Following the success of her “Stay Mine” EP and title track, rising indie singer-songwriter Marina Laurendi wraps up with a powerful music video. The video for “Stay Mine”, directed by Luke Haag, shows an intimate portrait of the highs and lows of a relationship. The song relishes in the perfect imperfections as Marina croons the opening lyrics, “you’re my favorite headache”. The video matches the song’s mood from start to finish; as the song swells and builds, the passion between the couple is met with growing tension and a darker side of the love is revealed. The video (which showcases scenes of train tracks, a dive bar, and a campfire among others) was shot at multiple locations around Buffalo and the Niagara Falls area and provides a 360 look at the connection between two restless lovers with a case of wanderlust. Marina looks stunning throughout, giving us old-Hollywood glamor with her Lana Del Rey and Phoebe Bridgers-inspired sound.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Marina Laurendi about the release, dream collabs, favorite memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
If you’re inclined to daydreaming, have a sensitive mind and one that oscillates between idealist and realist, and crave the things that also scare you a little, you’ll like this music. All the songs on the EP are super personal but they are written about a different period of my life so they have this air of nostalgia to them. I wrote them in this limbo period during quarantine, sort of reflecting on those times but also feeling a sense of restlessness because I knew that I needed change and I wanted to leave old things behind and start filling the scrapbook with new adventures. “Stay Mine” is that restless sense of wanderlust, coming through; “Neighborhood Kids” was born out of getting re-acquainted with my hometown after being away and remembering my history there; “Upper East Side” felt like a cleanse to this idealistic view I had of the New York and a previous relationship; and with “Gramercy” I really stepped into the perspective of how I felt being in the thick of that same relationship, blind to the cracks and only seeing the glamour of it. I really wanted the “Stay Mine” Video to set the tone for people to see who I am as an artist visually and to let people know “this is who I am and what my music is”. I think the second you see it you know exactly what it is even if you can’t put it into words.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
I just really wanted to be honest with what I was saying and I didn’t want to change the lyrics to fit what I thought would be easier for people to swallow. I didn’t want to worry about how people would perceive me if I was honest and I’m really glad I honored that instinct. I also really wanted to add sonic textures and capture that sense of restlessness and pent-up energy. There’s something romantic and cinematic about it. The songs I’m about to record have more bite to them and lean more into the alt. rock category. They’re a little spicier and I think they take things a step further in terms of not giving a fuck.
What inspires you to create music?
I get really inspired to write when I’m driving because it’s really calming to me. Also I get some of my best ideas when I’m in the shower. I think it’s so important to create space for inspiration to come in. It’s hard to create from a preoccupied headspace so as much non-thinking I can do, the better because that’s when ideas flow and I want to make music the most.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
The first memory I have of anything music related was a performance of Phantom of The Opera, at Shea’s in Buffalo. My family took me when I was maybe 4 or 5 years old and I remember the beautiful chandelier swinging and being so moved by the score. It had such a huge impact on me and it made me want to pursue theatre for the better half of my life. A few years into living in NYC I started studying with my late voice coach and I noticed he had this huge poster of himself as Piangi in Phantom in his apartment from the 90’s and we realized that I had seen him in the touring company that had pretty much changed my life. Everything felt so full circle in that moment and I sort of realized that we are always exactly where we are meant to be and there are no mistakes in life.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I might have to say Jack Antonoff. Everything he does is gold to me. His mind is so brilliant and it shows in the way he approaches music and production. I think it would be such an honor to write with him and have him produce an album.
Who are your musical influences/who did you grow up listening to? Who do you channel during your performances?
I grew up listening to everything. My dad played The Beatles in the car, my cousin played Michael Jackson, my mom played Bowie and Queen, and I listened to Britney Spears, Beyonce, and later Lana Del Rey. When I play live I love to channel 70’s and 80’s rockstars- Janis Joplin, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett. I love to rock out. My unreleased music is very high energy and we are recording it soon so live shows are such a fun time.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Find me on Instagram @marinalaurendi I’m always posting show updates and the latest news there. And follow me on Spotify or apple music for new music. You can also check out my website here https://www.marinalaurendi.com/. With links to all my social media.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Go check out the music video for Stay Mine on YouTube and make sure to subscribe and follow me on Spotify . If you’re in Buffalo come see me at Nietzsche’s on New Year’s Eve! Thanks for having me!
