Marta & Tricky

Biography

Marta Złakowska is a Polish vocalist from Płock, a small riverside town, who began her musical journey with classical and jazz vocal training, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of R&B, soul, minimal techno, and even metal[1]. Her career took a pivotal turn in 2017 when she met the influential English trip-hop artist Tricky (Adrian Nicholas Matthews Thaws) by chance in Poland, leading to her joining his band and touring Europe as a guest vocalist[1][3]. Over the next six years, Marta became a central figure in Tricky’s creative process, contributing to several of his projects and eventually co-creating music that blends her delicate, emotionally resonant voice with his signature dark, layered production[1][3]. Their collaboration culminated in the 2023 mini-album 'When It’s Going Wrong' and the announcement of Marta’s debut solo LP, 'Out The Way,' both produced by Tricky[1][3]. Marta’s style is marked by its warmth, authenticity, and a broad emotional spectrum, with critics noting her ability to counterbalance Tricky’s darker impulses with her feathery, coolly delicate vocals[1][3]. Though still early in her solo career, Marta has already earned critical acclaim for her role in shaping the sound of Tricky’s recent work, particularly on his 2020 album 'Fall to Pieces'[1][3].

Fun Facts

• Marta’s first meeting with Tricky was entirely by chance while she was working shifts in Kraków’s bars, leading to an immediate creative connection and her joining his European tour[1][3].
• She cites a wildly diverse range of musical influences, from classical and jazz to R&B, soul, minimal techno, and metal, reflecting her eclectic taste and training[1].
• Marta’s vocals were described by The Guardian as 'the glue' that holds together Tricky’s 'Fall to Pieces,' with her voice countering his darker production style[1][3].
• Despite her rising profile, Marta remains deeply connected to her roots in Płock, Poland, and often traveled between her hometown and Berlin to record with Tricky[1].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tricky (Adrian Thaws) - discovered Marta, produced her debut solo work, and mentored her artistic development ('When It’s Going Wrong', 'Out The Way', 'Fall to Pieces') [2017–present]

Key Collaborators

• Tricky - primary musical partner, co-writer, and producer ('When It’s Going Wrong', 'Fall to Pieces', 'Maxinquaye Reincarnated' EP) [2017–present]
• Lee Scratch Perry - guest vocalist ('King Perry') [2020s]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Ой лети (Ой лети)
2. Дай бог (Дай бог)
3. Спи собі сама (Спи собі сама)
4. На леді (На леді)
5. Дай мені remix (Дай мені remix)
6. Чому (Чому)
7. Дай мені (Дай мені)
8. House of the Rising Sun (House of the Rising Sun)

External Links

• Spotify