The electronic music scene is a chameleon, constantly shifting hues with every beat and drop. Amidst this kaleidoscopic change, Marlo Hoogstraten (MaRLo), known for his potent blend of hard-hitting techno and emotive melodies, sits with Gen-Z Magazine aboard the ‘It’s the Ship‘ festival to dissect the future of electronic music and the impact of the digital age on artistic creativity.
“Adaptability is key,” MaRLo states, as he reflects on the evolution of his sound. Embracing the duality of his musical persona, he distinguishes his ‘normal set’ rich in vocals and melody from his ‘tech energy set’ that caters to the raw power of harder beats. “The normal set I can play more vocal and more accessible music and more melodic, more sort of a good positive feeling and the tech energy is more for the aggressive, harder set,” he explains.
Unexpectedly, it’s artists like Lana Del Rey and bands like U2 that fuel MaRLo’s creative fire, imparting a timeless quality and emotional power to his tracks. Their influence is evident as MaRLo continues to inject a stadium rock sound into the electronic paradigm.
Performing on a ship, he says, is an experience unlike any other, offering a sense of freedom and endless inspiration from the surrounding ocean. Yet, for MaRLo, creative roadblocks are non-existent. His challenge lies not in finding inspiration but in sifting through the abundance of ideas that come to him.
In the era of streaming, where playlists dominate and singles overshadow albums, MaRLo takes a pragmatic stance. “It is what it is,” he remarks, emphasizing the need for artists to create music that caters to the instant gratification sought by today’s listeners, even if it means focusing on just “10 seconds that are really good” for social media platforms.
For the aspiring Gen Z creators, MaRLo’s advice is straightforward: leverage the power of technology and free educational resources to craft your sound. However, he warns of the volatile nature of fame in the current social media landscape. He observes a shift where even viral artists struggle to build a consistent profile and emphasizes the importance of cultivating a genuine fanbase.
“Build loyalty, and then you can go to a place and people will follow you and come and watch you,” he advises. “It’s not about the numbers on social media, but about real people who pay for tickets to enjoy your performance.”
This conversation isn’t just a peek into the mind of a dynamic artist; it’s a blueprint for navigating the ever-changing tides of the music industry. Marlo Hoogstraten doesn’t just ride the waves of change — he harnesses them, remaining firmly anchored in the essence of what makes music resonate across generations.
Words and photo by: @emerson.baun
Special acknowledgment to PRess COMMunications and It’s the Ship
