New Music
Marlon moves from Blood in the Water to the mirror with new single Psycho
Darwin hailing / Adelaide based singer-songwriter Marlon (Marlon Motlop) releases new single Psycho today, a moody R&B track produced by Melbourne's R.F.P that explores self-reflection and unchecked emotion with silken vocals over prowling basslines and bouncy beats. The accompanying music video, co-directed by Marlon and videographer Richie Coburn, builds on the visual themes established in his earlier 2026 debut single Blood in the Water.
A glossy dive through vulnerability and silky R&B, the new single and video Psycho out today from Darwin-hailing singer-songwriter Marlon, aka Marlon Motlop, sonically expands on his earlier 2026 debut track Blood in the Water with poise and immersive self-reflection.
Opening with a prowling, jagged bassline, Psycho quickly evolves into a track bustling with effortless grooves, moody dark hues and bouncy beats, helmed by Marlon’s silken vocals that ultimately detail self-reflection and the journey that begins long after awareness sparks. “Psycho is an unflinching reflection on the parts of ourselves we often try to hide,” shares Marlon. “It explores how unchecked emotion can quietly take control, shaping our actions, damaging the people we love, and forcing those closest to us to adapt to our unpredictability. The song isn't about persecuting others; it's about confronting the uncomfortable truth that our own pain, anger, fear, and insecurity can become patterns that leave lasting marks on the people around us.”
“At its core, Psycho is the conversation I never wanted to have with myself,” Marlon adds. “It's about recognising the traits I dislike most within me, acknowledging the hurt they can cause, and sitting with the weight of that reality instead of running from it. It's a reminder that self-awareness isn't always comfortable, but it's the first step towards breaking cycles and choosing who we want to become.”
Working with Melbourne producer R.F.P to bring Psycho sonically to life, Marlon also joined forces with videographer Richie Coburn for the single’s accompanying music video, co-producing and co-directing the clip with Richie after also working with him on the Hilltop Hoods video The Gift, as well as on Marlon’s earlier 2026 debut single and music video Blood in the Water.
“There’s a cool video dropping which has been fun to create and storyboard,” shares Marlon of the music video for Psycho. “Building off the Blood in the Water Video (Release earlier this year) we’ve created some visual grabs that embody the genesis and theme of the song.”
A driven, authentic and deep-thinking creative, Marlon’s upbringing in the tropics of Larrakia in Darwin would soon lead to a professional AFL career before pivoting into more creative pursuits. A talented singer-songwriter with a knack for infectious hooks and fluency across hip hop, R&B and soul with a modern lens, Marlon has gone on to co-write songs with a horde of icons across the hip hop genre, while also passionately flying the flag for his musical influences, along with stories of his cultural history and identity. Previously teaming up with the likes of Urthboy, A.B. Original and Birdz & Frank Leone across various releases, Marlon has also released singles as part of a collab project with Rulla, showcased on the 2025 Hilltop Hoods single The Gift, and also featured as a special guest on stage during some unforgettable Hilltop Hoods shows earlier this year.
Through his socially-conscious lyricism, which expands to unwavering relatable honesty with his latest single Psycho, Marlon’s rare and engaging artistry has also seen him share stages with Midnight Oil, Xavier Rudd and Pete Murray, along with scene-stealing appearances at the likes of WOMADelaide, Dark Mofo, Bass in the Grass, Spin Off Festival and Party In The Paddock. And with his talents extending far beyond the stage and studio, previously drafted to the AFL at the age of 17, and ticking off a successful career playing both at the AFL level and in state leagues, Marlon’s early passion for music has since resulted in him working towards his, as yet unannounced, debut album; and Psycho unfurls another hypnotic piece of the puzzle as to what may lie in wait on Marlon’s hotly-anticipated debut album.
Introducing his solo endeavours with gusto earlier this year via the powerful single Blood in the Water, Marlon continues his quest for captivating but authentic art with his brand new single Psycho. “This single feels like my most vulnerable release yet,” Marlon reveals. “It is a deeply honest reflection of parts within my myself that I am most ashamed of.”
“I feel there is a certain part of me that invests in creating honest and authentic music,” Marlon concludes, “and a level of accountability that holds me in a position where I must share the ‘good’, and more importantly, the ‘not so good’.”
Psycho is out today.
