The Manchester rock band Luna Marble released their new single, “Begging Mercy,” earlier this month. The band, fronted by Maria Rico, showcases their versatility and a classic approach to rock music with this latest release.
“Begging Mercy” feels like another gear in the time machine Luna Marble is building with their discography. While its classic influences are evident, the song isn’t just a patchwork of retro elements designed to evoke nostalgia. Instead, it’s a modern piece built from the same foundational bricks that shaped the music of those “good old days.”
Maria Rico’s vocals are one of the strongest aspects of “Begging Mercy” and Luna Marble’s sound as a whole. Her ability to transition seamlessly from calm, soft parts to raspy, powerful vocals during the heavier sections is nothing short of spectacular. Complementing her voice is the guitar work—so remarkable it deserves the the pinched-hand “chef’s kiss” emoji.
In short, “Begging Mercy” is a great song that you much check. And we will help with that as the Spotify link is embedded below and the music video appears through the interview.
We had the opportunity to chat with Maria Rico about Luna Marble’s music, their creative philosophy, and her personal musical journey. She shared her perspective on the challenges women face in the rock scene.
Reuel
Hello Maria! I’m super excited to get to know about you and Luna Marble better! How are you doing?
Maria Rico
I am good thank you! It’s been a couple of intense months of self-releasing singles and creating music videos for Luna Marble but it keeps me busy!
Reuel
That’s great to hear! Luna Marble is inspired by the 70s British blues rock scene. What about that era and sound inspires you the most?
Maria Rico
It’s not necessarily the specific sound of the 70s but more the philosophy. I have always loved the live raw energy of the performances. No matter the genre, it always felt like there was a person behind with great musicality that spent time thinking how they wanted to deliver their music. There was also a sense of musicians coming together simply for the joy of music and crafting something collectively that was unique to them and to that moment. That is something that I feel we have lost nowadays with so much focus on solo artists.
Reuel
100%!! Your music has influences and elements from many Rock subgenres. How would you describe the unique sound of Luna Marble?
Maria Rico
I like the fact you noticed that we mix different subgenres as I believe it to be true. I never go into producing something thinking it needs to sound like a specific genre. I just like to build a sonic world around the song depending on what I feel it is calling for. Dragos comes from an early education in classical music and also prog rock/metal like Dream Theatre which makes his guitar work almost virtuoso-like and always in conversation with my vocals. I obviously like the 70’s sound of bands like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd which are some of my biggest influences. I try to take the whimsical and ethereal elements of Fleetwood Mac and combine them with the rich textures of Pink Floyd but also get the intensity and blues-infused power of Led Zeppelin. I think Sean is a great powerhouse behind the kit to keep the intensity of our songs to the maximum, creating that stadium-like supercharged rock we have made ourselves known for. David is not short of groove and his masterful performances on the bass always create a playful atmosphere in the band.
Reuel
That’s a wonderful explanation! Thank you. Your new single “Begging Mercy” has a very strong and interesting theme. What inspired this topic, and what message do you hope your listeners take from it?
Maria Rico
The way I usually write songs is by intuition. If the instrumental inspires a certain vibe or topic I usually tend to stick with that. There was something about the instrumental that gave a gritty and sensual vibe and the words ‘cause I am ready to go and I take what I own’ were the first ones I wrote. Thinking about my upbringing in a catholic school and the fact that I am not actually a religious person nowadays I thought it would be fun to write a song that juxtaposes religious practices and lust that results in rebellion and ultimately liberation. I think there is an overall theme in my songs of wanting to break free and giving into that freedom. I especially hope that women can take this as a powerful message to embrace their own freedom and self-expression.
Reuel
Your debut album is coming up. How do you think the sound on the album will evolve compared to “Begging Mercy”?
Maria Rico
This album came together as sort of an accident, we started releasing singles as it is the industry standard, but I have always valued how albums reflect a precise period in time so I wanted to encapsulate the early years of Luna Marble. If you came to see an early Luna Marble gig, this would have been our set as these were the only songs we had. I think we have been giving a great insight into the sound of this album with the singles we have been releasing: lush powerful production, charged with energy.
Reuel
What first inspired you to start singing and pursue music? Was it something from your childhood or a moment later in life?
Maria Rico
My dad always said that I was born singing and performing, it’s something that has always been with me. My earliest memories as a kid are of singing and putting on shows for my teachers during breaks at school as well as for friends and family outside of school. I grew up absorbing to my dad’s extended CD library and enjoying listening to different albums on car rides together. Despite not having access to learning music or an instrument until later on in life, I remember going to a Foo Fighters concert when I was 8. I was so captivated by the overwhelming feeling in the arena when people were singing back the songs. I knew then that one way or another that’s what I wanted to do with my life.
Reuel
Who were some of your earliest musical idols, and how did they influence your approach as a singer?
Maria Rico
As previously mentioned, I was lucky to have my dad’s record collection growing up. My first favourite band that I remember at the age of 4 was The Police. I feel like Sting’s jazzy approach to his melodies has stuck with me as I tend to favour certain notes like the 9s in my melodies. Rock was always very present when growing up especially 90’s grunge as that was my dads favourite scene. That is where I got my intensity and rawness and it also led me later to discovering my favourite bands from the 70s like Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac which where the bluesy and ethereal influence on my singing came from.
Reuel
Do you think female musicians face unique challenges in the rock scene compared to other genres? How have you personally navigated these?
Maria Rico
Absolutely, the rock scene is still predominantly dominated by men both in the audience and the industry. That can sometimes make it difficult to work with other bands and build a community. It feels extremely lonely when you don’t get taken seriously and it feels like there is always a barrier to their world with a sense of superiority. Whilst I wish I could find some bands where we could develop a good networking relationship with, I always try to remind myself that it’s not worth letting these challenges get in the way of my ambitions. Same goes with dealing with promoters. I feel like I always need to constantly be proving that I am more than a pretty face and that I am in fact the one behind all the business aspects of Luna Marble, but gaining that vote of confidence is hard. Unfortunately, as a woman at the forefront of the band I have to deal with the male gaze and that sexual and physical appearance judgment element. I try to dissociate from this and just focus on the music. I admire women that embrace this in their music and performances but it’s something I couldn’t care less for. I want to be associated with Musicianship in the same way that you would think of Pink Floyd of Led Zeppelin. They are remembered for the brilliance of their music and productions and not for being pretty boys.
Reuel
That’s great insight! Thank you for this interview, Maria. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Maria Rico
Thanks for having me, it was a pleasure! And thanks to anyone that took the time to read this interview. If you are new to us I hope you like the new song and we would love it if you could find us on social media and stay in touch! We are all about forming a community that shares the same love for music that we do!
