Follow Marmalade
Oh, now we’re heading to New Zealand! Let me introduce you to Marmalade, a duo of friends who have an absolute blast making music together, and you can hear it. Jem & Koen reached out to us because they noticed that IMC features indie-folk, indie-pop, and indie-rock music, and thought, “Perfect! We do all three at once!” And they were absolutely right to send us this incredible track: “Houston.”
Why incredible? Simply because it features a striking contrast between its melody and its lyrics. As someone who is fully bilingual, I immediately picked up on this contrast since I understand English. But for fun, I tested the song on my girlfriend, who doesn’t speak English. She said, “Wow, this song is perfect for partying, it’s such a feel-good vibe!” Then I explained the meaning behind the lyrics, and she was floored.
Yes, behind the upbeat and “party all night, raise your glasses, and who cares about tomorrow” vibe, Houston hides a deeper reality, as Jem explained:
“This song was written from a place of feeling like you need help but don’t know how to ask for it. It stemmed from a feeling of wanting to just kind of yell for support but not having the bravery to do so.”
Marmalade has pulled off something truly special here, venturing into territory where few artists dare to tread: mastering contrasts. Houston is both a sunny, high-energy gem and a deeply emotional portrayal of someone struggling with insecurity, unsure how to break free.
From the very first seconds, you’re hooked by Jem’s incredible voice, which is reminiscent of greats like WILD. And the fact that they deliver a super catchy chorus in just 23 seconds is a huge win for radio programmers, who, let’s not forget, are more likely to select tracks with a chorus hook before the 40-second mark. With a 23-second mark, I think this is unprecedented, but Marmalade has all the chances on their side. Oh, and did I mention? They managed to get their single “Bright” to #2 on the New Zealand charts this year. Not bad at all!Marmalade is a promising duo with perfect synergy, whether in their songwriting or vocal harmonies. Houston is part of their debut 5-track EP ‘Sober,’ which is already available. A great opportunity to explore the other sides of the duo, including their pop sound with ‘Bright’ and their rock edge with ‘Awkward.’
IMC Listening Guide
Quick insights to help you connect with the song on your terms.
Best weather to enjoy this song
Sunny day
Best time to listen
Midday energy boost
Best place to listen
At home
Does this song haunt the silence?
Impossible to forget
Goosebumps scale
Chills guaranteed
