For Marlus, creative flow starts outside the DAW.
Whether it’s taking walks, watching movies, or reconnecting with why he started in the first place, his best ideas don’t come from pushing harder—they come from knowing when to stop. The Italian producer, known for his club-minded textures and rhythmic intuition, teams up with AbtomAL and Raar for “VE LE NX”, a track that blends folktronica textures, African vocal chants, and low-end bass pressure into something totally instinctive.
Built in just a few days during bitbird’s create together project, the track balances experimentation and groove without ever overcomplicating things. That balance comes through in conversation too: Marlus doesn’t force the process anymore. If the energy’s off, he resets. If the routine’s stale, he shifts it. The only rule is to stay connected to the feeling.
In this interview, he talks about creative disconnection, listening to your body, and the non-music routines that keep the music honest.
What’s the difference between being overworked and just working on the wrong stuff?
To me, being overworked is when my body and mind are just tired and I need rest.
But working on the wrong stuff is different: it’s when I’m putting in the hours, but nothing flows. I’ve had sessions where I’m technically productive, but I leave feeling empty. That’s usually a sign I’m not following something that truly connects with me. Now, when that happens, I try to pause and ask: “Is this really the direction I want to take?”
What signs tell you that it’s time to change something in your process — not just take a break?
If I keep putting things off or feel stuck even when I sit down to work, that’s usually the signal.
It’s not just tiredness, it’s kind of a disconnection. Sometimes I realize I’ve made the process too rigid or I’m chasing results instead of enjoying the music. That’s when I know it’s time to shift how I’m working, not just pause.
How do you stay clear on why you’re working, so the work doesn’t drain you?
I try to remind myself why I started in the first place, for example the fun, the curiosity and all the emotions behind it. When I focus too much on outcomes or expectations it gets heavy.
But if I reconnect with the joy of creating, even small progress feels meaningful and keeps my energy up.
What non-music habits or routines actually help your music get better over time?
One of the most helpful things for me is spending time outdoors, like taking a walk in nature.
Being surrounded by greenery really helps clear my mind and makes space for new ideas. Sport also plays a big role, whether it’s running or working out, it helps me relax and keep my mind sharp.
Watching films and cooking are other activities that inspire me. Sometimes, a good movie or a cooking session allows me to disconnect and recharge, and then I bring fresh insights into my music.
What’s something you do regularly outside music that ends up inside your music anyway?
Spending time in nature is a big one for me. As a full-time worker, it’s important to step away from the screen and recharge.
Whether I’m hiking, walking through the park, or just sitting outside, those moments help me clear my mind.
I don’t always think about it, but I often find that the peace and clarity I get from being outdoors makes its way into my music, whether it’s through the vibe, the rhythm, or the way I approach a track.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
