A smooth and absolutely refreshing summer single from Marsalis Davis brings on a killer R&B pop tone and does it all with a catchy attitude and a colorful character that all come together into a love song that just has the right feel.
"Butterflies" has a vibrant and youthful tonality, and the chorus is one hell of a hook.
This song has wonderful way of grabbing you with an unstoppable energy and a flow that showcases a tasteful approach at lyrical phrasing and the whole song incorporates this style and approach throughout its course.
This is part of Davis's style and its part to what makes him so unique.
yeah, he can sing, he can write a great hook, but it's the way he squeezes words together and makes them sound so catchy even just in the rhythmic patter on them.
It's super addictive and sets him apart from many in terms of performance and presence.
His songs are intelligent and conscious and can make you think even when the flow is quick, and you have to go back again to catch it all.
"Butterflies" sets itself apart by reforming into a pop song. It's hip hop but the pop element gives it a little extra.
It's radio friendly and it's the type of son you want to show your friends.
It's already your girlfriend's favorite song.
With the release of this single, we wanted to touch base with Davis to talk about where it came from and what's next.
Here's what went down.
RAG: Okay so let's start with "Butterflies". This single has a great and warm summer feel to it. Where did this track come from?
Honestly, this record came from out of nowhere. It was during the time of quarantine in 2020, right before going on tour, and I couldn't do anything. Besides, make music and take walks at 7 in the morning lol. I was stuck with crucial writers, over-thinking, "how do I surpass myself from last year?". Like the big bang, BOOM! The idea came to me and next thing you know I'm Harry Styles creating happy pop music.
RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this song. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Sheesh, there's so many musical influences that have molded me into the artist that I am today. I few I can say off the top of my head are Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Saint Jhn, Coheed & Cambria, Kendrick Lamar, SlipKnot, Patrick Stump (Fall out Boy), PartyNextDoor, Michael Jackson, Prince, Method Man, Blink 182, FLOW (Japanese Band) and the list goes on forever. Some say I'm a chameleon when I create because I can give you a plethora of flavors in just 3 minutes of a record.
RAG: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
I never really saw myself being a full-time music artist nor did I see myself taking it as far as I am now. I recorded songs with my best friend KickBackKev just for fun in highschool then afterwhile life started to happen. Now writing becomes an outlet to decompress, therapy I guess you can say. I went through some pretty harsh motions where writing was the only thing there for me. My pen and my thoughts forming metaphors, and stories disguised into subliminals of what I'm experiencing at the moment.
I started to fall in love with music when I started to see that my creations were more than just sounds with special effects. People actually began to relate to my life, to my lyrics. It's an overwhelming emotion when someone you barely know contacts you and says " You really saved my life", "I didn't know I wasn't the only one who went through this", like on the lines of that. Thinking to myself I'm flabbergasted like ,"Wow, maybe I should keep going with this,". Being able to relate to listeners is what I Iove the most about songs.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
What's next for me is booking more tours and focusing on marketing management. I've been the "1-man band" for some years now and I'm pretty tired of it haha. Doing everything myself, whether it's booking shows, creating reels for IG and TikTok, designing my own artwork for my singles/albums, and setting up my photoshoots, that definitely takes a toll on me physically and mentally. I want to create a super team where everyone flourishes around me while still keeping the goal in mind.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
Usually moments and living out in the world. I'm so weird because I can see a blue jay, or raining clouds and a song will pop up in my head on the spot most of the time. Truly, it doesn't take much for me. I love to feel and devour the atmosphere I'm in at the time and space. I sound like the super empath right now haha.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I am binge watching Stranger Things, Boku No hero Academia, or just grabbing a nice Lager from my nearest pub. I like to give my brain a break sometimes so that I can attack back with new material.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
Right now I am listening to Bino Rideaux, Saint Jhn, Ethan Bortnick and Marsalis Davis (myself)
RAG: Are you doing live performances?
Yes, I am actually! I will be performing in East Rutherford at American Dream July 16th. Of course I'll have more dates, so definitely come out to catch the chaos and feel good vibes you know!
RAG: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
Yes, yes, it is. I strive to create a timeless emotion when you listen to what I release.
To my upcoming artists, please create a catalogue of music for yourself. Stay true to yourself and never be scared to be different. Just because your friends don't like it does not equal the rest of the world. You're sitting on a hit record right now! Take that risk and go all out!
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
To my fans, thank you for everything. I hope to see you all at some of my shows or even out in the world. Let's grab some French toast and rock out. I love you all truly. Stay WEiiIRD. Stay blessed. More importantly, STAY YOU!
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