Amsterdam is renowned for its diverse and vibrant music scene, and among the city’s emerging talents, Marathon has been at the forefront of the scene with their mix of post-punk and shoegaze.

The story of how Marathon came together is a testament to the serendipity of musical connections. Kay and Lennart’s friendship blossomed during their high school days, but it was at a party where they met Nina, discovering that they shared the same musical taste, particularly a mutual admiration for John Frusciante’s solo work. This realisation sparked a musical journey that would lead them through various genres, from spacy rock to in-your-face punk, until they found their signature sound of post-punk infused with shoegaze elements.

As their music evolved, the need for a more solid live setup arose, and they invited Sofie and Victor, two talented musicians with prior band experience, to join the lineup. Victor had played in Noys, while Sofie had her own project called Bad Penny. With the new lineup complete, Marathon was born, and they honed their craft at a studio near the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam.

The band’s name, Marathon, holds a special significance. It was inspired by a moment when they were all late for rehearsal due to the Amsterdam Marathon taking place. Funny enough, they stumbled upon the perfect name during a time of frustration, and it stuck ever since.

Marathon’s songwriting process is a collaborative effort. They create music together through jam sessions, often recording these improvisations and extracting snippets that later form the foundation of their songs. This approach gives their music a spontaneous and organic feel while capturing the essence of their creative energy.

Their debut EP takes listeners on a journey through the band’s development both musically and lyrically. Tracks like “Age”, the first song they ever wrote as Marathon, and “Fameless” or “How Does it Feel” showcase their evolution as a band. Lyrically, they approach vocals as an additional instrument, focusing on sound and atmosphere rather than conventional storytelling. Regardless, keen listeners may uncover hints of critical commentary in “The Company” and personal struggles in songs like “Fameless” and “How Does it Feel.”

Marathon’s diverse musical influences range beyond their own genre, with bands like Slowdive, DIIV, Ditz, and Idles serving as common touchpoints. This eclectic listening habit contributes to their rich and dynamic sound.

The band is currently enjoying their first-ever festival summer, delivering powerful live performances to big audiences. Looking ahead, Marathon has ambitious plans for the future. They intend to write and record new material over the next few months, with a series of releases expected to begin in the fall. If all goes well, they hope to embark on a small tour to share their music with fans across different cities.

While Amsterdam may be their hometown, Marathon feels a special affinity with the raw and direct music scene in Rotterdam, akin to bands like Tramhaus. Nonetheless, they remain grateful for the opportunities Amsterdam provided them, starting from small venues like Winston, OCCII, and Vondelbunker, to larger stages like Paradiso and the Melkweg, which played a crucial role in shaping their artistic identity.

In closing, Marathon recommends checking out some local talents from their music scene. They recently shared the stage with the impressive UK band Ditz at Patronaat, leaving a lasting impact. Among local Amsterdam-based bands, HOOFS and Thames stand out, and both are set to tour with the Popronde in the fall, promising captivating performances worth witnessing.

As Marathon continues to echoe with their distinctive blend of post-punk and shoegaze, their passion for music, collaborative spirit, and dedication to their craft will undoubtedly pave the way for an exciting and promising future. So, be sure to keep an eye on this talented band as they conquer new stages and create more music that resonates with fans far and wide.

All image copyright JÙNN / http://www.atelierjunn.com

Follow Marathon on socials:

linktr.ee/marathonamsterdam