MAVAREL (Martial) crafts pure atmosphere in “Nevermind” with a hypnotic vocal theme which rests on a dark, moody synth line and a slow, dystopic beat-an instant throwback to the smoky, early 2010s dubstep sound from a London underground black box on a Friday night. Read our discussion with the artist below!
Describe your sound in 3 words
Atmospheric, moving, intoxicating
Tell us a few things about your new album No Restrictions. What is the story behind it?
This album features several tracks that I created over the past two years. It spans genres of electronic music that I personally enjoy and find inspiring. In retrospect, I could call it a concept album, but honestly, I just went with the flow. That’s how these different styles or rather, phases came together. There are times when I’m drawn to house music, and other times when I lean more toward dark electronica. For this album, I didn’t limit myself to any one style, which is why I titled it No Restrictions.
How important is the element of “space” or “texture” in your production, particularly when transitioning between your more ambient tracks and your club-ready rhythms?
For me, “space” is that mystical ambience created by pads or wide, layered loops, often with subtle effects in the background that give a track depth and an engaging sound design. “Textures” are, for example, those crispy grain delay effects. When I produce ambient music, it feels like I’m clearing my mind or painting a picture with sound. On more club-oriented tracks, the focus shifts to the groove rather than experimenting with sound design.
Artists like Rival Consoles, Lorn, The Black Dog, and Daft Punk are cited as influence, a very diverse group. How do you synthesize the atmospheric introspection of an artist like Lorn with the driving rhythms of someone like Daft Punk?
The artists I mentioned are sources of inspiration, but I don’t consciously try to merge these aesthetics or moods.
What is the most intriguing idm drop you wish you had composed yourself?
There are countless tracks that I admire, but if I had to pick one, it would be “Subtle Ones” by Robot Koch & BlackFor.ms.
What is the story behind your name?
Initially, I wanted to create something using my real name, Martial, but nothing clicked. MAVAREL came to me as a sudden spark of inspiration during a Sunday morning brunch. I then Googled the name to check if it already existed and apart from Marvel, I found nothing quite like it at the time.
Which Superpower Would You Choose? The ability to fly or to be invisible?
To be invisible.
If a listener was completely new to MAVAREL, which track or project would you recommend they start with to best understand your unique artistic vision, and why?
I can’t really point to a single track. If I get a sense of someone’s taste in electronic music during a conversation, I can make a recommendation. Otherwise, the best way is simply to explore the entire discography.
Thank you!
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