Marlon Magnée

Marlon Magnée Photographed by Kevin Hayeland

Marlon Magnée, co-founder of La Femme, is in Los Angeles, sitting at a dimly lit table at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont. He is writing in a small notebook when photographer and friend Kevin Hayeland finds him. This is fitting, for the self-proclaimed work-a-holic with six albums under his belt, the latest of which is called Rock Machine. Rock Machine is a synth-heavy and honest nod to both the 60’s, rock and roll, and the rise of technology and artificial intelligence in its omni-present entirety.

Marlon and Kevin take the elevator up to a top floor suite and listen to La Femme as Marlon effortlessly pairs together looks from his own closet. Culturally speaking, Marlon is at a pinnacle, defining an era of music as well as style, sourcing every clothing item himself  from all four corners of the world.

Naomi Larbi: Marlon, do you always stay at the Chateau Marmont when in Los Angeles?

Marlon Magnée: Ahahah, I wish, it’s a legendary place. There’s a unique atmosphere almost out of time — full of magic and mystery  which fits well with La Femme’s spirit. I also love the fancy, glamour-glitz party at chateau. Even if it’s fake sometimes there is a good taste 🙂

NL: Do you prefer Paris to L.A.?

MM: They have completely different energies. Paris is chaos and poetry; L.A. is sunshine and a certain idea of America. I like switching between the two, but Paris is still home. Los Angeles is amazing ‘cause everything is possible, and every dream [can] come true… but L.A can also be very sad when you’re depressed because everyone around you is successful and happy! I always choose to be inspired by the success.

NL: What’s your sign?

MM: Virgo ascendant Gemini

NL: Do you believe in that kind of stuff?

MM: It’s fun to think about, but I don’t wake up in the morning checking my horoscope. Also, when you read an horoscope it’s always the same text which could fit to anyone. One time i did my full astral theme and it was very accurate, it’s crazy when you think about it.

NL: I’ve heard you’re big into vintage.

MM: Yeah, I love digging for clothes everywhere in the world. Right now, I’m in to traditional outfits.  I love antique vintage and very old clothes.

NL: What do you dream about?

MM: About traveling to places I’ve never been before, surreal landscapes, and music that doesn’t exist yet.

NL: How do you feel your style as a producer, songwriter, and musician has changed or evolved since your iconic first album, Psycho Tropical Berlin?

MM: We’ve learned to refine our sound, to experiment more freely. Back then we wanted to shake things up; today, we’re still searching, but with a clearer vision. The evolution happens naturally—we just go with it.

NL: How do you get inspired?

MM: By walking in the streets, listening to conversations, watching old movies, traveling. Anything can be a source of inspiration.

NL: A lot of your songs reference Paris. What’s your relationship with the city?

MM: Paris is like a character in our music. We love it as much as we hate it, but it always gives you something to write about.

NL: Speaking of love and hate… what are two things you love about Paris and one thing you hate?

MM: The vintage stores, Puces de Clignancourt, the restaurant Bouillion, the people  and Hôtel Grand Amour.

NL: What’s your process when recording an album?

MM: We (Sacha Got) start with demos everywhere—at home, while traveling… Then we refine things in the studio. We like to work in a spontaneous way, capturing the moment, but we also obsess over details. We love to work with a vintage synth/organ and guitar amp then use futuristic modern technology.

NL: Can you tell us more about your inspiration for Rock Machine?

MM: We went back to the roots of our music. Lot’s of cold wave and 60’s music with electric solo guitar, like Steve Vai.

NL: What are you working on right now?

MM: I’m working on the next Sam Quealy album and my solo album.

NL: If you had to pick only two instruments to work with, which two would they be?

MM: A nord electro 3  and an electric guitar.

NL: Name three famous people, living or dead, that you’d be nervous to meet:

MM: Serge Gainsbourg, Lou Reed  and Johnny Rotten (John Lidon).

NL: Who are you listening to at the moment?

MM: Pauline Atlan, a Parisian jazz singer  and TIM, an emerging electronic artist.

NL: Did you always want to be a musician?

MM: No, I wanted to be an industrial designer or painter. or even just doing good album cover. At the age of 19 I realized I had to do the band La Femme and be a musician.

NL: I want to be you when I grow up.

MM: Haha, be yourself—it’s better!

Written by Naomi Larbi | @cowboynaomi

Photographed by Kevin Hayeland | @herban_cowboy