Jeshua Marshall just gave us an incredible single that feels deepening , existential, and cinematic folk with an anthemic undertone and endlessly honest lyrics.
"Dragon Fly" swells and sways as guitars float through the songs atmosphere and organs fade with the songs choir ridden chorus.
This track has a power behind it and layers to be peeled back. There are classic rock influences peeking through most of the time and vocals are passionately performed.
A beautiful punch to the gut, "Dragonfly" paints quite a vivid picture and tells a detailed story that some can truly relate to.
The song has a way of attaching itself to you and making you feel as though it was written just for you and that's an impressive thing.
A gorgeous set of textures make up the songs color and it all feels like sitting on a massive stone in the middle of a desert staring out into the vast landscape and thinking.
This track will make you think. You'll find memories flashing in your head. You'll think of people you know and knew. You'll ponder things you may have changed if you had a second chance. It's all quite moving.
"Dragonfly" is a lush and full song that delivers more than just the sound.
With such a great release, we wanted to have a talk with Jeshua to find out where this all came from.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay Jeshua, let's start with "Dragonfly". This track has a personal and floaty feel to it. Where did this track come from?
Dragonfly is very near and dear to me. This song was inspired by the loss of a lost lover and friend. A couple years after she passed I was sitting on my doorstep on a sunny summer day and just started strumming the verse progression. I was trying to channel that feeling of loss and love I had for this person when a Dragonfly started floating in front of me. The lyrics and melody started pouring out of me and the first verses and chorus came quickly. Later I found a letter that she had written me and with a poem from Kahlil Gibran. I added it to the song which made the final verses and completed the song with her voice being a huge part of it.
RAG: I'm certainly hearing several styles on the vocals and music. What artists really influenced you?
I'm definitely not afraid of mixing genres, I am strongly influenced by so many different artists. Some of the singers I have listened to most are Manu Chao, Valerie June, Anderson Paak., Lauryn Hill, Possessed by Paul James, Johnny Cash, Willy Tea Taylor...
RAG: How did all of this start for you? Where did your love for music begin?
It started very young in church to be honest. Singing in the children's choirs and being surrounded by music at home growing up in rural British Columbia had a giant influence on my love for music. We lived with my grandma for a couple years and she was a huge inspiration. She taught herself to play piano and mandolin when she was in her sixties. My older cousins were folk and country songwriters and my uncles played folk and bluegrass, my Pops was a rock and roller and played bass guitar when he was younger.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist? Anything in the works even now?
My first proper music video premieres Monday July 12th on Glide Magazine and my full length album 'Shoot the Moon' drops September 10th on FVZZ Records. I'm going to be touring the UK with Danny Attack in October to promote the album.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I don't know if I'm ever not working on music haha! I'm a talent buyer for a couple venues in Bend, Oregon and VP for a Non-Profit record label. I also like to garden and spend time with my girlfriend.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
Danny Attack, NuFolk Rebel Alliance, Sly & the Family Stone, Manu Chao.
RAG: You've been releasing music consistently since 2020 on Spotify. What kind of advice would you have for other up and coming artists out there?
Definitely stay consistent with releases, keep your ego in check and stay grounded in your community and faith.
RAG: Will we see any music videos from you soon?
Yes, as I mentioned early, 'Shoot the Moon' drops on Monday via Glide Magazine and I have a video for Dragonfly dropping in late august as well.
RAG: Do you think you'll be dropping an EP or album this year?
I have a full length album coming out September 10th and I am already back in the studio working on an immediate follow up EP!
RAG: Now that things are getting better, will you be planning any live performances?
Yes, I am playing a handful of shows in Oregon and Colorado and a full UK tour including Wales, England and Scotland in October. I am constantly booking more shows.
RAG: How do you write your songs? Is it chords or lyrics first? It's different for everyone. How does it work for you?
Every morning before I do anything else I sit down with a guitar and write a song or half a song. Usually it's chords first then melody and then lyrics comes after but sometimes it's in reverse or some version of that process.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Much love and gratitude to each and every person that takes a moment of time to connect with me. I'm forever honored to get to share myself with you!
Comentários