Sydney rockers Marvell have announced their most powerful single to date – Needle, a true journey of a song that describes the hardships, trauma and impossible hope that accompanies a cancer battle, released today.  Accompanying the track is an equally affecting video, made in collaboration with Brae Fisher (Dear Seattle).  Needle precedes Marvell’s new EP, Comfort Is King which is set for release on December 9. The band checked in with us for a quick Q+A

Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with Hear 2 Zen, what have you been up to today?
Going through new songs, drinking way too much coffee, eating Bega stringers.

Tell us about yourself, how long have you been performing/creating music for? 
Collectively 40 years, as a band – 6 years.

Who are your greatest inspirations?  Why?
Dan Auerbach, David Bowie, Bernard Fanning, Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Annie Lennox, Jimmy Page – all of these artists influenced our creative thought process.

How do you create music?  Are you lyrics/story driven, or does the music/melody come first?  Explain your process.
Everything starts on an acoustic guitar, and if it doesn’t work on an acoustic guitar – it’s not happening. Everything else will fall into place.

What has been your greatest challenge so far in performing/creating music?
Our founding member and drummer got cancer, breakups, COVID-19, and living interstate. Take your pick!

Tell us about your new release, how did it come about?
Our founding drummer, BJ’s, battle through cancer. It’s a story through his eyes and ours.

What advice do you have to artists who are just starting out?
Don’t play for anyone but yourself. In a world of copycats, individuality is paramount.

Tell us your favourite Zen practice.
A strong coffee and an even stronger joint.