July 2018, Austrian producer, songwriter, and performer Marlene Nader mainly known as Mavi Phoenix, published a video explaining how he (now) was struggling with gender dysphoria since being a kid. Now, that this is no longer a secret, Phoenix is bringing that confidence into his music with a highly anticipated first record «Boys Toys» produced with the help of Alex The Flipper. This project is as introspective as the all-night raves, the artist danced through during the course of his life.
Firstly how do you feel to release your first record in this current COVID-19 situation?
Well, I certainly didn’t think I’d release my debut album under circumstances like this. It feels a little weird with all that’s going on but I decided to stick to the release date because this album is not competing for high chart positions. It’s a personal outtake from my life and people have to discover it in their own time.
You released several materials before putting «Boys Toys» out, how different was it to work on this debut?
Very different, because I really wanted to create this universe and this character “BoysToys”. The album pretty much was made in time spawn of 1 year, starting beginning of last year. I got very personal and took my time with what I wanted to say. I wanted to say it right.
With producer Alex The Flipper, what were your main source of inspirations for this album?
We really just wanted to have fun making music and try out different things and go out of our comfort zone. We got real instruments in there, but also very crazy samples, we met with other producers and exchanged ideas. It was all just a very uplifting process.
You were a kid growing up in a conservative country, now that you are an adult, you feel that something has changed?
Not really to be honest. There is still a long way to go. I’m trying to do my part in it with being very open about being transgender.
You made a video explaining the reasons you don’t feel comfortable with your body. How this video was useful and important for others being in your situation but not having the opportunity and support to face it daily?
I really just wanted to explain myself. Because when I came out to the first couple people I understood that if you’re not in this situation it’s very hard to understand what people with gender dysphoria are going through. I honestly hope it helped some people understand my struggles and the struggle of many others better.
