Marion Raw – You Gotta

By starrymag | January 6, 2025

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) I like to think of it as a sort of dirty bolero/folk.

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) It varies a lot from record to record, but the basics would have to be artists like Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Wanda Jackson, Patsy Cline and the Mexican legend Chavela Vargas.

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “You Gotta.”

 

A) I consider it a kind of polaroid—a one-take song recorded mostly live with my band on an 8-track Tascam in Rodrigo’s (my guitarist’s) living room.

As far as what the song is about, it’s a reflection on the chaotic pursuit of love—The song explores the beauty and pain of vulnerability, of persisting in love even when it feels impossible. It’s about learning from your mistakes and embracing the tender chaos of being human.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can craft lyrics?

 

A) Usually, a chord progression gives birth to the melody, which then shapes the lyrics. Other times, it’s as if the whole song arrives at once, like tuning a radio station—it just comes in one big swoosh.

 

Q) You also filmed a music video for “You Gotta.” How did you come up with the concept?

 

A) The visual style unfolded intuitively. Working with Isabel Abbott, we embraced a free-flowing creative process. I wanted it to feel almost like a documentary or a snapshot, letting the project surprise us as it developed. While editing, I was inspired by Andy Warhol’s “Chelsea Girls” to use split screens. It was shot on a Hi-8 camera.

 

Q) Since its release, what has been the reaction to “You Gotta” from fans and listeners?

 

A) Hearing from fans and feeling their support means the world to me and never ceases to move me. That said, I feel like this song has flown a bit under the radar and remains something of a hidden gem for die-hard fans.

 

Q) “You Gotta” is also the first new music since your last album Ghost in The Machine, which was released two years ago. How do you feel your writing style has progressed?

 

A) I’ve been leaning more into writing in Spanish and my next phase will expand on that. I wanted “You Gotta” to act as a bridge between records while preparing for the rollout of my next album. Writing in Spanish feels more histrionic to me—something about the language opens new paths in my process. It also reflects where I am in life now, with different vulnerabilities and perspectives shaping my work.

 

Q) With the release of “You Gotta,” is there a potential new album and/or live shows in the works?

 

A) Yes! “You Gotta” is the first glimpse of my upcoming album, Palabras En Un Bar. As for live shows, I’m planning performances in Mexico, LA and beyond to bring these songs to life for my audience.

 

Q) Which song is your favorite to perform at live shows?

 

A) It’s always changing, but right now “Castillos” and “Palabras en un Bar” from the upcoming album hold a special place for me. Performing them feels very cathartic.

 

Q) If you could collaborate with anyone on a new project, who would you love to work with and why?

 

A) I’d love to work with someone like Angel Olsen. I adore her voice. I think collaborating with someone so different from me in terms of language and style could create something uniquely beautiful.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support and connection mean everything—it’s what makes sharing music so special.