Palmaria
Italian duo Palmaria recently released their latest single “Ocean” and it’s one of the most beautiful and inspiring songs I’ve ever heard these past few days. Showcasing captivating vocals and dreamy melodies, the duo created an empowering and important record.
For the release of this new single, the London-based duo is partnering with OGYRE, an environmental organization that protects oceans and collects plastic waste from the shores, turning it into products.
“Ocean” is off their upcoming EP Crystallize, out on October 8th. The duo also recently released a new song with LOELASH titled “Somebody New”, now available.
“Ocean” is out now everywhere :)
Photo credit: Francesco Quadrelli
Introduce the duo - what's your story?
We are from small towns on Italy’s North West coast and have moved to London at the beginning of 2017 to start our music journey. We write Alt Pop songs to transport the audience on a journey with a mix of organic sounds, dreamy guitars and delicate vocals.
"Ocean" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind it?
The song is inspired by the legend of Colapesce, the magical story of a man that sacrifices his life on earth, turning into a fish to save his island, but also highlights the problem of the pollution of the ocean.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
We arrived at the studio with an instrumental demo inspired by James Blakes’ ‘You’re Too Precious’ - we were just obsessed with the drums - that we ended up re-interpreting them drumming on Francesco’s classical guitar. We worked with production duo B-CROMA to bring our idea of sound to life.
What did you feel when writing this song?
The key idea where everything started was the discovery of the Sicilian legend of Colapesce, that took us right to the bottom of the ocean, surrounded by sea weeds, fish and old remains. Everything linked to this world underneath the Ocean really struck us, probably because we grew up surrounded by the sea and feel a deep connection to it.
What made you want to release "Ocean" as a single?
We felt this song was special from the very first time we heard the demo, just a few days after recording it. As independent artists, we feel it's easier to speak to our audience one song at a time.
What message do you want to deliver through this song?
“Ocean” it’s a call for help. We wanted to give voice to our frustration; it’s been hurtful to see what is happening, especially growing up in a town almost surrounded by the sea. The ocean has always been such an important element in our lives, inspiring and healing us everytime we were in need, so it’s now our turn, we have to protect it.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
We are collaborating with a young director and photographer, Francesco Quadrelli. We told him what we wanted it to communicate, he set the camera and 2 minutes later the artwork was ready. It was really incredible and we feel it connects very well with the song.
You are partnering with OGYRE for this specific song. For those who don't know, what can you tell us about this organization?
Ogyre wants the Ocean Gyres to become a virtuous and vital circle for the ocean again, by creating a sustainable and transparent chain to collect plastic from the Ocean through a network of fishermen and turn it into products. Each product purchased or funded project is a concrete action for the ocean: The collection of plastic waste. When we discovered the organization we felt we wanted to somehow help spread their message and 'Ocean' was about to be released.. so it just clicked.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP Crystallize?
It represents a huge step forward for us. When lockdown started we had to cancel a US tour and many performances in the UK, that was hard but it gave us the opportunity to take the time to work on many new tracks, develop our message and our sound. We can't wait to share it with the world on 8th October.
As artists, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
There is a lot of 'extra' work that can be overwhelming, sometimes you can have days and days and without writing or performing. When you release your music or, even more, when you play it in front of an audience and you see that someone connects with it, that's what makes it all worth it.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
We feel like it's evolving in the right direction, with artists being more and more in control of their careers. We hope to see more and more independent artists make music for a living, which means more diversity and eventually a richer musical environment.
What biggest life lessons have you learnt so far?
You have to be your first supporter. If you believe in yourself, opportunity will come your way.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
This is a big one.. we're fans of kindness, you can apply it to many things and it definitely makes things better.
Connect with Palmaria: