A staple of the early 2010s “Tumblr-era” pop scene along with Lana Del Rey and Halsey, Marina Diamandis (more commonly known as MARINA and formerly Marina and the Diamonds) has returned with her first musical release in almost three years—this time, fully under her own direction. Continuing to express her ever-present admiration for nature and advocacy for self-confidence, MARINA dropped her new song titled “BUTTERFLY” on February 21st.
The song is the first single off MARINA’s sixth full-length album, whose name has yet to be announced as of the time of writing. MARINA made her official comeback to the public eye in January (not counting her performance at British Summer Time Hyde Park last summer) as the cover star of Plastik Magazine. Just a few weeks later, her HQ Instagram started posting images of cocoons and butterflies and even gave out goodie bags with caterpillars, an autographed card, and a coloring page to fans who followed coordinates from one of their Instagram posts.
“BUTTERFLY” stays true to MARINA’s classic sound without being outdated or repetitive. Her mezzo-soprano voice showcases her unique vocals and range throughout the song. The chorus even features a pitched-up version of her voice singing, “Yeah, I’m a butterfly // You just never see my energy // I’m already high, floating’ on a breeze,” before switching back to her regular voice. She uses the analogy of butterflies and caterpillars (as well as references to her other songs) to explain how she grows when she breaks free from those who only have the intention of using her to get what they want.
MARINA had help on the song from accomplished producer CJ Baran (Carly Rae Jepsen, Nessa Barrett, Panic! at the Disco), who is also working with her on the rest of the album. Regarding the project as a whole, MARINA said in her interview with Plastik that, “It’s freeing to come back with an album that comes from a very different place within myself. Now it’s about what I can offer out to others, as opposed to what I can fill myself up with. I’m drawing from a full cup.”
The “How to Be a Heartbreaker” and “Primadonna” singer is no stranger to concepts or songs that may seem “out there” to others. She is authentic and makes her own path, and that shows in both her songwriting and also poetry. MARINA’s vulnerable poetry book Eat The World was released late last year, which hinted at this next album in the poems “Cocoon” and “Butterflies.” She also started Queenie Records in 2022, shortly after leaving Atlantic Records, whom she had been with for 14 years.
Much more still has to be revealed about this new album, such as the release date, the full track list, more of the aesthetics, and whether or not it will be followed by a tour or other live performances. However, MARINA did divulge to Plastik that “My next record is very playful and has a character-led concept… This next era is very fun, it has a special energy.”
