Unplugged Lounge Conversations with Marta

As country music continues its global rise, London-based singer-songwriter Marta is helping define what the genre can sound like in the UK. Blending heartfelt country storytelling with polished pop production and cinematic visuals, she's carved out a distinctive space that feels both authentic and refreshingly modern. Ahead of the release of her new single, In Another Life, a poignant reflection on heartbreak, healing, and the lingering "what ifs" of love, we caught up with Marta to discuss the inspiration behind the track, her journey as one of the UK's emerging country-pop artists, and why she's determined to prove that great country music can thrive far beyond Nashville.

Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?

Thank you! I started singing when I was really young because my mom loved singing to me so I picked it up very easily. At the ripe old age of 7, I declared that I wanted to write songs, play guitar and sing so my parents got me some lessons and somehow supported my crazy dream. 

Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?

It all started with Hannah Montana, Rascal Flatts, early Taylor Swift and a bit of Bon Jovi. I think their music had the biggest influence on me as a singer and writer. 

And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?

Obviously Taylor Swift, but one of my biggest inspirations is Carole King. She was a woman in the industry back in a time when it was even harder to be heard and respected. She is my ultimate inspiration. 

How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?

I usually try to think of my songs as diary entries, snapshots from different phases of my life. Some songs are about more recent experiences and some are about things that happened in the past. I always try to make sure to draw at least a bit from real life so it feels authentic. 

Congratulations on the release! What inspired this particular song?

Thank you so much! It started with a line I had written on the train - “you were the love of my life in another life” This then sparked  a conversation with my co-writer when I was sort of talking about a past relationship that at the time thought would “go all the way” and that person was “the one” and realizing he wasn’t. It’s about that feeling of someone being “the one that got away” but knowing now, that it wasn’t the right thing for you and healing from that.  

What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?

A bit random but it’s gotta be On My Own from the musical Les Miserablès. I never felt cool or liked growing up and that song made me feel a bit better about that especially when a boy I liked didn’t like me back. It made me want to tell my story as an artist and embrace who I was and stop trying to become someone I’m not, waiting for someone to like me. It made me feel less alone which I really needed at the time. This was when I also realized I could try and do that for others through songwriting.

Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.

I think I Need a Love Story will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s my second single. This song came from a really honest place of just wanting to be loved and find someone. It was really vulnerable but cathartic to write. It came together in 30 mins when I was jet lagged and sad, thinking about just wanting that sort of movie like meet cute. 

What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?

I’d really love to play live more. I’m also planning to release my E.P later this year so I’d love for people to be able with the songs and stories on it and hopefully help them with what they are going though. 

What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?

I think I would say, build your team and have people around you that you can trust and ones that you know will be brutally honest with you. I think it’s a lonely and quite competitive industry so having the right people around you makes a massive difference. It could even be just your best friends/parents but it’s really important to have people you can talk to about all the things happening in your life and get honest advice. Another one is trust your gut and stay true to who you are. 

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

It would mean the world to me if you would support me and stream my song and follow me on Instagram @itsmartanow. I share more stories behind the songs and writing process on there!