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You know that feeling – the longing for a sweet, sad tune to buzz your brain with some blissful distraction. It's even better when paired with a retro 8mm vibe visualizer that brings all the false nostalgia to the forefront. Loving Marion Raw's latest release, "You Gotta," is easy. We've been wowed by its elegant simplicity, and had to know more. Read ahead to hear more about the song and cohesively vibey video here, from the artist herself: 

OTW: Can you describe your creative process for “You Gotta”? Are there any personal experiences or stories behind the song? 

Marion Raw: When I sat down to write this song I approached it as a conversation—a reflection, maybe even an explanation- I often had running in the background of my subconscious. Like most of my songs, it’s rooted in personal experience. Despite having many siblings, I grew up feeling very alone and displaced. I left my mother’s custody at the very tender age of 12 and had to find my own way. This song captures that journey into adulthood and the self-parenting that shaped who I am today. It’s about the search for truth and inner strength amidst mistakes and heartache. At the heart of this festive and lighthearted song is the idea that the pursuit of truth is found and maintained through self love.

What kind of visual style or aesthetic did you aim for in the video? Are there any specific influences or inspirations?

The visual style of the video is not something we planned; instead, we just allowed the creative process to unfold naturally. My ongoing collaboration with Isabelle Abbitt has been invaluable—working together on multiple music videos and photo shoots in the past, we usually dive into projects with an open mind, letting ideas and surprises evolve as we work. I also find that the editing stage often reveals unexpected elements of the story that are impossible to plan for. For example, I felt particularly inspired by Andy Warhol’s Chelsea Girls when I was contemplating the use of the split screen once I was editing the material, and there was an instant nostalgia delivered just by deciding to shoot on a high 8 camera. I love thinking about how my idols or mentors would have gone about making things in today’s technological era. I find that so fun!

How does this project set the stage for your future work? Are there any new directions you’re excited to explore?

This song feels to me like the end of a very important chapter and it paves the way for my upcoming album, “Palabras en un Bar” (Words in a Bar), which will be my first entirely in Spanish. It’s a project that reflects a more mature sound and a deeper connection to my Mexican roots. Writing in Spanish lets me express myself in a way that reveals a different side of my personality, one that is slightly more histrionic —a type of vulnerability conveyed through the scenery and portraits that the language and its prose allows me. I’m very excited for the year ahead!