Marley Wall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Marley, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
At this point in my life, I’m most proud of the emotional safety I’ve built within myself. That internal sense of home is what made it possible for me to travel and perform internationally, deepen my relationships, and build a thriving community of femme talent in Denver. Creating and holding space where we can grow alongside one another, both creatively and personally, has been just as meaningful as any stage I’ve stepped onto.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m MARS, a DJ, creative organizer, and co-founder of Coven Collective. I’ve been deeply rooted in Denver’s underground music scene for nearly a decade, evolving from participant to performing DJ to leading a collective. Coven Collective was created to uplift and connect femme talent, fostering spaces grounded in support, collaboration, and care. Whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes, my focus is on creating experiences that feel intentional, inclusive, and alive.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of myself I feel has served its purpose is the version that shrank to keep others comfortable. As a Black woman, that version of myself was protective, and I honor her for wanting to keep me safe. But now, I show up fully and authentically in every room, and I want to inspire other women to do the same—to know they are beautiful, capable, and that by embracing themselves without apology, they will naturally attract the people and opportunities meant for them.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that she is enough exactly as she is. I’d tell her how amazing it feels to inhabit her body fully and confidently, without falling for the people or systems that try to profit from her hating it. I’d tell her to trust herself because being fully herself is her greatest strength. The world doesn’t need her to fit in—it needs her to shine unapologetically!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the industry tells itself is that the underground music scene isn’t political. Of course it is. This music and these spaces were built out of resistance, refuge, and refusal. Silence isn’t neutral. Some of the people and collectives benefiting from this scene often forget it was built by the very communities now being targeted. We have a responsibility to use our voices, our platforms, and our communities to fight back.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I will regret not taking the leap to live in Prague, CZ for longer. I’ve been going every summer for the past four years, and I feel the most inspired and alive there. Denver has given me an authentic version of myself, beautiful friendships, and an incredible community—but something about Prague puts me on a fast track to creativity. The music scene there challenges me in ways that push me to fully explore my sound and stay true to myself as an artist. It’s scary to imagine stepping fully into a new chapter in a different country, but I know if I don’t take the chance, I’ll look back wishing I had.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coven-collective.com/mars/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take_me2_mars/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TAKEME2MARS
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/take_me2_mars
- Other: Coven Collective General Website: https://coven-collective.com/
Image Credits
Kate Claire
Hoss Photography
ShermShoots
