PartyLikeThis.com brings you an inside look at ‘Marina and the Diamonds.’  Click below for an exclusive interview, one killer music video and some tracks you’re sure to become “obsessed” with!

We had the chance to ask Marina a few questions. Keep reading to see what she is all about, and check out her myspace page to keep up with her!

INTERVIEW

PLT: What is the origin of Marina and the Diamonds? Who are the diamonds? Have you changed the band’s name before?

Marina: My surname is Diamond. The Diamonds are the audience. The idea that my art/work was a collective thing and not a self-fulfilling/self-centered project felt really nice. I changed my name once to Marina the Diamond but then changed it back very quickly- because it was LAME.

PLT: So, what genre of music do you consider your work to be?

Marina: Risky pop

PLT: It’s definitely risky pop! Britney is a huge influence to you, do you have any other major influences?

Marina: Madonna.
PJ Harvey / Patti Smith / The Distillers / Nirvana / Daniel Johnston / No Doubt / Dolly Parton

PLT:  It won’t be long before people start listing you as an influence! What inspired you to make music?

Marina: I knew ten years ago I wanted to do this but was too scared to say until I was 18. I didn’t know anything about music or making it- i still don’t think I can play the piano! But I was obsessed with being a singer and badly needed a way to express myself.

PLT: Do you have a record label?

Marina: Yes, 679 Atlantic Records.

PLT:  Sweet. Do you have any upcoming U.S. shows?

Marina: Nope, not for a little while. I will be there eventually though.

PLT: We cannot wait!  Which songs do you perform most frequently? What is your personal favorite?

Marina: Probably ‘Mowglis road’.

PLT:  That’s definitely one of my favorites. Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

Marina: I write my songs! Who else?! Topics obviously change- depends what is going on in my head/life.

PLT: Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

Marina: I feel an emotion. I write down a lyric that pops into my head. Perhaps 2 minutes or 2 weeks later, I go to my keyboard and start to feel out chords that I think will suit the underlying feeling beneath the song. That’s all there is to it, really.

PLT: You make it sound so easy! How has your music evolved since you first began making music?

Marina: Got less complicated I think and more structured. I had no awareness of chorus or bridges or verses before. I would just sing until the story had been told!

PLT:  What has been your biggest challenge yet? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Marina: Singing in public. It took me 2 years.

PLT: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

Marina: I would feel very sorry for myself and my life if I were in this to seek fame and fortune.

PLT: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Marina: Be yourself.

PLT: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Marina: itunes in the UK. Myspace. Hopefully US itunes soon!!!

PLT: Any last words? Excited about anything?

Marina: Excited about life!

Listen to a few of her songs below, and make sure to check out her myspace page!

I Am Not A Robot

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Mowgli’s Road

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Obsessions

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Plus my favorite remix!

I Am Not A Robot (The Shoes Remix)

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Track of the Week

It’s been a while since we have done a Track of the Week, but rest assured we are bringing you not one, but THREE hot tracks to shake that ass too!  Udachi, out of Staten Island, NY has been pumping out remixes and original pieces sure to make any dance floor go nuts.  If you have been to our weekly party “XOXO” you have definitely heard his stuff a few times over by now, it’s just that good!  He has been on every huge music blog,  and PartyLikeThis.com is proud to support one of our favorite producers and cool dudes!  Check out the three tracks below as well as his myspace page!  PartyLikeThis.com definitely has our radar set on him as one of our first out-of-town guests at “XOXO” every Friday at the Crocodile!  Hope you enjoy the three tunes he sent us!

AC Slater-Party Like Us(Udachi Remix)

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Adina Howard-Freak Like Me(Udachi Remix)

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Jason Tyler-Run Around(Udachi Remix)

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Photo: Mike Shane Photography

Here is something new to PartyLikeThis! Starting this week, PLT will feature a “Track of the Week.” The only guideline to the Track of the Week is that “It has to make you want to get up and dance!” If you made a track or really like a track that makes YOU want to dance, send us an email at partylikethis@gmail.com

Click below to check out this weeks “Track of the Week!”

To kick off “Track of the Week,” we have Lady Sovereign who is back with her sophomore album set to be released on April 7th. The track, titled “I Got You Dancing,” does just that! This track is fresh from her finger tips to your ears, as it is being released today December 8th! Make sure to grab your copy of Lady Sovereigns second album April 7th! Click below to listen to the track. Check out her myspace for the free download!!!

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

We hope you enjoy the song, let us know what you think about “Track of the Week,” or “I Got You Dancing.”

The artwork above is not the official artwork, just something I concocted to go along with the post.

Lady Sovereign has been on PartyLikeThis! before! Check out these posts with pictures of her!

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