This is an interview done with Marielle Kraft, read her story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!

Q: Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?

A: I grew up in Rhode Island, went to University of Delaware, became a full-time 6th grade English teacher, and then left teaching to pursue music full time in 2018. What started as a hobby in my dorm room became something I fell in love with, and I’ve been building a grassroots listenership ever since through touring and posting online. At the end of 2020, I moved to Nashville and have since written a ton of songs I really love. I still feel like I’m at the beginning of my career, but I have already learned so much.

Q: What makes you love what you do? How long have you been making music? Would you call it your passion?

A: I love songwriting because it keeps me accountable for telling the truth. Sometimes we bend and shape a story (especially a hurtful one) to be more favorable toward us or easier to swallow, but my songwriting is as it’s best when I pour raw emotion into it. Co-writing with others has led me to my dearest friends, as well as allowed me to connect with people around the world who resonate with my lyrics. 

I started playing guitar in high school because Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album rocked my world, and began writing songs for fun in college as I was tackling my English major. It wasn’t profitable until I played shows on the weekends while I was teaching (needed that side cash). Now that music is my career, it’s something I both want and need to do. Somedays that balance is a struggle, but it’s what I love more than anything else.

Q: What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?

A: I’ve been writing with some folks who I’ve looked up to for a while, and that has been both exciting and terrifying. This last year has also brought cool touring opportunities, such as supporting artists I love like Jon McLaughlin, Jordy Searcy, Mt. Joy, and JORDY. I’m wrapping up my next project in the studio as we speak, and I can confidently say that it’s the best music I’ve ever created. I’m really proud of that.

Q: Tell us about “Shrink”!!

A: Shrink is the first single off of my next project! It came out on April 8th, and has been so fun to finally share with the world. The last few years of my releases have mostly consisted of breakup songs, but Shrink feels like an evolution of that narrative. Instead of writing it to my ex, it’s written to myself. It’s an “I’m ready to move on for ME” song rather than an “I’m ready to move on from YOU” kind of song. Plus it’s just really catchy and fun!!

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is starting out in the music industry?

A: Don’t be so precious with what you create. Yes, pour your heart and soul into it and make sure it’s quality work, but don’t get so caught up in perfection that you never share it with anyone (I’ve been guilty of this). Big breaks don’t really happen as much anymore; it’s all about a series of small breaks that eventually amount to something big. Release that song you wrote, post that video you made, say yes to that project with your friends. The more you do, the more you will have an idea of who you are.

Q: What do you want our readers to know about you and your music?

A: This music is who I am, but it’s also who we are. I hope you find a lyric or a concept or a narrative in my music that acts as your own reflection. But even if you and I have completely different life experiences, my music is still pretty fun. Above all else – come to a show if you can! That’s when everything I do online/in the studio/in my room actually makes sense. That’s when we go from strangers to friends.

Go Check Out Marielle Kraft!

Instagram: @mariellekraft

Spotify: Marielle Kraft

Apple Music: Marielle Kraft

More Pop Culture Articles

Fashion Articles

Beauty Articles

Relationship Articles