Marika Hackman
'81 (Joanna Newsom cover)
As we wind down our Residency with Miss Marika Hackman, we had the opportunity to shoot over a few choice questions, in hopes of getting to know this unique and alluring artist a little bit better. From her musical upbringing to who some of her biggest influences were, check out what this indie UK artist had to say.
TMN: First and foremost, we can’t tell you how excited we were to have you as our Resident Artist for this month. You’re not only our first female musician, but also our first non-EDM artist. We realize we’re not the only blog that’s given you love though, so talk to us about what the blogosphere and Hype Machine means to smaller artists such as yourself.
MH: I think they’re incredibly important as they provide an instant platform for up and coming artists, especially those without backing from a label or management. It’s great to know that there are blogs with real clout in the industry constantly searching for new exciting stuff, and sharing it.
TMN: So, we have to imagine that you had a musical upbringing as a child. Were your parents musically gifted, or did they just notice your talents at a young age?
MH: yeah both of my parents play a variety of instruments, and my grandparents too. We always had music playing in the house when i was growing up so its been at the forefront of my life for a while. I started having piano lessons when i was about 4 which also gave me a musical understanding from a very young age, although i was never particularly good at it. i then went on to have lessons in the bass guitar and drums, so i guess my parents were keen to let me explore the more musical side of myself.
TMN: Walk us through being a teenage Marika Hackman. What were you listening to? What were you dressed like? What kinds of kids did you run around with?
MH: i think i had two or three versions of the same navy blue hoody so that i could wash them on a rota which meant i could wear one every day haha. quite the fashionista. I guess i was really getting into Laura Veirs at that point, and the Shins as well. I think i just had both of them on repeat for a good few years. I went to quite a progressive school and it was very small so there weren’t really any cliques or anything like that, so most of the people i hung out with just normal teenagers i suppose.
TMN: Fast forward to working with Dirty Hit. This label has churned out some really impressive artists. What does it mean to you having them at your back, supporting you along the way?
MH: Its amazing to know that i have people behind me who understand what i’m trying to achieve, and who are trying to pave the way for me to do that rather than put their stamp all over me. i guess it’s just nice to know that my artistic integrity will never be put on the line and i can knuckle down and focus on writing the songs i want to write.
