Marla Kether: The Journey from Bristol to the Global Stage with Little Simz
With roots in the Congo and a musical foundation laid in the University of Bristol’s Jazz, Funk, and Soul Society, Marla kether has cultivated a distinctive style that fuses Afro-Brazilian beats with infectious dancefloor rhythms.
“I rely heavily on my instincts,” Kether shares.”I play what feels right in the moment. My inspiration frequently enough comes from James Jamerson, as I focus on the groove and the right placement of notes above all else.”
Her big break came when she was invited to perform alongside rapper Little Simz,leading to a collaboration that has taken her across the globe,including a remarkable performance at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival.
How It All began: The Connection with Little Simz
Reflecting on how she landed the role with Little Simz, Kether explains, “I used to play bass for an artist named Obongjayar, and during some London shows, simz would join us on stage. That’s how she first noticed me.”
“Initially, I couldn’t accept her invitation to perform due to a family holiday, but a few months later, she reached out again, and I found myself playing at the pyramid Stage during Glastonbury.”
“Out of an hour-long set, I played with the live band on five tracks. It was surreal to perform in front of the largest audience I had ever faced, feeling both exposed and exhilarated-there’s nowhere to hide at Glastonbury!”
The Dynamics of Performing for Large Crowds
When asked about the experience of engaging with such a vast audience, Kether remarks, “There’s a strange phenomenon where larger crowds can lead to fewer personal interactions. It often feels like a sea of faces,making it easier to perform.”
“I actually prefer the intimacy of smaller venues where I can connect with the audience. However,that closeness can also be nerve-wracking; seeing someone yawn in a packed room can hit hard,even if it’s not a big deal.”
Growth as a Musician: The Impact of touring
Kether notes a notable evolution in her skills since joining Little Simz in 2024. “Leading up to that first performance, I felt a shift in my approach, and I’ve been pushing my boundaries ever as.”
“Using a wireless setup has transformed my stage presence,allowing me to decide when to move around and how to engage with the audience during solos. These experiences have also influenced my solo projects,enhancing my confidence as both a band leader and a bassist.”
Creating her own Sound: The Shift to Songwriting
Transitioning from a session musician to a solo artist was a natural progression for Kether. ”When the lockdown hit, I had the time to experiment with Logic and revisit a collection of voice notes, turning them into fully realized tracks.”
“I’m particularly drawn to bass-heavy and rhythm-centric genres like batida, gqom, bubbling, and UK funky. I’ve even created a DJ/bass hybrid setup, which I utilized while supporting W.I.T.C.H across the UK.”
Lessons Learned in the Music Industry
“One of the most critically important lessons I’ve learned is to be personable. It’s essential to be someone others enjoy being around, especially when you’re on the road for extended periods.”
Cultural Influences on Her Music
Kether’s sound is deeply rooted in Brazilian and West African music. For instance,her track In My corner featuring K.O.G showcases elements of soukous,a genre she grew up with thanks to her Congolese heritage. She also produces Afro house tracks.
“The richness of African music is a constant source of inspiration for me, and I have yet to find a Brazilian genre I don’t love-baile funk, brega, baião, MPB, forró, samba, maracatu; they all resonate with me.”
Musical Influences and Inspirations
In her formative years, Kether learned basslines from artists like nikolai Fraiture of The Strokes and esperanza Spalding. “I began uploading bass covers to YouTube shortly after I started playing,and those videos are still available.”
“Deborah Scroggins of ESG has been a significant influence on my music. Her ability to convey so much with minimalistic basslines is something I admire greatly.”
“Tracks like Step Off and Dance exemplify how a simple yet powerful riff can make a lasting impact, a principle I apply in my own productions, such as in BTR2, where I layer multiple bass riffs.”
First Steps in Bass Playing
When asked about her earliest bass lesson, Kether recalls, ”I think the first song I learned was Money by Pink Floyd. it’s an ambitious choice for a beginner,introducing a 7/4 time signature,but it certainly broadened my musical perspective.”
Equipment and Tone Preferences
Her go-to instrument is a Fender Squier 5-string Jazz Bass, which she purchased in 2017 and has yet to change the strings since 2019. “I love the warm sound of flatwound strings, particularly D’Addario XL Chromes.”
Advice for Aspiring Bassists
“Be kind, be punctual, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Embrace the unique qualities you bring to the table!”
