Columbia Gears Up for Rainy Days and Musical Revelations
As the rain continues to pour down over Columbia this morning, residents can expect more showers later in the day. The temperature will reach a pleasant high of 74°F, and although the winds are light and variable, there’s a 100% chance of rain with an expected rainfall of nearly half an inch. So, keep those umbrellas handy! There are even reports of localized flooding in some areas, so exercise caution while out and about. Tonight, the rain might ease up a bit but expect cloudy skies with a few late-night showers. The temperature will drop to around 66°F, so be sure to grab a sweater!
Marshall Brown’s New Sound: A Journey through Heartache
While we prepare for the wet weather, the beautiful sounds of local music are filling the airwaves. Meet Marshall Brown, a talented singer/songwriter from Columbia who has just released his latest EP entitled “Nesting.” This release showcases an odyssey of lost love and self-reflection that mirrors the emotional turmoil he faced during the pandemic. During that time, his long-term relationship fell apart, leaving him feeling like “a (expletive) mess.” But instead of letting that heartbreak define him, Brown took that pain and channeled it into his music.
From Heartbreak to Healing
Marshall recalls how the first drafts of “Nesting” poured out of him, filled with bitterness and sorrow. “It was just coming out of me like sweat,” he said, recalling his messy emotions. After putting those first drafts aside to focus on his own healing, he learned a lot about himself, including which of his habits stemmed from an anxious attachment style in relationships. This journey turned out to be the silver lining, leading him into a new, healthier relationship.
Reimagining ‘Nesting’
Fast forward a year, and Brown finally felt ready to revisit “Nesting,” bringing with him a new perspective and a more hopeful spirit. He found that he could approach the songs with a fresh lens, changing how they fit together musically and emotionally. “When I started working on these songs again, I really started building the recordings and completely recontextualized those songs,” Brown explained. This transformation is evident in the EP’s opening track “Peace of Mine,” which begins with personal turmoil but evolves into a comforting and uplifting anthem.
Humor & Healing in Music
Adding humor to his healing process, Brown created “This Second Bird,” a playful parody of one of his earlier songs. “It just personalized it so much more,” he said, referring to how incorporating personal elements into his tracks made the music feel more meaningful. Another standout from the EP is “Sad Pianos: Spirits in the Soundboard,” which captures the haunting essence of his emotions as he embraces a new, loving relationship.
Collaborations and the Columbia Sound
Working alongside Dylan Dickerson, the frontman of local bands Dear Blanca and MIDS, Brown produced “Nesting” under the label Comfort Monk. Dickerson praised Brown’s unique style, noting, “There’s tons and tons of great music in South Carolina, but the specific kind of style that he’s sort of developed over the years feels pretty uniquely Marshall.” With immersive sounds and ethereal elements, “Nesting” truly showcases the diverse musical talents blossoming in Columbia.
What’s Next for Marshall Brown?
Though he has reached a new level of maturity in both his music and personal life, Brown isn’t slowing down. He’s already hard at work on his next record, promising even more innovation and exploration in his sound. You can dive into the emotional landscape of “Nesting” on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. For more updates on Brown’s journey, check out his website at marshallbrownmusic.com.
So, as we weather the rain this afternoon, let’s also celebrate the thriving musical scene in Columbia, where artists like Marshall Brown are turning their personal struggles into relatable and beautiful art. And remember, don’t forget your umbrella!
