Spindle Radar: Billie Marten Ushers In Her New Music Era With ‘This Is How We Move’

If you’re in need of an artist that tugs at the heartstrings and delivers etheral vocals, then look no further, Billie Marten is the artist for you. Hailing from North Yorkshire, the young talent first started her music journey by studying industry icons like Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, and Kate Bush. In 2016, Marten stepped into her own music lane by releasing her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Writing of Blues and Yellows’ at the age of 17. Following her initial splash onto the scene, the young talent continued her upward trajectory by releasing two more acclaimed albums – ‘Feeding Seahorses by Hand’ and ‘Flora Fauna’ – and delivering incredible performances across the UK.

After taking a brief hiatus in 2022, Marten made her grand return to the music sphere with her latest single ‘This Is How We Move.’ Taken from her upcoming fourth album ‘Drop Cherries,’ the track gives a sneak peek into her evolved artistry and ongoing journey searching for clarity. We were able to chat with Marten about everything from her new album, co-writing and producing the project, and all things ‘This Is How We Move.’ Read the full interview below.

Happy New Year, Billie! How has January been treating you so far? 

Most excellent, thank you. Very busy, which is incredibly unusual for this month. 

Any resolutions you’re looking to accomplish in 2023?

To play the violin. A friend lent me one, so by this time next year, you’ll be getting a fiddle-led album. 

You recently announced your fourth album ‘Drop Cherries.’ If you had to describe your new music era in five words, what would they be? 

Trying the same thing, again. 

Can you take us through the creative process for the album? What messages or overarching themes did you want to explore this time around?

I really slept on these demos for nearly 2 years, after having worked out songs in my studio and playing around with what it feels like to produce, I knew it needed time to incubate before we went into the final session. So the process was much more drawn out and relaxed. There was no pressure to create anything I didn’t want to make.

And more songs came out that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I suppose the central theme, in its simplest form, is love. All forms of love, and how they present themselves, including digging for the respect and love for yourself. I find that very hard, and it often leads me into trouble, so these are, again, affirmation songs about what one can feel when drawn to something incredibly nurturing but equally as unknown. 

This is the first record that you wrote and co-produced. Did you face any challenges while stepping into your new hands-on role? 

I’d like to say I’ve always been hands-on with the recording process, it’s my favourite part. But this time around, there were even demos we left on the final masters because I wanted people to know how I create, before it becomes the finished product, and sometimes it’s truer to form and more honest that you just have to get it out there the way you first heard it.

It was such a relief to feel more in control of this album than ever before, knowing I was beginning to trust and respect my opinions more, it really allowed me to focus on the important things like working communally, and trusting your instinct. The challenges all arrive when you’ve finished the damn thing, and you have to sit and wait. And you, in turn, start to pick apart what you’ve just made, which I’m desperately trying not to do. 

Is there a specific track on the record that you are eager for fans to dive into? 

It’s more of a whole piece for me, a real timeline from the newness of ‘new idea’ and ‘god above’, right to the resolve of ‘Drop Cherries’. 

With ‘Drop Cherries’ being your fourth album, how have you and your artistry evolved since you dropped your first EP in 2014? 

Of course, like I said, it’s inevitable, and I welcome it each time. Becoming stronger and knowing yourself with each passing year is a real pleasure and a relief.

In addition to your album announcement, you also released your new single, ‘This Is How We Move,’ which is absolutely fantastic. How did you land on this dynamic track as the record’s lead single?

Thanks very much. TIHWM was really always an album opener for me, it felt like a new chapter and an unknown feeling, so appropriate to put it out there first. 

This may be a ways away, but will a tour announcement be in the cards?

Yes, and very soon indeed. 

Looking ahead, what else can fans expect from the ‘Drop Cherries’ era?

I would say an overall sense of contentment and peace, although that will incrementally appear with each album because time is the key part here – I’ve just had more space to live and breathe and take authority and dive in but also step back from things that weren’t necessary anymore, I grow more with each record, and that’s what makes me smile. Welcoming in happiness and the pure joy of making music, no matter where it goes.

Listen to Billie Marten’s latest track ‘This Is How We Move’ here or below