6 QUESTIONS WITH ELIZA MARSHALL
26 August 2025
Weaving layers of haunting flute melodies, hypnotic rhythms, percussion and electronics, spoken word and guitars - as well as her huge array of whistles and bansuris - Eliza Marshall draws on global traditions and profound inner reflection for her intimate and soul stirring performances.
Renowned for her work with the award-winning folk group Ranagri, Eliza is also an in-demand session player contributing to records by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, First Aid Kit, Florence & The Machine and The White Stripes.
Ahead of their ‘New Birth’ show hosted by us at Grand Junction on 4th September, we had six questions for them…
For those that don’t know, can you describe your style of music?
“My music has developed over the years of playing in so many differing musical situations, and has been described as 'Cinematic and multi-genred'. I would say it stems from a deep rooted love of minimalism and African percussion, and a layering of sounds through loops and electronics. I've played my flutes in orchestras, on film scores, in the West End and in my folk band Ranagri, and all these influences creep in over time. The final concoction seems to be 'Contemporary/World/Instrumental' with some spoken word, folk and classical spices in there as well as.”
Can you tell us about the instruments you play live?
“Primarily I'm a flautist, playing flutes, bass flute, whistles and bansuris. I use a loop pedal to layer up sounds, with some extra electorinic textures, balafon, guitar, spoken word and chanting, and for my upcoming September tour dates I'll be joined by Senegalese Griot Ady Thioune on percussion.”
What are you looking forward to on this tour?
“This is the first real outing for a lot of my new music, written over the past few years and recorded in Senegal and at Real World Studios in the UK. It's been extremely liberating - if a little daunting - crafting this show as a soloist. It's amazing to see and hear soundscapes coming together, and to imagine how they might touch my audiences.
It's all about moving people, bringing them into the story of the music, and sending them away with new thoughts and ideas. I'm really excited to see how people respond, and which tracks they take something from at each venue.”
Who or what do you feel are some of the biggest influences in your songwriting?
“I spent a lot of time between 2009 -2011 touring with Peter Gabriel and his New Blood Orchestra. This had an everlasting effect on all aspects of my music making, not only because of his incredible writing and delivery, but for his ethos and what he stands for. I realised that artists are so privileged to have a platform for sharing their ideas, and bringing hope and empowerment through their words and music. This is something I always try to bring to any performances I'm involved with.
I've also performed all over the world in various Opera Houses as part of an onstage folk band for The Winter's Tale ballet by Joby Talbot. It's just been released on Spotify - I recommend a listen. Playing his music has had a huge influence on me - minimalist, filmic, stunningly beautiful melodies.
Other musical inspirations include Steve Reich, Kae Tempest and Davey Spillane; minimalism, spoken word at it's best, and haunting uilleannn pipes, I love them all.”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and creatives?
“Innovation is key, always say yes, keep learning, and never give up. These are times of change, small venues and festivals closing, and the development of AI. But there are also endless opportunities and exciting ideas; new orchestras developing, festivals reshaping; music and community are even more important than before - look at all the incredible events that an organisation like The Nest Collective is running. Stay open-minded, always keep your enthusiasm and push yourself without fears.”
What have you got coming up, anything our audiences should listen or look out for?
“Straight after this tour I head to Kenya for a huge project which will be live streamed from a cave in Kilifi. It's been amazing co-writing the music for this production which I'll also be performing with some wonderful Kenyan musicians and children from Ghetto Classics from Mombassa - keep an eye on my socials for live stream information.
Following that I head to The Royal Opera House in London for a run of Like Water For Chocolate - another beautiful ballet from Joby Talbot and Christopher Wheeldon. Joby integrated a whole array of ocarinas and wooden flutes into my flute part, so it is a total joy to perform. And then November is a full tour of UK and Scotland with my band Ranagri. A lovely Autumn ahead!”
Join Eliza as she releases her debut album Eternal Birth on 4th September at Grand Junction:
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