Marzz on the Powerful Black Artists That Inspired 'Love Letterz'

Let it be known there is a penalty for sleeping on Marzz. You will be missing out on a joyous voice, a beautiful human worthy of celebration, and - most importantly - your summer PRIDE jam supply will be lesser for it.

Self-described as an everyday person who is loving and caring, it is hard not to notice the poignant reminder of her lost brother hanging from her neck, a small portrait that carries an enormous weight. Marzz admits her fallen brother is the engine for her success, a "voice in her head" prodding her on, giving her a sign in the sky to reach for. All of this is audibly felt in Marzz's vocals, affecting and personable, finding a perfect place over the track, whatever the tempo or style.

Unburdened by the difficulties of the pandemic, Marzz kept plotting, writing and staying grateful her family was close by her side, a family bustling with musical talent. Crediting gospel music and the church as her musical foundation, Marzz's mom and aunties were all in the church choir (her mom standing out like a tall stork based on old family photos) and the unthrottled resonance of her range belies this upbringing.

Native to Louisville, Kentucky, Marzz contemplated going to bible college and becoming a third-generation minister, but both her sexual identity and the wider world of pop and R&B called to her. Possibly it was the red planet hanging in the sky giving gravity to her spirit, but she came out and the artist Marzz was born.

The diversity of her influences rings true in her debut EP Love Letterz, with sultry R&B jams bookending hip-hop-infused verses, punctuated by bright punchy beats. The honesty of her voice and message clearly has appeal, one of her early supporters from inline postings was production guru Timbaland himself, who reached out to offer help making several tracks. A miracle? A stroke of divine intervention? Well, Marzz has both the talent and pedigree to allow for both to be true. Luckily for us, Marzz was also happy to point to some of her principal influences, a lineage of greats who helped guide her musical gifts to the nuanced, celebratory package it is now.

The Clark Sisters - "Jesus Is A Love Song!"