Marlee, the self-professed real-life cartoon character and musical virtuoso hailing from the Isle of Wight, has once again graced the music scene with her latest single, “Cynical.” This mesmerizing track showcases Marlee’s distinct fusion of alt-pop melodies, heartfelt lyricism, and a touch of theatricality that defines her artistic persona. With an uncanny ability to infuse her music with genuine emotion, Marlee’s “Cynical” takes listeners on a sonic journey through the mind of a 20-something young woman traversing the intriguing landscapes of a post-pandemic world.
Hailing from the picturesque Isle of Wight and currently finding her artistic haven in the vibrant streets of South London, Marlee is an independent artist who embraces her unique identity both visually and musically. A singer-songwriter and guitarist, Marlee’s music is a direct reflection of her personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. However, it’s not just her music that captures attention – Marlee’s bold signature drag makeup and vivacious stage presence paint a larger-than-life picture of a real-life cartoon character.
Marlee’s latest release, “Cynical,” follows in the footsteps of her previous single “One Day (You’ll Wish),” which received accolades including airplay on BBC Radio 2 and Community Garden Radio. In “Cynical,” Marlee masterfully encapsulates the complex emotional landscape of a young woman stepping into the post-pandemic world. With lyrics that resonate deeply, the song captures the essence of uncertainty, skepticism, and self-discovery that often accompany this phase of life.
The track unfolds with Marlee’s characteristic alt-pop sound, melding catchy melodies with an introspective edge. Her distinctive voice conveys a range of emotions, from vulnerability to empowerment, creating an authentic connection with her audience. “Cynical” is not merely a song; it’s an embodiment of the thoughts and feelings many have experienced while navigating the uncharted waters of a world forever changed.
To complement the captivating journey that “Cynical” offers, Marlee has ingeniously crafted an official lyric video that employs AI technology to transport viewers into a dream-like and slightly unsettling realm. The video follows the main character through a water-colored world, delving into her dreams and even her nightmares. This innovative use of technology adds an extra layer of depth to the song, inviting listeners to dive into the intricate emotions woven into every lyric.
Marlee’s artistic prowess extends beyond her music – she is a true visionary who continually pushes the boundaries of conventional expression. With “Cynical,” she cements her place as a multifaceted artist who fearlessly embraces her individuality, creating a space where music, visuals, and storytelling converge.
As Marlee continues to captivate audiences with her music, persona, and artistic innovation, “Cynical” stands as a testament to her ability to translate raw emotion into an enchanting auditory and visual experience. It’s not just a single; it’s a testament to the power of art to reflect the complexities of the human experience. In a world that is increasingly yearning for authentic voices, Marlee emerges as a beacon of self-assured creativity, and “Cynical” is a chapter in her journey that listeners won’t want to miss.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Marlee is self-professed real-life cartoon character. An independent artist from the Isle of Wight, currently based in South London; she is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who writes and produces all her own music, painted in her bold signature drag makeup.
“Larger than life, her persona is as theatrical as it is endearing” (Kevin Malton, Our Sound Music 2020)
Starting out with an acoustic guitar as a 15th birthday present; she gigged her way around her hometown of the Isle of Wight as a solo musician, cutting her teeth in pubs and holiday parks which lead to opening for the legendary Level 42 at the Royal Albert Hall when she was just 16. Since then she has featured on backing vocals for one of the band’s songs (‘Build Myself a Rocket’ – Sirens EP), even performing live with them at a multitude of venues and festivals including Indigo at the O2.
2020 saw Marlee releasing her own material, with her debut single Lyre “elbowing its way” on to Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing 6 Music Mixtape with its “freshness and energy”.
Lyrically, her original material holds a healthy balance between realism and the imagination; peppered with a dash of satire, sarcasm and wit. Her aggressive guitar playing features heavily amongst dreamy and catchy pop hooks, giving a unique edge to her sound.
Naturally the COVID-19 pandemic stopped all live performances for Marlee – so she turned to the internet and performed at several online festivals (including Camp Bestival’s Easter Sleepover and Right Chord Music’s Takeover Festival in aid of Nordoff Robbins) as well as releasing more music. With a degree in Graphic and Media Design from the London College of Communication under her belt, Marlee set to work designing the artwork for her music; producing, directing and creating the promotional content for social media.
Since then, Marlee has gained a following on TikTok, performed at multiple festivals (including the Isle of Wight Festival and Camp Bestival) and released new material which has been featured on radio (such as by Dermot O’Leary on his BBC Radio 2 show, and Shaun Keaveny on his Community Garden Radio show). With more live performances and material to come, Marlee is certainly an artist to watch.
Follow Marlee:
Spotify – SoundCloud – YouTube – Facebook – Instagram