The Need To Know: Alternative Folk Musician Marika Hackman
Lets pause for a minute to appreciate an artist who doesn’t get nearly enough of the recognition she deserves, Marika Hackman.
Hackman is a Dirty Hit label singer/songwriter from Hampshire, England, who creates ominous, alternative folk music. She’s completely uninhibited and unafraid to be raw, deep, and twisted. Hackman’s fourth and latest release, “We Slept At Last”, will lead you on a journey through your own personal darkness. It’ll also serve as a reminder that exploring and accepting your dual-nature, the good and the bad, is a necessary part of being human.
Hackman achieves her sound by combining almost deliberately expressionless vocals with haunting lyrics. Her words are packed with anatomical imagery and accompanied by stripped, skeletal production. Together, the result is beautiful, minimalistic and uniquely hers. Nothing is over-done or over-processed. British producer Charlie Andrew, who is also known for creating alongside artists Alt-J, makes sure of that.
“Ophelia” is directly inspired from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and parallels the tragic story of his deranged wife. The lyrics to “Ophelia” are deceiving at first. What sounds like a poetic, witty ballad purely in dedication to nature is actually speaking of consequences, seeking isolation as a form of self-protection and suffering to the point of madness. The low tones of Hackman’s vocals and the slow, steady beat of the drums make the track incredibly dreary, but somehow comforting still.
“Skin” is yet another example of Hackman’s unmatched talent as a lyricist. This song features a duet between herself and the alternative English artist, Sivu. This track in particular is very special, because it was recorded in Hackman’s bedroom; it features organic noises from the most intimate place the artist knows. “Skin” calls listeners to picture an infatuation so deep that it pushes you to not only crave your lover’s skin, but also wish to possess it. In “Skin” the idea of love transcends reason, clouds judgment, and ultimately becomes sinister. And the song still somehow manages sounding soothing and lovely, almost like a lullaby.
Hackman totally embodies the mindfulness and substance a lot of modern day media lacks. I highly recommended for rainy days, or any day some soul-searching is needed.
