Q&A: @MariechanL On Breaking Her Hiatus & Exploring Different Sounds

For the past four years, fans have only experienced Mariechan through features. But, things are about to change as the artist, who’s also a third of legendary R&B trio Jamali, is promising to drop more music and content in 2023. 

Her new single, ‘Stella’, shows an artist who’s still in touch with where music is today and is sounding inspired. ‘Stella’ leans towards the new age Afrobeats sounds which also makes use of the log drum.  

In the interview below, the singer-songwriter takes a deep-dive into the inspiration behind the single, her lengthy break from releasing music, as well as what we can expect from her this year.

What is the inspiration behind your latest single, ‘Stella’? 

‘Stella’ is about feeling and being wonderfully confident regardless of things thrown on your path to disrupt you, but most importantly, not needing validation from anyone. Giving yourself flowers and never expecting it to come from anywhere else.

Why did you take a four-year break from releasing your own music? 

I never planned on taking a long break, I was gearing up to work on my debut album for about two years and just release singles in between, but this quickly changed when I wasn’t getting the distribution deals that would serve my needs too and then Covid hit straight after. It was bittersweet. I had time to rethink, re-strategise, refocus and workshop my sound more, so I started experimenting with sounds and styles to challenge myself musically. The flipside was having to also be innovative and creative with how I would continue to make money to get through the pandemic because I knew my savings would deplete at some point. I had never experienced worry and ‘I can breathe a bit’ musically at the same time. I know now why heat and pressure is applied to polish a diamond.

‘Stella' has the new age Afrobeats sound which also incorporates the log drum. How would you describe your sound in 2023? 

Right now, for me, 2023 is all about exploring the fusion of different sounds, catchy melodies etc., so I’m not really focused on a genre but more how the music makes me feel.

What inspired you to return to the music scene this year?  

I never left, I was always creating, after all, progress is a process and sometimes some have to work harder, years even, to crack it while others can gain overnight success. I’ve learned to be very patient. Too patient. (Laughs)

What can we expect from Mariechan in 2023? 

Amazing music of course and being more visible on social media platforms because the pressure to create content is mounting too (Laughs). I thought I could just put out dope music but I’m clearly related to the Flintstones!

Stream 'Stella' and watch the visualiser below: