time when you didn’t think it would be all about the music? 

 

M: Sometimes the industry can be rough – whether you are an artist, writer or producer. A lot of things can fall through, sometimes due to the business side of things, and that sucks. I feel that everything happens for a reason though.

SR: Looking to the future, you have a bunch of appearances coming up, including your Kaytranada support. How did that come about? How does it feel to be supporting one of the biggest names in the music industry right now?

 

M: It feels so good! I’m overwhelmed with excitement, as I haven’t played in a while. Jess and Anand at BBE have supported me since day one and I’m unbelievably grateful for the amazing opportunities they have given me so far.

 

SR: Finally you’ve said you were looking to find a band to perform with, how’d that end up? Will we be seeing a complete ensemble for your upcoming performances with Kaytra and/or at FOMO Festival, or is the search ongoing? What exactly are you looking for?

 

M: The search is still ongoing. Performing with others on stage with me would just sound and feel so much better, but I’m not at a point yet where I’m able to take a whole band on the road with me. For now, it’s just my DJ (Deer) and I but I’ll definitely be playing some live instruments in my set.

Maribelle is just about to jump on tour with Kaytranada for his Australian shows. Be sure to snag some tickets before they all sell out. Find some here.

As well as this, she is on the lineup for FOMO Festival which kicks off early jan. See the dates below. Be sure to grab her debut EP ‘Overtake’ right here.

Friday, 6th January Adelaide Gaol, Adelaide
Tickets: FOMO

Saturday, 7th January Riverstage, Brisbane
Tickets: FOMO

Sunday, 8th January The Crescent, Paramatta Park Sydney
Tickets: FOMO

Comments

Related Posts