In a world where music often serves as the canvas for personal stories, Marcilli’s latest single, ‘Done (Breakup Anthem),’ is painted with the hues of defiance and resilience. This Jamaican-born artist opens up about the emotional wellspring that inspired their musical journey and the messages they aim to convey.
In this candid conversation, the Theatre Arts graduate shares experiences on being the ” an openly queer-identified Jamaican artists” and the plans they have to break barriers in a culture that hasn’t always been welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Marcilli, your new single ‘Done (Breakup Anthem)’ is described as defiantly incendiary. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what message you aim to convey?
Heartbreak from numerous situations has inspired “Done (Breakup Anthem).” Since music is a way I could expressed myself, I really poured my heart into writing this song. The message I want to convey to my audience is that you shouldn’t be afraid to put up boundaries and walk away when you’ve had enough.
Being one of the first openly queer-identified Jamaican artists, your aim is to break barriers in a culture?
Being one of the voices for the LGBTQ+ community in the Caribbean means a lot to me. I want to be able to advocate for rights and safety. I would like to use my music to propel us forward into the mainstream arts and entertainment industry. I also want to be an inspiration for young queers to let them know that they can also follow their dreams, and be their authentic self.
Done (Breakup Anthem)’ combines elements of dance music, R&B, and Latin pop. What draws you to this eclectic mix of genres, and how do they contribute to the song’s emotional impact?
We went through different stages with the beat. My demo was more of an R&B flow, but Alexx Antaeus (my producer) wanted to take it a step higher and transform it into a dance track. We loved it, but we weren’t 100% sold. He then suggested this amazing Puerto Rican singer, Natalis, and said she’d be a great addition to the song. When she hopped on the track, we fused in elements of Dominican Dembow and Guaguancó (Cuban Rumba). After hearing the finished product, we knew the song was complete. We created the ideal song to dance to while crying.
How did this collaboration with Alexx Antaeus come about, and what was it like working together on this project?
Alexx actually saw me on social media (and this is why I always tell people to post their content) and he discovered a video of me singing the demo version of done. We connected over a meeting and the rest was history. Working with Alexx has been a total game-changer, no doubt about it. He really saw my talent and I can’t thank him enough for that. Our duo is one-of-a-kind, super fun and we had a blast working together.
Natalis, has collaborated with J Cole and Kanye West, can you share the significance of this collaboration and how it enhances the song’s narrative?
This collaboration means a lot to me. She’s such a kind and genuine soul and of course multi talented. I was honored for her to join in on this song. She amplified it to 1000% with her smooth vocals and her Latin touch.
Releasing your single just before Jamaican Independence Day is a bold move. Can you explain the significance of this timing and the message you want to send to both your fans and the Jamaican community?
I wanted it to be symbolic in a way. Within this song, I was breaking free from a toxic relationship just as how Jamaica was breaking from colonization on Independence Day. It also felt very liberating to release a queer-centric song during the time of my country’s independence. I wanted my community to be seen with this release; similar to how my fellow Jamaicans love to be heard during this time of celebration.
Could you share some of the creative and personal milestones you’ve achieved with this single that make you particularly proud?
Yes, I am very proud of the fact that “Done” has reached over 1.3 million views on YouTube so far. I’m also very proud of myself personally for putting out a professional project and being so involved in the creation of this song. Another thing I’m proud of is the creative direction that I took because I’m a huge lover of how aesthetically pleasing something is and what story can be told. And I feel as if this song portrays my concept, creation and artistic views very well.
As an artist, you’re blazing trails and setting an example for future generations. How do you hope your music and your identity can impact other artists who want to express themselves freely?
I hope that the younger generation sees me as the representation that’s so hard to come by, especially in the Caribbean. I want to be the living proof that you can become mainstream, no matter how you identify.
What’s next for Marcilli?
Monom Records, my label, will be releasing a remix to “Done” on September 22nd. It is a Deep House kind of vibe. And I can’t wait to see how everyone responds to it!
Are there any upcoming projects or goals you’d like to share with your fans and the world?
Well, Alexx and I just finished recording a new single, which Monom Records will release in January. The album is also in the works for a summer 2024 release. We are experimenting with different genres as well. One of my goals is that I’ll be able to perform more internationally, and start touring really soon!
