“This is undoubtedly ethnic cleansing,” a voice overlays a pulsating, crunchy beat. The phrase “ethnic cleansing” is reiterated harshly, soon overtaken by a wave of cheers as DJ Marcelle’s latest release, ‘Sorry, No Silence’, unfolds. This sample originates from a speech made during a 2024 exhibition opening by renowned photographer and activist Nan Goldin. Those familiar with DJ Marcelle / Another Nice Mess will recognize her sound is ever-evolving. She is the unifying element, exuding vigor, urgency, and an unwillingness to conform.
“I believe music should always evolve,” she explains. “I could share plenty about my favorite genres, but I easily lose interest when things become too stagnant. When punk began to bore me, I transitioned to dub, industrial, avant-garde, and later, drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep, and footwork. I didn't gravitate toward house as I found it overly hedonistic and musically less stimulating. My goal has always been to push boundaries and stay ahead of the audience. Ultimately, I started DJing with three turntables, mixing industrial techno with African vocals and unusual sounds to forge something innovative.”
Context is critical for DJ Marcelle. While speaking, she stands surrounded by hundreds of vinyl records. “I categorize all types of music within my own universe – a realm where freedom prevails. Although I own around 20,000 records, I prefer to keep my sets current. Being nostalgic feels too safe and predictable for me.” DJ Marcelle excels in sonic unpredictability, boldly shifting genres, but in her most recent work, she delivers a clear message that cannot be misinterpreted. This is explicitly ethnic cleansing. She articulates a sonic protest with clarity on record.
“Music should convey a message, through its creation, delivery, presentation, or, as in this case with my latest record, its subject matter, which I haven’t done before,” she shares. “I was essentially crafting a new album. I produce records rapidly, as I believe in getting them out without overthinking. Perfectionism often leads to boredom and means nothing. The shocking images I consumed on television—those atrocities and the West’s indifference—compelled me. Not to mention the over 75 years of occupation!”
The EP titled ‘Sorry, No Silence’ opens with an unflinching honesty. It is succeeded by a dub version of the same track, then by ‘Never Again Means’, a phrase taken from Goldin’s speech: “Never again means never again for everyone.” For Marcelle, the meaning is straightforward; silence is not an option, and never again should always apply, universally. “Yet, it astonishes me how slow it is for people to grasp such a fundamental concept,” she reflects. “There is a lot of colonialism and white supremacy embedded in people's perceptions. As a white person, I too have likely expressed ignorant statements, but I strive to learn from them.”
Marcelle is acutely aware, introspective, and unflinching. While she may refer to her own comments as foolish, she remains steadfast and resolute. Before her collaboration with Belgian label Cortizona, ‘Sorry, No Silence’ was turned down by German label Play Loud! because, as they stated, “it gave them a stomach ache.” “That was shocking… in Germany, there is an institutional tendency to turn a blind eye to genocide, particularly one supported by an overtly racist regime like Netanyahu’s.” Marcelle opted to release ‘Sorry, No Silence’ as a standalone 12-inch EP, with all proceeds donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). A follow-up LP titled ‘Sorry, No Service’ is anticipated later this year.
“Play Loud’s refusal didn’t surprise me,” she states. “They know I will never compromise my music or my actions, so I was left with no choice but to move on.” DJ Marcelle acknowledges the heart-wrenching nature of witnessing suffering while listening to the repeating words of ethnic cleansing. It is a paradoxical and almost dystopian reality. However, during its first play in Dublin, the track ignited a fervor of chants for a free Palestine. In London, she even played it twice.
Beyond music, DJ Marcelle has experience as a journalist, which likely contributes to the clarity of her political perspective. However, her values were also shaped by her punk and post-punk background: “It was always a political statement for me, even at a young age, promoting independence, defying norms, being brave, and personal and musical development. I was very politically conscious even as a child. Nowadays, many artists perceive themselves as a brand to market via social media. I strive to distance myself as much as possible from this.”
In an era where silence equates to complicity and neutrality is a privilege, DJ Marcelle wields her decks as a
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“A voice over a rhythmic, sharp beat declares, ‘This is clearly ethnic cleansing.’ The phrase ‘ethnic cleansing’ is reiterated harshly, followed by a surge of applause.”