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Marley Carroll: 'Meaning Leaving'

Marley Carroll
Marley Carroll

Multi-instrumentalist Marley Carroll assembles ambient electronic pieces drawing from diverse genres, including hip-hop, free jazz, and various world music traditions.

Titled after a type of jellyfish, Marley Carroll's album Melanaster uses both field recordings and tradtional instruments to set moods that revolve around Carroll's fascination with the vast, serene ocean. He says, "To me the jellyfish is this beautiful embodiment of the simplest way of existing... no purpose, no meaning is needed; it is life just because". The track "Meaning Leaving" recalls Kid A era Radiohead with cut-up guitar and calm, cyclical beats. The manipulated vocals on "First Impressions" give an unearthly feel to gorgeously subdued glitch pop.

Like many musicians, Carroll began taking piano and guitar lessons as a young child. He later became fascinated with turntablism and more percussive styles. His music exploration eventually led him to study at the California Institute of the Arts.

Melanaster, which was completely self-recorded and produced, took Marley nearly four years to piece together and finish. It will be available for full download on his website.

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