Born in London to Congolese parents, Marla Kether is a bassist, producer and DJ. Exceeding 30 million Spotify streams as a session bassist for the likes of Yazmin Lacey, Oscar Jerome and Obongjayar, Marla released her highly-anticipated debut EP ‘All That We Have’ in November, preceded by four singles championed by the likes of Crack Magazine, Mary Anne Hobbs, Jamz Supernova, Shanti Celeste, Gilles Peterson and many more. It’s safe to say her musical career is as diverse as her influences: her music features a unique blend of live Latin percussion, Theo Parrish-style groove, and driving basslines and guitar riffs inspired by her West African heritage. The EP was heralded by Bandcamp Daily as some of ‘The Best Electronic Music of November 2023’, and the closing track ‘BTR2’ is one of DJ Mag’s Top Tracks of 2023.
Marla celebrated the launch of the EP with two packed-out live shows in November, at Strange Brew in Bristol and NinetyOne Living Room in London. These came after a year of touring the world as Loyle Carner’s bassist – and even supporting his US tour as a DJ. 2023 also saw her getting DJ and live bookings including Love Saves The Day, Colour Factory, Thekla and Forwards Festival.
Marla released through Saffron Records, the Bristol-based label and respected non-profit organisation making considerable waves in innovative music tech circles, on a mission to uplift women, trans and non-binary artists – https://www.instagram.com/SaffronRecords.