Marika

A London-based singer/songwriter, Marika blossomed on the scene with the striking support of her 2017 debut demo gaining over 120k plays within the first few months of its release. Choosing to independently manage her career since her debut, the artist has gone on to garner attention for her work, bringing recognition and funding support for her music from valued organizations like Roundhouse, MOBOs, PRS, and Help Musicians. Passionate about her journey, the artist continues to develop her sound and craft, moving on to produce music as well. Inspired by a lush mix of genres, her British upbringing and Caribbean background, Marika presents a magnetic fusion of sounds, as she brings her audience a cosmic mix of neo-soul, lo-fi, and alt R&B-inspired mood soothers boasting her buttery vocals.

NEO: Hi Marika! Thanks for featuring on Neo. We love your music! How long have you been creating? 

Marika: Heyy guys, thank you for having me. I really appreciate the kind words – I could say I’ve been creating all my life, but it wasn’t until I graduated in 2015, when I decided I wanted to take up music professionally.  

NEO: Congratulations on your recent single 'Will U?". What was the inspiration behind this release?  

Marika: Thank you so much - “Will U?” was really inspired by the events happening in my life right now. On the surface it may sound like a fun, playful track based on a potential romantic, however when you dissect the lyrics a little it’s really about stepping out in faith. Choosing to be optimistic rather than pessimistic. When I wrote the line “Now’s the time to jump inna di middle now, no more space fi sekkle down yourself no!” it was as if my future self was demanding that I take that jump. That I stop being afraid of my own potential and to start embracing who it is I am. “Will U?” was a result of my regained confidence.   

NEO: If you could pick any three artists to collaborate with who would it be?  

Marika: If I could pick 3 artists to collaborate with, it would be Kaytranada because he just knows how to make the R&B girls shine! Chronixx cause I love the message and energy behind his music and Rihanna because she’s actually my hero. 

NEO: What three words would your friends use to describe you as? 

Marika: Carefree, outgoing and affectionate. 

NEO: If you had a superpower what would it be and why?

Marika: My superpower would probably be the ability to communicate with the spiritual world. I’d be able to communicate with the dead, travel through different spiritual realms and act as the messenger between the physical and spiritual world.  

Either this or flying lol. 

NEO: When experiencing a creative block, what do you do to combat it? 

Marika: I tend to find another outlet where when I’m experiencing a creative block. If I’m having a difficult time creating new music or I feel as if I’m trying too hard, I’ll leave it alone completely and move on to something else with a lot less resistance. For me it’s normally dancing, curating a photoshoot, or simply doing my hair in a new style. Taking my mind off the subject of music for a moment, allows me to continue to express my creativity in other forms where it’s flowing easier. This eventually gives me the space to gather new musical ideas, curing my creative block.  

NEO: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? 

Marika: The most daring thing I’ve done it ride a moped in Jamaica at 1am in the morning with no streetlights. For those that know… them roads are dark! 

NEO: How do you define success as an artist? 

Marika: To me, success as an artist means staying true to myself throughout my career/life. If I can walk in my truth, creating music which wholeheartedly reflects me as a persona and be able to make a comfortable living from that, then I’ve won.  

NEO: If there was a zombie apocalypse right now and you could only grab three items to take with you before you run, what would they be?  

Marika: My photo albums, my macbook and my headphones.  

NEO: What’s next for you? 

Marika: More creating. More collaborating. More expansion. More elevation. I’m constantly looking for new and old ways to grow as an artist and a person in general, so that’s what I’ll be doing. Hopefully I’ll continue to be placed in positions that allow me to live out my dreams and hopefully inspired others to do that same.

NEO: Finally, let us know where to find you on social media!  

Marika: You can find me on Instagram and Twitter at @MarikaBastien and on Tik Tok its @MoneyMariks.  

Check out Marika's newest single 'Will U?' on spotify here:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5P21Hso7pxsKcw8eKD2uSA?si=gjA-MAhARL2T7fXhfT_Y8w