Marla Kether on jamming with Ezra Collective, touring with Loyle Carner and the release of her debut EP

Having been a session bassist for the likes of Yazmin Lacey, Oscar Jerome, Obongjayar and toured globally as a core member of Loyle Carner’s band, Marla Kether is now stepping into her own.

A bassist, producer and DJ from London but now living in Redland, Marla first got into the music industry through friends Ezra Collective and the jazz music scene.

“One night in November 2018 Ezra Collective had a record signing before a show at Thekla, and while I didn’t have a ticket to the show, I vaguely knew them through friends in the “London Jazz scene”, so swung by Rough Trade to say hi,” Marla tells Bristol24/7.

“During our chat, Femi asked if there were any jams happening and luckily the weekly JFS jam was that night, so I told them to roll through after their show.

“TJ insisted that he wouldn’t be bringing his left-handed bass so I’d have to fill in for him, which I kinda assumed was a joke. Cut to midnight, and I’m jamming with them on stage at a packed-out Mr Wolf’s.”

Following this fateful night, the bassist decided to postpone her studies for two years to pursue music full-time. In the years following, she has played with Ego Ella May, Arlo Parks, Obongjayar and, most notably, Loyle Carner.

The DJ and producer has toured with Loyle Carner in 15 different countries since the start of the year, including Australia and Japan.

“I was recommended for the gig by the musical director, Aviram Barath, who I met through working with Obongjayar. He called me up one afternoon last April and asked if I was up for playing with Loyle”, the session bassist tells us.

“Suffice it to say I was shook…I obviously said yes and we all started rehearsals in October. It’s his first time having a full live band, it’s really exciting to be part of such a big change for him.”

The musician is inspired by the artists she grew up listening to: “Growing up, my parents primarily played Soukous and Ndombolo – artists like Koffi Olomide, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Zaïko Langa Langa, Awilo Longomba.

“My music’s also inspired by dance music. I started seeking out more and more electronic artists when I started DJing in Lockdown, which coincided with me dabbling in production too.

“I fell in love with music by Moodymann, Mr Fingers, Lone, Black Coffee and Sudan Archives, and wanted to deconstruct the songs to understand the components of a great dance track.”

Marla’s tracks draw from her extensive experience in Afrobeat, Global House, and Congolese Soukous, layered together to create groove-filled tracks which would be a hit on any dancefloor.

The long-awaited release of her debut EP is due to hit all major streaming platforms this November, featuring five tracks, and one secret collaboration.

“The 4th (single) will be out on September 13, featuring Bristol poet and Snazzback collaborator Solomon O.B. and the final one will drop with the EP in November,” Marla explains.

“I won’t say too much but it’ll feature vocals from an incredibly talented singer and a good friend of mine.”

Of the EP, the musician tells us that it couldn’t have been done without the support of Bristol label, Saffron Records.

“Saffron have been immensely supportive, I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today without them!” Marla explains.

“They supported me with funding applications, which have facilitated the release of my debut EP which is coming out on their label, and as a direct result of the AD showcase I’ve been booked to play at We Out Here, Love Saves The Day and Forwards Festival!”

Speaking of, Marla will be joining the likes of Grove, Raye, Prima Queen, Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu at this year’s Forwards Festival. How does it feel to be on such a huge lineup?

“It’s such an honour to be on the same lineup as Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Ezra Collective and Olivia Dean too,” she tells us.

“A few people from Team Love came and saw my first ever performance at the Saffron AD showcase, and I’m so grateful to them for their continued support and belief in me – especially since this will only be the third ever Marla Kether live show!”

Following on from the release of her debut EP and performances at Forwards Festival, Marla will be performing an EP launch show in both Bristol, at Strange Brew on November 26, and London, on November 24 at Ninety One Living Room.

If her single releases are anything to go by, her live performances will be one hell of a show.

Main photo: Connor Egan

Read next:

• Macatier: The DIY musician bringing a taste of American rock to the city of Bristol
• Booty Bass on origin, inspiration and spaces for women and non-binary DJs
• ‘Silences is violence, voices have to be heard’: Antonia Cross on the importance of open discussions at festivals

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: