Electra Heart, the second studio album by Welsh artist Marina and the Diamonds was released to widespread acclaim recently. Playful and heartfelt the album manages to be both quirky and mainstream. We met with the chocolate-eyed pop princess to discuss the recording process, her forthcoming tour and doing the dishes.
What are your impressions of Sweden?
I have been in Stockholm many times and love it here. It’s different than the UK. The rail system is incredibly expensive and shit back home but I’ve grown up with it so I’m used to it. I like the way taxes are spent on keeping Sweden clean. The focus on recycling feels progressive too. Of all the Scandinavian counties I find the Finns the most attractive. I think they are good looking and have a great sense of humor.
In recent years you have played with global acts like Coldplay and Katy Perry. How has that changed things for you?
It’s been very beneficial in terms of opening me up to new audiences. Everything has gone up a few levels.
What’s it like backstage? Is there lots of drugs, sex and rock n roll?
I don’t see the other acts that often but I have seen some of the drama…I try to avoid any of that. The backstage staff are wonderful – they work really hard to ensure we have a good show.
Do you get nervous performing in front of larger audiences?
I toured extensively after I released my first album The Family Jewels. Before going onstage I remember thinking everyone hates me. It was such a destructive way of thinking but I was a new act and was still learning. Since then I have gained more confidence from touring and keeping up with acts like Katy Perry. My second album, Electra Heart, is more self-assured. My fans like it and that’s affected how I perform on stage. When you believe in yourself it transmits onstage.
How have you evolved as an artist?
I wanted to be an singer when I was 14. I had never sang in public or written a song. At 19 I moved to London and auditioned for girl bands, pop bands anything I could because I wanted to be a popstar. All of that failed.
Eventually I ended up writing my own songs, teaching myself keyboard and producing my own cd’s which I managed to sell to Roughtrade in London. I got signed to an indie and emerged as a credible artist. I was a good singer and songwriter but this career route had never been the plan.
I had become a DIY, leftfield, quirky artist but I harbored bigger aspirations. In the indie world that’s a no-no. If you consider yourself a credible artist you shouldn’t dream of becoming a popstar – but I was.
I recorded with established producers like Dr. Luke on Electra Heart because I wanted to use the pop model to combine my musical identity with my artistry and, ultimately, grow in popularity. I don’t have any reservations admitting that.
Your honesty is refreshing but does it leave you susceptible to criticism from cynics?
When I’m in the back end of Utah doing some radio show promoting the record any criticism feels very far away from reality. But when you are in London and it’s a local journalist it does feel closer to home. I was upset in the beginning but now I try not to care. Music is there to be liked or disliked. It doesn’t offend me if someone doesn’t like.
What experiences shaped the tone of Electra Heart?
Unrequited love and a lingering feeling that I wasted my teenage years.
Why?
I felt like I wasn’t really able to be me from the ages of 16 to 20. It’s weird because I can’t remember those four years so clearly. It’s like your mind represses things that you don’t want to think about. Essentially people at home didn’t want me to be myself. I got caught up trying to please others and lost track of how to please myself.
Loss and self-doubt seem like recurring themes on Electra Heart. Have you always been drawn to the dark side?
Yes but I’m not sure why that is. Obviously it probably has something to do with my upbringing… I like mixing innocence with darkness because its not very often that we combine these two contrasting elements.
Describe your writing process?
I’m easily inspired and have a fertile mind so I usually collect lyrics for a long time. When I get a break I sit down with my piano at home and start to write.
Always with the piano?
Actually it’s not a piano, sorry. It’s a shitty little Yamaha keyboard. I use the same one I bought from Argos when I was 20. I’m scared to buy anything else.
On State of Dreaming you sing “Living in a make believe world.” What do you mean?
It’s about escapism and constructing your own reality that you are comfortable with. Fantasy works for me because it facilitates working as an artist and writing songs. Perhaps it’s not the healthiest approach to life but I don’t want a normal life. Paying bills, doing the dishes…bleugh. Haha.
You don’t do the dishes?
Actually I do! I insist on doing my own cleaning. I’m sure I’m one of the most boring artists you’ve interviewed.
If you could record with any artist alive or dead who would it be and why?
I love Dolly Parton because she is such a contradiction. She seems comfortable with people viewing her as a dumb bimbo but she is an incredibly intelligent and sensitive songwriter. This combination is not an association we automatically make.
Describe your fashion style?
Color composition is important. I try to mix classic feminine pieces with items that are humorous and bright so I rarely wear a black outfit. I like to wear a pink ribbon or something that has friendliness to it.
What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
That’s really tough. One thing that pisses me off is that I always get compared to any female artist that happens to be popular right now. After I released The Family Jewels people compared me to Lady Gaga. Now they compare me to Katy Perry. It’s really fucking annoying.
Autumn is a particular busy period for you. What do you have planned?
Last week I released the video for How to be a Heartbreaker. It took over 17 hours to shoot but there were loads of cute guys in the shower with me so that was fun. In October I’ll embark on a wedding themed European tour called the Lonely Hearts Club until February. It’s basically going to be like speed dating service for popstars – I can’t wait.