From Dreams to Stage: How Marla Kether Captured the Spotlight with Little Simz
marla Kether: A Unique Musical Background
marla Kether’s journey to stardom is a testament to her dedication and passion for music. Born into a family with Congolese roots, Kether was immersed in rich musical traditions from a young age. Her upbringing in the University of Bristol’s Jazz, Funk, and Soul Society provided her with a solid foundation in various musical genres, allowing her to develop a distinctive style that blends Afro-Brazilian rhythms with contemporary dance music.
The Instinct-Driven Approach
Kether describes her musical approach as instinct-driven, stating, “I play whatever feels right in the moment.” This beliefs has allowed her to create music that resonates deeply with audiences. She frequently enough cites legendary bassist James jamerson as a significant influence,emphasizing the importance of feel and placement in her performances.
Landing the Gig with Little Simz
Marla’s breakthrough came when she was invited to perform with the acclaimed rapper little Simz. This prospect arose after Kether played bass for singer Obongjayar, where Simz noticed her talent during several London shows. Initially unable to accept Simz’s invitation due to a family commitment, Kether’s persistence paid off when she was asked again a few months later, leading to her unforgettable performance at the Pyramid Stage during the 2024 Glastonbury Festival.
Key Moments in Her Journey
- Early Influences: Kether’s Congolese heritage and exposure to various musical styles shaped her unique sound.
- frist Performance with Little Simz: A pivotal moment that showcased her talent to a global audience.
- Glastonbury Festival: Performing on one of the world’s largest stages solidified her status as an emerging artist.
Performing for Large Audiences
Marla Kether’s experience at glastonbury was both exhilarating and daunting. She performed with the live band on five tracks during an hour-long set, facing the largest crowd of her career. “It was a combination of excitement and vulnerability,” she recalls.”There’s not much to hide behind on such a grand stage.”
Benefits of Performing Live
Performing live offers numerous benefits for artists, including:
- Building Confidence: Each performance helps artists grow more comfortable on stage.
- Connecting with Audiences: Live shows create a unique bond between the performer and the audience.
- Gaining Exposure: Performing at major festivals can significantly increase an artist’s visibility.
Marla’s Musical Evolution
As joining Little Simz, Kether has experienced significant growth as a musician. She attributes this development to the challenges and opportunities presented by touring. “I’ve pushed myself more than ever,” she explains. The use of a wireless setup has also transformed her stage presence, allowing her to engage more dynamically with the audience.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
For those looking to follow in Kether’s footsteps, here are some practical tips:
- Stay true to Your Style: Embrace your unique sound and influences.
- Network: Build relationships within the music industry to open doors for collaboration.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your skills and confidence.
Creating Original Music
Transitioning from a session musician to a solo artist was a natural progression for Kether. The lockdown period provided her with the time to experiment with music production software like Logic, allowing her to transform voice notes into fully realized tracks. “I wanted to establish my own musical identity and explore my ideas,” she shares.
Genres and Influences
Kether is especially drawn to bass-driven and percussion-led genres, such as:
- Batida
- gqom
- Bubbling
- UK Funky
She has developed a DJ/bass hybrid setup, which she utilized while supporting W.I.T.C.H across the UK,showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Lessons Learned in the Music Industry
Throughout her journey, Kether has learned valuable lessons that resonate with aspiring musicians:
- Be Personable: Cultivating a positive attitude is essential when working with others in the industry.
- Embrace Diversity: Different cultures can enrich your music and broaden your audience.
- Stay Committed: Consistency and dedication are crucial for long-term success.
Case Study: The Impact of cultural Influences
Kether’s music is heavily influenced by Brazilian and West African sounds. For example, her track In My Corner features elements of soukous, a genre she grew up listening to through her Congolese parents. This blend of cultural influences not only shapes her sound but also connects her with a diverse audience.
Table: Key Cultural Influences in Marla Kether’s Music
| Influence | Genre | Impact on Music |
|---|---|---|
| Congolese Heritage | Soukous | Incorporates rhythmic guitar lines and vibrant melodies. |
| Brazilian Music | Batida | Infuses electronic elements with traditional rhythms. |
| UK Funky | Funky House | Brings a modern twist to classic dance music. |
First-Hand Experience: The Power of Collaboration
Marla Kether emphasizes the importance of collaboration in her musical journey. working with artists like little Simz has not only expanded her musical horizons but also taught her the value of teamwork in creating impactful music. ”Collaboration allows for the blending of ideas and styles, resulting in something truly unique,” she notes.
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