The latest release from Marc Willis brings out a unique and edgy style of rap and hip hop that blend into an alternative pop backdrop with a mixture of textures that flow into each other seamlessly to create an atmosphere that becomes his own.
The Inflated Ego EP is something of a concept record really and takes you through a few different chapters on this musical Journey and throughout that, you get a lot of character to soak in.
The use of synths and keys along with the beats and production of this release is nothing short of brilliant as they use a combination of old-school methodology and a new-school alternative undertone and together they're able to engulf you.
One of the best things about the record is the points of view and the style and flow of how Marc does his thing. This is mainly because it's got a different vibe with each song and somehow, they still are confluent.
This is not your ordinary rap or hip-hop record, and you get a ton of honesty and truth right in your face spoken from his point of view, so this artist is a storyteller.
And storytellers always have something to say worth paying attention to. There's a lot more than meets the eye with this record and with this artist for sure.
You become attached to the style of the EP quickly and you start to pick up on the attachment between the last song and the next.
Throughout it all, you get the struggles and inspirations, trials, and tribulations of a human. This is incredibly relatable no matter who you are honestly.
The level of self-expression is so open and free that you can feel it throughout the course of the playthrough.
So, this is a conscious record that means more than what's just on the top layer.
You're supposed to peel those layers back to really read between the lines.
With the release of such an in-depth EP, we wanted to have a sit-down with Marc Willis to find out where this actually came from and what might be next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Let's kick things off with the Inflated Ego EP. This record hits a smart genre crossover and it sounds great! Where did this record come from?
It’s funny, I scrapped my debut project multiple times since I started making music about six years ago. I obsessed over every detail - my artist brain had some idea of it being perfect or ground-breaking. When I realized it didn’t have to be that, the final product came together over 4-5 months in a blur. I went through something that really kicked my ass and gave me a sort of mid-20s crisis. It made me realize I have to start taking shit seriously if I want something out of it..if I want to take it to the next level.
After that, I decided to do a complete overhaul of my priorities. And now, I’m in a really great place in life. I’m doing better than I ever have - financially, physically, spiritually. I feel like I’m starting to know who I truly am as a person, and what my purpose is, and it feels incredible. I wanted to put that feeling of purpose, of confidence, into an audio form.
Buzz Slayers: When did this all start for you? When did you fall in love with music?
This started as soon as I could make memories. One of my first memories is of a Crayola kid’s keyboard that I was given around my 4th birthday. It had 16 keys of different colors, in the shape of crayons. There were some synth presets and pre-programmed drum patterns that you could arrange. That was my favorite toy for years.
I grew up listening to a lot of Rap, R&B, & Soul music that my parents would play in the house. Occasionally Jazz, or some 70s-80s old school Funk/Disco like Earth Wind & Fire. My taste expanded in my teens, after getting Guitar Hero & Rock Band.
I liked a lot of the music those games offered, but I really connected with Punk, Shoegaze, & Metal. I put hours in learning how to play all the instruments - “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth has broken a few pairs of drumsticks. Now, I consider myself a fan of all genres, except Country. Friends have tried to convince me, but I can’t get into it.
Buzz Slayers: What inspires you to write a song?
Anything that gives me energy, whether that energy is positive or negative. I’m working on a song right now about the Kansas City Chiefs going to the Super Bowl. Watching the game and post-game interviews inspired me. When I see extremes of emotion, I feed off of it.
Buzz Slayers: This record has some great styles! Can you give us some of your top musical influences?
Too many to name. Off the top of my head - Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, in terms of sound. Billy Corgan & Danny Brown in terms of vocal delivery and intensity. Pierre Bourne & Mike Dean in terms of beat-making and production. Also, Bad Bunny opened up my interest in genres I didn’t have much exposure to growing up, which I’m still diving into.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Those times are pretty rare. But usually working my 9-5 in the matrix, out with friends, in the gym, or playing God of War. I’ve played it about 10 times and it’s still not enough.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Yeat & BBYGOYARD. It’s interesting because I didn’t like the music at all when I first heard it. But I like music that changes how I think about music or what it could be. When I’m listening to something I don’t understand at first, I know I’m onto something.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Not at the moment, but very soon. Stay tuned.
Buzz Slayers: This EP feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
Shut out the world and just lock in. If you really want to create something of quality, you will have to turn down opportunities to hang out, or go party, or whatever. I think back to an interview I was watching a few years ago, someone said you have to become kind of a hermit and go off the grid to achieve your vision. This is 100% true.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
More consistent releases, and an increase in songwriting quality. I have the beatmaking, vocal processing, & mixing down to a science. Now my main goal is making real music, making real quality songs, that stick with people for years. Creating real art.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Good morning to fans of MARC WILLIS music only. MARC WILLIS fans are extremely attractive and goal-driven, this is proven by research and evidence-based statistics.