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MARINA, who previously performed as Marina and the Diamonds, released ‘Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land’ yesterday – Friday June 11th. The 10-track album showcases the artists brilliant art-pop and musical talent – both for singing and songwriting. Each song was written by Diamandis herself and she also co-produced five of them. To predict the success of ‘Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land‘ after this hard-work would not be uncalled for, as all of Marina’s albums have previously awarded themselves a place in the UK Top 10.

In discussion with Michael Cragg about ‘Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land’ and the different perspective it afforded her as an artist, Diamandis explained that “I’m not here anymore to play it small or be worried because I’ve spent my whole life doing that. I’ve spent so many years in anxiety mode. Of course, there are going to be people who disagree with what I say. But what am I going to do? Just not express any views?”

Following on from this, she also stated that “I’ve just learnt that it’s nice to feel proud about things [I’ve done] because I’ve never really had that feeling up until recently. Writing this record allowed me to reflect on what my career has been like in reality.”

‘Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land’ provides a step up for the alt-pop artist, with bolder, confident claims about society and less anxieties around the reception such songs will have. This new-found confidence shows that MARINA’s successful reputation as a pop-artist is more than valid. This reputation, and the release of a new album and music which are helping to evolve it, will be showcased this weekend on a livestream event – along with a full band. It is the perfect celebration of Marina’s much awaited return.

In a separate interview with Billboard, Marina again expressed her freedom on the new album, which has in turn instilled each song on her new album with a unique depth – “I do feel very free on this record. And one of the good things about me is that, when I write, I don’t worry about anything that other people are going to say. That happens later in the process. [Laughs.] But when I’m actually making a song, I never feel any censorship”.

This freedom means that Marina, in the creation and release of ‘Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land’, “felt like [she] didn’t have anything to lose artistically”.

You can listen to Marina’s new album, which celebrates a new era of the singer, here.

“ANCIENT DREAMS IN A MODERN LAND”⁣
⁣
JUNE 11TH.⁣
PRE-ORDER NOW. https://t.co/9d6WCoz7kk pic.twitter.com/TepqL8MHh1

— Marina (@MarinaDiamandis) April 14, 2021

The upbeat, guitar-heavy song covers a number of themes, including feminism, capitalism, the pandemic, and the climate crisis. The track is Marina’s first to be released in 2021, after 2020 brought About Love from the To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You film soundtrack, and Man’s World, the first single from the upcoming album. 

The music video has also been released. It was directed by Weird Life Films, who have made videos for Audrey Mika, Twin Peaks and Ravyn Lenae. The video stars Marina and shows her in a variety of weird and wacky outfits. It also features references to multiple films, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Wizard of Oz. 

Fans were very excited to see new material from the Welsh singer. 

chris.mackey_ posted: “Ahhh it’s so short that means each ones gonna be amazing . I hope there’s a deluxe too!!” 

Alexandragavillet wrote: “FROM EVERY DISASTER // YOU ARE NOT MY MASTER ILYSFM!!!!! ICON.” 

godseb_ added: “yes mama serve it ancient city style.” 

Marina said about her new music: “A lot of my motives were coming from a place of ego as opposed to creativity or love, but then I lost that feeling and it worried me because I thought all artists have big egos, or at least really good ones do. I thought, if I don’t have that feeling anymore, maybe it means I’m not a good artist and I should just stop.”

“A shift took place and it just felt like that identity had taken over, everything stopped feeling fun. I just didn’t feel comfortable anymore with this very stylised persona that I was building with my imagery.”

Formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds, Marina Lambrini Diamandis rose to fame after coming second in the BBC Sound of 2010 poll. Her four previous studio albums have all placed in the top ten of the UK Albums charts, with Electra Heart hitting number one. She is well-known for songs her Primadonna, Hollywood, and I Am Not A Robot.