A New Wave in Electronic Dance Music: The Story of Styling With Ease
When one envisions electronic dance music (EDM), the stark imagery of vibrant festivals, neon lights, and ecstatic crowds often comes to mind. However, for 20-year-old Marius Bell and 21-year-old Garrett Murphy, the creative journey embarked upon in the realm of EDM began quite differently—on surfing trips and evenings spent sipping herbal tea.
Early Foundations and Friendship
Bell and Murphy, both students at the University of Southern California (USC) majoring in music industry, have fostered a unique musical relationship that transcends mere collaboration. Their group, Styling With Ease, made its debut with the single “Your Intuition” last November. As they gear up for their next release, the duo focuses on live performances that encapsulate their artistic vision.
“Our aim is to express ourselves through music in a way that resonates with people,” says Bell, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in their work.
The magic of their partnership ignited almost instantly, but their initial attempts at composition weren’t exactly masterpieces. Murphy recalls their first collaboration as less than stellar, humorously stating, “It was horrible, but we had a great time.” This enjoyment laid the groundwork for a lasting friendship and fruitful creative partnership.
Musical Interlude During a Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, but it also fostered a pivotal moment for the duo. Murphy made a six-hour drive from his family’s home in Amelia Island, Florida, to Bell’s residence in Miami, where they dedicated an entire weekend to music, punctuated by moments of relaxation over herbal tea.
This informal yet dedicated approach underscores Bell’s perspective on EDM: “It’s less about traditional music expression with lyrics and more about experimenting with sounds and sound design.” Their collaborative spirit flourished, enabling them to pivot from modest beginnings to more sophisticated soundscapes.
Roots in Diverse Musical Backgrounds
Interestingly, neither Bell nor Murphy initially gravitated toward EDM. Bell’s introduction to music stemmed from childhood memories of Aerosmith and U2, alongside an active high school band experience with a project named The Transparent Tones. Murphy’s awakening to music came alive at an EDM concert he attended at Vanderbilt University, where he felt the infectious energy of a live audience.
Both have had early piano training, but it is the genre’s inherent freedom that truly captivates them. “There are no rules,” Garrett states, with Bell quickly reiterating, “No boundaries.” This sense of creative liberty fuels their drive to explore the uncharted territory of their sound.
Navigating College as Emerging Artists
Amid their artistic ambitions, Bell and Murphy face the unique challenges of establishing a musical career while immersed in college life. They often perform at USC tailgates, where student audiences tend to favor well-known hits like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Heads Will Roll” over original tracks.
“The pressure can be overwhelming,” Bell admits. “Everyone has different tastes, and as a performer, you’re constantly wondering if you’re hitting the right notes for your audience.” This balancing act—catering to popular demand while also showcasing original material—poses an ongoing challenge as their notoriety grows.
Future Aspirations and the Road Ahead
Despite these hurdles, Styling With Ease remains committed to carving out their own niche in the EDM scene. As they prepare to release their new single, “Kerosene,” featuring Jack August, along with their first merchandise line, the duo acknowledges that they are just at the beginning of their journey.
Murphy shares insight into their broader ambitions: “It feels like we’re starting a project that could evolve into something bigger. Our goal is to gain traction and build a following, allowing us to branch out, possibly create our own label, or work on producing for other artists.”
This visionary mindset propels Bell and Murphy forward, as they strive to make Styling With Ease a household name in the ever-expanding universe of electronic dance music. Their journey reaffirms the potential for artistic evolution within a genre that often thrives on innovation and community.
