Marie Naffah - Run Away With Me (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Critically acclaimed vocal powerhouse Marie Naffah shares her new single ‘Run Away With Me’, out now on all streaming platforms. The track is the latest instalment from her upcoming conceptual EP ‘Trains’, set for release this Spring.

With her previous single ‘I Want More’ landing the coveted ‘Spotlight Artist’ slot on the Independent, as well as a glowing write up on Line of Best Fit, Marie returns with the evocative and stirring ‘Run Away With Me’. Once again, the track showcases Marie’s natural gift for telling vivid stories through her songwriting, tapping into the carefree escapism that can feel impossible in the present – ”count the days that we waste inside,” she sings, “on a grey cloud-nine”. Nodding to the famous runaways Bonnie and Clyde, Marie dreams of fleeing to the airport gate, and jetting off elsewhere – channelling hints of classic soul and folk, with her own cinematic spin.

Speaking of the track, Marie says, “‘Run Away With Me’ does what it says on the tin, really. It’s about craving escape and wanting someone to drop everything and come with you. Although this is not directly about the pandemic, it’s definitely a product from being bored indoors and dreaming beyond four walls. I guess most people can relate to that feeling.

Marie sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I grew up in west London and I’ve always loved its live music scene. I remember being a kid and singing on a tiny karaoke box in our living room. I started writing music at the age of fourteen - my first songs were awful, I’d write about heartbreaks before even knowing what the feeling was. Over time, I realised that writing about personal experiences made for better songs. After then I started playing pubs, hosting residencies and drinking a lot of cheap wine - I got quite addicted to the live-scene and sharing my music with others. I love the idea of connecting through a piece of art. It’s quite magical.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’m inspired by a real tangle of genres and influences. I listen to a lot of classic songwriting - The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Prince… but then I’m also super influenced by massive female powerhouses like Florence and The Machine and Adele. I also like adding little moments of electronica (inspired by James Blake/Sylvan Esso).

As for who I want to work with, in a dream world, I’d go to a cabin with Justin Vernon in Wisconsin. That man blows my mind.

3.  What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’m in the middle of releasing my second EP, ‘Trains’, which for me, feels like my most assured work yet. I spent a lot of time honing this body of work and I’m super proud of the result. My latest track ‘Run Away With Me’ came out last week, it’s a big old love song about dropping everything and going on an adventure.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I have found it incredibly liberating not to be bound to one genre. I suppose it’s vocal-heavy alternative-pop, sometimes with a tiny lick of something old-school and bundles of soul. It’s nice to keep surprising people.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’m still trying to work out if it is my proudest or maddest! Either way, I played 50 gigs in 50 days last Summer to celebrate the return of live music after lockdown. It was the most exhausting and exhilarating thing I have ever done. My EP ‘Trains’ actually got its title because all the songs were born on train journeys during that tour. All hail the Great Western Rail!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of Music?

It’s a Wild West out there. Stick to your guns, remember your fans and make music you’re proud of.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

YES! Recently I teamed up with three absolute bombshells for a charity project celebrating International Womxn’s Day.  Go check out Viia, Fox Gunn (formerly Lulalong) and Celine Love. They’ve all got very different vibes but they are all killing it.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Currently Sharon Van Etten can do no wrong and now Florence is back, well…

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Eat spaghetti mainly…….Oh! I also love travelling. I gave up my permanent residence a couple of years ago and have been living in different spaces and finding different places to call mine. I find it very spoiling as a creative, not so much that I have many groundbreaking thoughts, but more so that the feelings that survive the journey are the ones worth writing about. My love of travel seems to be leaking into all the songs I write - my last EP ‘Golden State’ was written about a sun-drenched drive down the West Coast of America.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My incredible producer Ian Barter, my crappy-but-beloved demos and a good cup of English Breakfast.