In an era defined by oversaturation and fleeting trends, Verdict Music exists to champion artists who build worlds, not just songs. Our ongoing interview series is designed to spotlight creators who value authenticity, craft, and long-form storytelling—artists whose work is rooted in intention rather than imitation.
Fantastic Mr Marcel, born in London and shaped by a life lived across continents, embodies this ethos fully. A multidisciplinary creative with roots in fine art, architecture, fashion, and music, Marcel approaches songwriting as a cinematic exercise—drawing from fantasy, film, poetry, and lived experience to create emotionally resonant, timeless work. Signed to Verdict Music, he represents the label’s commitment to nurturing artists who think beyond singles and instead focus on narrative, identity, and artistic longevity.
In this conversation, Marcel reflects on authenticity, the realities of today’s music industry, the importance of storytelling, and the creative philosophy that underpins both his sound and his vision.
Finding Authenticity in a Noisy World
For Marcel, advice to emerging artists is simple—but uncompromising.
“Less is always more,” he explains. “Be authentic and true to yourself. Try to be original in your own way and don’t copy or follow what everybody else is doing.”
At the core of his philosophy is self-discovery. He believes that the most compelling artists are those willing to lean into their quirks, vulnerabilities, and contradictions.
“Finding yourself and telling your story is what people gravitate towards,” he says. “That’s what makes you interesting. That’s what makes you unique.”
Beyond authenticity, Marcel stresses discipline and consistency—values deeply aligned with Verdict Music’s artist-first approach.
“Focus on your craft—your songwriting, your voice, all the small details. Those things build a strong foundation. It’s not about money; it’s about telling your story truthfully and creating something people genuinely connect with.”
Navigating the Modern Music Industry
Marcel views today’s music landscape with clarity and nuance—acknowledging both its freedoms and its challenges.
“The industry right now can be very positive and very negative,” he says. “It’s extremely saturated, which makes it harder to stand out, especially if you don’t already have a platform.”
Yet, accessibility remains a powerful equalizer.
“With social media, anyone can have a voice now. You don’t need a label or traditional support to build a fanbase or be an artist in your own right. That part is incredible.”
At the same time, Marcel notes a cultural shift away from polished perfection.
“People don’t really care about high-spec videos anymore. You can sit in your room and record something on your phone. What matters is the story you’re telling and whether people feel it.”
This balance—between accessibility and intentionality—is central to Verdict Music’s mission: empowering artists to navigate the modern industry without sacrificing artistic depth.
A Cinematic Creative Vision
Currently, Marcel is focused on expanding his visual language alongside his music.
“I want to shoot more visuals—more videos that feel cinematic,” he explains. “Almost like movies or fantasy, but still grounded in reality.”
Musically, he’s writing extensively, with plans for multiple EPs that explore different emotional and stylistic dimensions.
“I want to dive deeper into storytelling, discover different sides of myself, maybe jump between genres, and tell different kinds of stories.”
London, Life, and Influence
London plays a defining role in Marcel’s artistic identity. Born there, raised across Ghana and the U.S., and later returning, he credits the city’s multicultural energy as a creative catalyst.
“Being surrounded by people from so many different walks of life opens you up creatively,” he says. “Everyone has a story, passions, dreams—and connecting with that fuels your own journey.”
That sense of curiosity and openness mirrors the Verdict Music ethos: art informed by lived experience, not isolation.
Lessons from a Multidisciplinary Life
Before music became his primary focus, Marcel explored fine art and architecture—chapters that continue to shape his creative discipline.
“Fine art taught me consistency. You don’t think your work will ever be good enough until you keep practising and suddenly realise it is.”
Architecture, meanwhile, taught him decisiveness.
“It showed me that life is too short not to pursue what you truly care about. You can enjoy many creative avenues, but eventually you have to give your energy to what you’re most passionate about.”
Timeless Sound, Modern Execution
Marcel’s music exists in the space between eras—rooted in lyricism and poetry, yet driven by contemporary production.
“I’m captivated by storytelling—that’s where the vintage feel comes from,” he says. “But I’m also inspired by modern sounds and beats that make you feel something.”
In the studio, he’s constantly pushing for evolution.
“I never want the listener to be bored. I want the music to shift, to move you into another space—blending classic and modern so it feels alive.”
Writing Songs as Worlds
Marcel’s songwriting process begins with observation—snippets of conversation, moments on the street, cinematic imagery.
“Songs can start with lyrics or a concept, but once I have the idea, I build a world around it.”
Tracks like Build Your Heart A Wall explore emotional self-protection through metaphor, while Good Good Blue navigates hardship, friendship, and the balance between darkness and light.
“Every song starts differently,” he says. “But the goal is always to tell a story that feels right for the listener.”
Looking Beyond the Self
While deeply personal, Marcel’s work increasingly turns outward—towards other people’s stories and experiences.
“Music can become very self-focused,” he reflects. “I think it’s powerful to explore different perspectives and understand different lives. That helps people connect—and it teaches you a lot about life.”
The Verdict Music Vision
As a Verdict Music recording artist, Fantastic Mr Marcel represents what the label stands for: timeless artistry, narrative depth, and creative fearlessness. This interview series exists not only to spotlight individual artists, but to elevate Verdict Music as a home for storytellers who reject shortcuts and build careers with intention.
This is not trend-driven music.
This is world-building.
And this is only the beginning.
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