Szwei & Marat Photo credit: Carol Szwei
Hudson County’s own Szwei & Marat are back with a haunting new single, “Love is a Picnic,” blending their signature sound of introspective lyricism and lush, layered vocals. The duo—Carol Szwei (vocals/keys) and Nicholas Maratta (vocals/guitar/keys)—have made a name for themselves with their genre-defying blend of grounded pop, ethereal harmonies, and vivid, metaphorical storytelling. With this release, they deepen their exploration of personal relationships and the emotional toll they can take.
“Love is a Picnic” is an introspective rumination on the personal cost of love, framed through a dreamy, cinematic soundscape. The track opens with a soaring vocal line from Szwei, underpinned by Maratta’s evocative guitar work. The duo further builds the atmosphere with a mix of electric guitar layers, atmospheric synthesizers, and a subtle drum machine, giving the track a distinct 80s influence while maintaining a contemporary edge. The result is a wistful, almost cinematic feeling, with Szwei’s voice leading the charge through the swirling instrumentation.
“While we were recording, we were kind of ‘Frankensteining’ ideas to channel that Kate Bush energy, but an octave lower,” says Szwei, reflecting on the process. “One of my favorite moments was recording multiple harmonies for every main vocal. There was a time when ‘Love is a Picnic’ sounded like a Renaissance motet before we added the synths and drums, which really helped us find the final vibe we were going for.”
Self-produced and engineered by Szwei & Maratta, the song took time and care to perfect, with each sonic layer carefully crafted to evoke the emotional weight of the lyrics. The duo’s effort is evident in every aspect of the track, which explores the complexities of love through metaphor and introspection. Mastered by Nick Bolton at Bolton Sound Studios and featuring artwork by Shantell Batista, “Love is a Picnic” is a promising preview of what’s to come from the duo in 2025.
“Love is a Picnic” drops on all digital streaming platforms on April 25th. As Szwei & Marat continue work on their forthcoming untitled LP, it’s clear this duo is carving out their unique space in the indie pop landscape.
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