Country/pop artist Nicole Marden has been turning heads since she released her buzzworthy self-titled EP back in 2018. With her latest single, “Obsession,” Marden has taken everything we’ve known from her in the past, turned her distinct signatures up a notch, and delivered a song that is catapulting her from buzzworthy artist to one to watch. We recently had the chance to chat with Nicole about her new single, if it’s part of a bigger project coming down the road or only a stand-alone release, her songwriting process, how music can be therapeutic, and much more!

Single Review of "Obsession"

www.nicolemardenmusic.com

1. You’ve recently released your current single “Obsession.” Tell us a little about the song.  

“Obsession” came after I was totally over giving myself to others in relationships and really had no interest in getting back into a serious commitment. But because of that, I was feeling a bit guarded and numb! So I wrote a song about the rush you get from a new crush/obsession and kind of missing that feeling. It started as an idea on paper and flourished into a complete song so quickly! My band and I started playing it live right before the pandemic hit and were so pleased at the positive reaction. That is why we decided to spend our off-time producing it out and ultimately releasing it into the world.

2. Why do you feel that “Obsession” is the best song to introduce your latest music with?

I feel "Obsession" is the best song to introduce new music to follow because it turns the script from heartbreak to fun and flirty. I want my new music to feel a bit lighter than the previous EP and “Obsession" feels like a breath of fresh air.

3. What major differences will your fans hear when they compare “Obsession” with what we heard from you on your 2018 self-titled debut EP? 

The major difference listeners will hear when they compare “Obsession” to my 2018 debut EP is a maturity in sound and content. I have become a better vocalist, better songwriter and have really taken the reins when it comes to what I want my sound to be. “Obsession” is very much a reflection of moving on and up in a lyrical and production standpoint. 

4. Is “Obsession” the first song from a bigger project (EP or album) that is coming soon, or is it a stand-alone single for right now? 

I just plan on releasing singles for now! As an independent artist, I am really enjoying spending time and creative energy on one project at a time. This makes each release special and exciting!

5. Heartbreak was the core theme of your debut EP. Is there a theme surrounding the new music you are working on as well? If so, what theme are you exploring with this crop of songs? 

There is definitely heartbreak in the new stuff as well, who doesn’t love a sad country song! But there are songs about moving on and love. I’d say the theme would be heartbreak, healing and learning to love again

6. Besides “Obsession,” is there a new song you are working on that you can’t wait for your fans to hear? And why this particular song? What makes it stand out to you? 

My next single “Champagne Remedy” is a song that I am super excited to release! It is my version of a ladies drinking song. It plays out how girls tend to go out and drink with their friends to get over the guy who doesn’t deserve them. It starts off with you ruling the night and knowing you’re better off but after one too many, it ends in tears and a late night drunk call. We’ve all been there and it stands out because it is super relatable!

7. As a songwriter, tell us about your writing process. Do the lyrics draw from real lift situations? 

I am normally a lyric first type of writer! But I also have hundreds of melodies recorded in my phone as they randomly pop into my head. So I guess it always depends on the song. But I find that lyrics come really easy to me and I love telling a story in a song structure. I have lyrics in notebooks, word documents and in my phone. I typically take a song idea with lyrics and then come up with chords on my guitar to follow. My lyrics come from my real life situations or someone I know. I am a really empathetic human being, I feel what you feel type of person. Therefore a lot of my songs are about other people and their life situations as well. Sometimes songs I write come from a one word idea and I let my imagination create a story around it. It could have nothing to do with how I am feeling or what I am experiencing in that moment! I just let my imagination take over and see what we get! 

8. You’ve said that you believe music is therapy. In what ways has music helped you through life’s tricky and complicated situations the most? 

Oh this is easy! When you feel overwhelmed with someone or something, instead of reacting in way you may want to take back eventually, write a song. There are so many songs that may never see the light of day, but the act of just writing through my sadness or frustration served as therapy. For me being creative makes me happy, so if I am having a rough day I know writing a song will always make me feel lighter and more intentional. 

9. How do you hope that your music will play that therapeutic role for someone who needs something to grab onto when they are struggling?

I try to write in a way that is relatable on all levels. Some of it feels very raw and vulnerable, but I feel like that is what people relate to the most. So I hope my vulnerability will resonate with others going through the same struggles and let them know they are not alone

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

Do everything you can to perform and write on a regular basis. Keep your calendar full and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It may feel so overwhelming at times, but it will pay off eventually. I am still working hard every day to become a better vocalist, songwriter, guitar player, live performer, etc. Just know that pushing through the days of self-doubt, will lead to getting better at your craft and being one step closer to where you want to be!

Learn more about Nicole Marden by visiting her official website at: www.nicolemardenmusic.com

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