Tumblr Magic with Zuri Marley
Photographed by Miranda Barnes
Art Courtesy of Zuri Marley
Let's take a #tbt to the days of junior high when Tumblr broke the internet. It was a personal space to fearlessly write and share anything that was on our minds: thoughts, feelings, and broken hearts, to finding throwback GIFs from movies, to inspiration from art and fashion - all which we shared to an abyss of unknown followers. You could, and still can, learn a lot about a person from their Tumblr, maybe even a different side of them you never knew. For some people it can be a visual diary of both feelings and emotions, or just a place to share funny memes that make them laugh. Inspired by her own Tumblr, underratedmami, we thought we'd get to know Zuri Marley, NYC based musician and DJ. Pulling from her Tumblr, we pulled a combination of Zuri's own writings, songs, and visual inspiration with our own questions and photographs from a day we spent with her in Downtown Manhattan. An artist hailing from Jamaica, she mixes origins with 60s era finds, and a modern day NYC style.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Everything I do, or don’t do, have or have not done is because of tension. I wouldn’t describe myself as a tense person but tension is the only way I can think to describe where I am right now.
Photographed by Miranda Barnes
How do you think these uncertain political times are affecting your work?
Motivates me to be fearless. I don’t really feed my ego often, I love people that do, it inspires me, but I feel like we need to kill it a bit - clearly... look at the president of the country. I have stopped judging myself and others and have become way more compassionate and open because you have to be right now. You have to be willing to face your demons and the demons of the world. That’s how you overcome.
What draws you to Tumblr?
I started using it when I was really young and I was addicted. I’ve always been a lil insomniac and I found comfort in scrolling and saving. I still use my Tumblr, though not as much. I find that I drag and drop things to my desktop more these days — but long live Tumblr, great resource!
Photographed by Miranda Barnes
Writing Courtesy of Zuri Marley
Tell us about your collaboration on Blood Orange’s track “Love Ya.”
Dev is the homie, when he asked me to sing on his track i was like yes let’s do it. I’m not really a studio rat though I can find comfort in it. It was nice being able to do “Love Ya” live. That's where I think we collaborated most!
Photographed by Miranda Barnes
How can our generation be more proactive in promoting creative safe spaces?
Well, I think there are a lot of safe spaces, but nowhere will ever be “safe” for everyone at any time. Each individual has to find the space they feel best. Because even if it's an open safe space, that’s just a title. You have to practice that, and live that. You have to look past the definition on paper and open yourself up, so that the spaces you create reflect that. Safe is a label, and I’m happy we have it but it doesn’t automatically mean the space is actually safe for any minority or person — it’s about the intention as much as the execution.
Photographed by Miranda Barnes
Follow more of Zuri on her Tumblr, underratedmami, and keep up with her on Instagram.
Photographed by Miranda Barnes