Billie Marten – Dog Eared
Folk singer-songwriter Billie Marten uses a stage name because when she signed her first record deal at 16, she wished to maintain an inkling of privacy. On her four studio albums thus far, however, she wears her heart on her sleeve, bearing her most intimate thoughts to listeners. With this, it feels the world was meant to know Marten. The release of her fifth record, Dog Eared, is proof that her endearing authenticity will continue to charm many, and her profound emotional depth will keep listeners on their toes for many years to come.
Feeling opens up this new chapter for Marten with a modern twist on Joni Mitchell-style acoustics. A steel guitar hums delicately and provides a sense of warmth amongst her ever-poetic words. Marten gracefully sings about loneliness and the limbo between light and dark feelings, and the next tune, Crown, expands upon this atmosphere, reflecting on her own identity and yearning for self-acceptance. Its poppy and vibrant instrumentals mimic thought bubbles, almost as though she is putting her direct, truthful feelings straight from pen to paper. Clover is slower with a moodier sound: she discusses her insecurities as she perceives herself as weak, but is working on regaining her confidence. In the first version of the chorus, she mentions she “stares at cracks ‘til they appear”, but in the final chorus, Marten stares at the cracks, and they finally disappear – yet another gripping message from the singer, this time showing a hint of optimism. No Sudden Changes follows and continues on the topic of insecurity, smallness and loneliness as she pleads to be seen.
The Glass switches to a jazz mood and features a swoonworthy flute that backs Marten’s smooth vocal style beautifully. The singer yearns once again, but this time, to be a child at peace as she is emotionally exhausted with the demands of adulthood. She feels she needs to find her inner child to become whole, which is a sentiment many can resonate with. Leap Year is yet another instance of Marten understanding human nature and the nuance of emotion. On this track, the singer tells the tale of a fleeting romance that could have never had permanence, no matter the lengths it took for the love to work out. The steel guitar and subtle hi-hat taps nearing the end of the tune allow her disappointment to fizzle out in a film-like fashion. Goodnight Moon follows, wrapping The Glass and Leap Year into one. The possibility of simplicity in love is explored as she compares the calming nature of a bedtime story for a young child to the softness of a healthy relationship built to last. Where Leap Year and Goodnight Moon ended on a sad note, Planets is evidence that the stars have aligned for Marten in regard to love. Her story of disappointment seems to have been wonderfully resolved as she has found the easy love she has been searching for.
You and I Both combines jazz and folk with the addition of a slight country twang, and this genre-bending piece is a highlight of the record. Marten combines each theme into one as she realises her place as an equal in a relationship – the power dynamic has vanished, and although the future of this love is uncertain, she is content with the position they are in. Swing is the final moment on Dog Eared, and she commits to country with a hint of bluegrass elements to complete her story. Marten leaves listeners on a cliffhanger – where You and I Both seemed to come to some sort of resolution, Swing shows that the singer is still working on self-actualisation.
Overall, Billie Marten never fails to be awe-striking. Her ability to weave honesty amongst various genres and wildly impressive poetic prose is reminiscent of the greats that came before her. Dog Eared proves that although her experiences may seem niche, especially considering her perspicacious and metaphorical writing style, they are cathartic for all who have the opportunity to listen. Marten may feel that she has not yet found herself, but Dog Eared is the product of a one-of-a-kind mind.
Taryn Crowley
Image: Frances Carter
Dog Eared is released on 18th July 2025. For further information or to order the album, visit Billie Marten’s website here.
Watch the video for Feeling here:
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