Producer Spotlight: Marsbaby
One of South Africa’s most promising young artists has begun his ascent into the local cinematic-musical sphere. Ethereal and yet simultaneously down-to-earth producer/instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Marsbaby, known formally as Jesse Meintjies, is a 24-year-old “nomad”. Having moved between Cape Town, the United States, and Johannesburg, Mars shares that his travels have definitively shaped the way he approaches making music.
Marsbaby’s musical talent was born at a young age, from learning guitar at seven years old to being a part of school plays and choirs throughout the rest of his school years; the unique artist gained a holistic musical education in instrumentalism, theory, and multi-instrumental collaboration. The multi-faceted and multi-genre artist’s journey into producing as a craft was developed due to him “wanting to record [himself] playing guitar”. Working on Ableton, a notable program his guitar teacher introduced him to in High School, Jesse not only “figured out how to record songs for [himself]”, but went on to “start producing for other people at first in like, 2018”.
Marsbaby’s emphasis on harmonic and chordal aspects of production is noticeable in the neo-soul artist’s recent EP, Prodigal Son. The three-song album introduces the public to the artist’s more developed sound, as both a producer and a singer/songwriter on the album. Here, Marsbaby describes his artist sound development: “I wanted to keep the performing artist side of me alive, but was also interested in the culture of hip-hop. You know, boom-bap and 90’s, lofi and Soundcloud stuff; I’ve been figuring out how I could do this; be that for myself or others.”
Marsbaby’s combination of these very hip-hop styles with a more live-music instrumentalist aspect is most evident in Prodigal Son. The first song on the album, “Sugar”, entrenches these techniques most effectively. The passionate and mournful ballad exposes the multi-talented artist’s knowledge and experience in instrumentalism and understanding of harmony and melody. The track’s introduction features not only a strummed guitar, keyboard, and Marsbaby’s cooing and chordal vocals, but throughout the track; beats and elements are added exponentially, bringing the song to a slow and subtle climax and peak at the poignant lyrics of his chorus. The producing ability to play with the pitch of his own recorded vocals is most evident in this track; the pitched up ‘chipmunk’ vocals juxtaposed with the lower-pitched acapella repeat of the previous vocals shows the extent of Marsbaby’s technique and skill not only musically, but also cinematically; in that he is able to create a visceral and vivid, almost visual, world within his voice and within his music.
The 24-year-old creative connoisseur has built a niched connection of collaborations as both a producer and singer. Marsbaby’s work with Namakau Star, shows what the creative notes as “a different side of production”. His most notable collaboration is that with songstress LordKez. The two have released several songs together as well as Marsbaby having produced a number of songs on Kez’s EP, Charcotta. Mars describes their collaboration - “organically, my sound meshes with her sound, very naturally”.
“Porcelain”, featuring LordKez, exposes their sonic connection most aptly. The slightly swung/jazzy single features more of an electronic ballad sound where the electric keyboard feature is complemented by the tinny filter applied to Mars’ vocals. However, the song progresses with a clean beat to make way for LordKez’s soft and breathy cooing melodies and chordal harmonies. The two singers create a harmonic repartee throughout the song, building a solid platform for both artists to have their sound developed, heard, and appreciated most effectively.
Acknowledging what sets him apart from other local producers, Marsbaby notes that he “is definitely very concerned with allowing artists to express themselves to their fullest and most raw extents”. Whereas other producers are more focused on other aspects of the beat, Mars describes that he is committed to creating a very minimal blank slate to give the other artist (whether it be himself or others) space to “speak on some shit they really feel”. The multi-faceted artist notes having worked with most people that he’s wanted to in this regard, but would like to make this same connection with renowned local artist Filah Lah-Lah.
Looking toward the future, Marsbaby is passionate about performing more and often. Looking to break the barrier of live performance having a “plug in and play” aspect to it, the artist would like to incorporate more physical production into a live setting with loops and live instrumental playing. Furthermore, as Marsbaby notes that music for him was “always done without the intention of career…there’s a part of it that just lives within” he hopes to start his own label some years down the line, to encourage the same organic passion so entrenched and embedded in him, in others.
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