London-based, British-Albanian singer-songwriter Marsela has dropped her debut single, “Who Knows Where The Love Goes?” to critical acclaim from a variety of music review publications including Notion.

Marsella’s infectious soul/jazz flare, a range like Joplins’, and cinematic storytelling. The release covers a narrative of hopelessness and the struggles of a rough breakup, which makes for a hard-hitting debut. Her soulful vocal is at the forefront of her musical identity that she describes as 'dramatic’ music. Her captivating sound is developed. Having decided to pursue music as a later than the norm, she commends her time in the ‘shade’ for allowing her to develop and write boundlessly.

With the premiere of “Who Knows Where The Love Goes?”, Marsela is proving what it means to be an empowered female artist.

The debut single “Who knows where the love goes” is about a relationship is this a theme of your music?

Love is definitely a prominent theme alongside many others; loss, grief, power. I like to say the things that go unsaid. 'We're never taught when we should let go' is my favourite line because it's so honest and there's a vulnerability in that.

What’s the song about?

Who Knows Where The Love Goes? Is inspired by the act of someone waking up one day and deciding they no longer want someone they've been building a life with, with no explanation. It waltzes between feelings of hopelessness to actually pointing the finger, which is what we do when we’re left doing guesswork. I find it to be quite a terrifying prospect to have the rug swept from under your feet and so I wrote about it.

How would you describe your music?

I would say my music is mostly on the melancholic side, quite cathartic. I have had a few people contact me saying my debut single 'Who Knows Where The Love Goes?' was getting them through their break up and that's really special to me.

Who or what influences you the most when making music?

The feeling that I want to convey. In general, I love all genres- every single one has something to offer. I love artists that convey a lot of emotion. Nina Simone. I love Amy Winehouse. More recently I've been listening to old records by Youssou N'dour. He's just absolutely incredible. That feeling I have when I listen to them is how I want people to feel when they listen to my songs.

What music Have you been listening to lately?

I listen to everything. A lot of soul/jazz, classics. I love rock too, I love everything. I did say in a previous interview I want to be in a rock band later in life and have had a few questions on that. There's just such an energy in rock- it must be so exhilarating to play on stage. I have a playlist of my favourites on spotify called 'A salad of songs'- it's all in the name!

This is your only song out, are you planning to release new music this year?

Fingers crossed! We will see where the tide takes us.

You posted photos of you singing while playing the piano, is playing the piano what started your music path?

I started singing and then taught myself piano so I could write everything myself.

You've been doing some covers, what is your favourite cover you've done?

I love all of them. Donny Hathaway might be my favourite.

Experiencing both Albania and Britain how have these two places influenced your music?

To be honest, music is such a pivotal part of Albanian and British culture so it exists as somewhat of a home in between two places.

As you just released a debut single, what are your goals for the future of your music career?

Playing festivals is on my list- I love playing live and seeing peoples reactions. Definitely my favourite part of it all so I'm looking forward to that.

You've been doing lots of photoshoots, have you been involved in the art direction?

Yes, I usually have ideas in mind for all of them. It's great to present my artistic identity in visual form. I'm so lucky to have worked with such talented emerging photographers/teams, merging our ideas together to create something new and fresh.

Have you overcome any difficulties in starting your music career, what's your journey been so far?

I'm lucky to have a definite vision of what I want to create so I'm focused on that. I get obsessed on whether things are perfect, put it to the side and later on realise I had hit the nail on the head. I'm trying to work on that.

Any tips for female artists/musicians from your experiences?

Yes. Be firm in your ideas. Don't let people tell you anything less. Collaborate with other females. We are a force to be reckoned with. Girl Power forever AND EVER!!!

You're currently studying a post-graduate degree in Business at Cambridge University how do you think this time will help to develop your music career and why Cambridge?

There are so many things I want to achieve within the realm of music outside of being an artist. There is room for shaking things up in regards to breaking glass ceilings, particularly within sound, but I am also passionate about music education. It's a privilege that is not afforded to everyone and that needs to change. This definitely requires a long term strategy. Cambridge because their business ecosystem is incredible. So much is going on, especially in regards to amplifying voices. I'm very excited about it.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Focus on new releases, maybe get to know the people that are listening to my music and why. Offer a shoulder and agony aunt advice. Wow, maybe I should make that a thing! I'm really keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed to be able to play live ASAP.

Connect With Marsela

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Interview | Eva Leung

MARSELA Releases Debut Single | ‘WHO KNOWS WHERE THE LOVE GOES’ To Critical Acclaim |We Talk Girl Power & Studying Business At Cambridge