Following on from her much-loved ‘Wrong Woman’ EP last year, Latvia’s MARTA recently returned once again to deliver her vibrant new single ‘Lovable’.
Bringing back more of that broad and emotive alt-pop aesthetic she is known for, ‘Lovable’ marks once of her more impactful efforts to date. So with the new track available now, we caught up with her to discuss her origins and influences over the years.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
I was that kid—the one singing from the age of three, participating in children’s singing competitions, attending music school, and learning piano. Music has always been a significant part of my life. Even though no one in my family had a music-related career or hobby, I always aspired to be a singer. Later, I moved to London and studied musical theatre at the London College of Music. After returning to Latvia and spending some time performing in theatre and musical theatre, I had a life-changing revelation: my love for songwriting. It was probably the best discovery I’ve ever made. Additionally, I expanded my involvement in the music industry by working as a radio presenter, which has given me a broader perspective on music and its impact. This journey has been quite diverse but incredibly interesting.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
I grew up listening to some great artists—my parents loved ABBA, Queen, and The Beatles, so that definitely left a mark. Since beginning my own songwriting-journey, I’ve been especially inspired by women who write their own songs and share their stories on their own terms. I’m a big fan of storytelling in music, so naturally, I’m a Swiftie—I went to The Eras Tour twice and still can’t get over how amazing Taylor Swift is. Then, of course, there are artists like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, and Ashe… I could just go on and on about the brilliant female musicians that inspire me.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
I’ve often been compared to Taylor Swift, which is definitely a compliment for me, however, I’ve never tried copying her. I believe every artist, whether they realise it or not, takes inspiration from the music they listen to. I go through phases that change whenever I find a new song or album to obsess over, and it definitely influences me somehow. For example, I’ve been listening to IDER and Chloe Qisha on repeat for about a month now.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
Most of my music is autobiographical; it’s a way for me to level my emotions. My hypersensitivity—both a strength and a weakness—means that when I’m happy or excited, it’s pure, childlike joy. When I’m upset, I’m really upset. This explains why my music can be super confident and cheerful at one moment, and quite sad at another. When I’m low, I pour my heart out in my writing, trying to make sense of things I can’t understand. When I’m high, I aim to capture that feeling in music, so I have a reminder that life can be great.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
This is a painful topic for me. To be honest, I never felt any obstacles growing up as a girl, until I started pursuing music. It took me a while to realise what was happening—I didn’t notice it at first. Now I see that the bar for male and female musicians is quite different, and the criticism a female artist receives is on a whole other level. There are rooms you walk into as a female artist or songwriter, and suddenly, you feel invisible. But I do believe things are changing, and I’m really glad to see more people talking about it. There are some fantastic initiatives supporting female musicians across the globe, and I’m proud to be getting involved with them.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
In my latest EP, Wrong Woman (released in August 2024), I explore what it’s like being a woman in today’s world—the joys and the challenges. It’s about coming of age, learning my self-worth, and confronting things that I find unfair. I’ve been on a journey of empowering myself and my listeners without feeling guilty or consumed by thoughts like, ‘Am I too much? Do I sound too full of myself?’ Honestly, it’s time to let go of that nonsense. It’s time to be brave! That said, I’m not afraid to sing about love and relationships either—I love love. After all, that’s what makes life worth living.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
Every song usually starts with an idea—just a word, a combination of words, or a line. These ideas often pop into my head at random moments, so I make sure to write them down. This way, I have options to explore when I sit down to write, whether alone with my piano or during a songwriting session. Melodies typically come easily; I hear hooks in my head and try to pair them with the perfect lyrics. It’s interesting how this process feels both emotional and heartfelt, yet also somewhat mathematical. By the way, I was good at maths at school, haha. Also, starting a song is much easier than finishing one.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
We’re all human—so different yet we experience similar joys and pains. I believe that when I speak my truth and am 100% honest, it will resonate with at least one person on this planet, and that’s what truly matters. If someone listens to my songs and feels seen, whether they cry, dance, or cry and dance at once, I’ve accomplished my goal. Making someone feel something is my biggest aim. And if even one aspiring female musician can look up to me as a source of inspiration, I’ll be over the moon.
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Watch the new video for MARTA’s ‘Lovable’ below.