Not many current National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s players can say that not only do they play football but also have the talents of being an up and coming DJ and Producer – in this case, Manly United’s wonderkid Marley Peterson is living proof that this does in fact exist in our very own backyard.
The 21-year-old ace marksman, a former Western Sydney Wanderers youth prodigy, made the move back to the Northern Beaches this season when he signed with Manly United under the watchful eye of coach Paul Dee.
Like every footballer in not just NSW, but globally, COVID-19 struck, putting a halt to Peterson’s push for success at Cromer Park.
But unknown to most in the NPL NSW fraternity, Peterson possessed another talent apart from hitting the back of the net and that was the power to play and produce quality tunes on the decks.
“Before the self-isolation period began, I’ve always been interested in making music and producing, so when this all started, I thought there was no better time to start.
“So a talent, I guess but not yet that good at it, I am using a software online called Ableton to make my own music.”
Not that good, yet Peterson and some close friends kicked off a record label to showcase their talents as up and comers in the ever rising Australian electronic dance scene.
“A few close friends and I on the Northern Beaches started a record label late last year and it was mainly to showcase our taste in music which was really lacking around the beaches.
“We understood the importance and surge in popularity this style of music was in the whole scheme of things and continued to pursue it by bringing out tracks that best fit our style.”
Asked what type of music style he was known for and if he had any key influences Peterson replied.
“Music style is just simply House Music.
“A lot of influences come from the European scene, mainly from a record label called ‘PIV’.”
Peterson and co have already paid homage to some of Sydney’s finest underground electronic dance venues with the buzz growing more and more each time they’ve all hit the decks.
“We have members of our label penciled in for gigs regularly all-around Sydney in places such as S.A.S.H, Goodbar, Civic Underground, etc.
“However, since the whole pandemic with everything being closed for the time being, that has seen a lot of our upcoming shows cancelled or postponed.”
Peterson stated that it would be a dream come true to play at London’s iconic Printworks, a venue that has played host to a number of superstar DJs including Solomun, Simon Dunmore, Sam Divine, Todd Terry, Green Velvet, Solardo and Huxley to name a few.
Football wise, the young gun has continued with his fitness as well as keeping on top of his University studies during this down period.
“Since the suspension of the league, I’ve been just mainly focusing on staying healthy and busy with my university studies amongst other things like surfing and of course my music.
“To stay fit, I’ve been doing a couple of sessions a week with my good friend who lives down the road, Central Coast Mariner Gianni Stenssnes.
“We usually do a training session at the park then go for a surf and coffee afterwards a few times a week.
“Also, I’ve just been doing plenty of ‘at home gym work’ with me set up on my balcony.”
Football still plays a primary role in Marley’s everyday life and he hopes that this nightmare ends as soon as possible so he can get back to playing the game he loves.
“Not only do I miss the sport, but I miss the environment at training and on game day with all the playing group and staff.
“You can do as much training on your own as you want but some things just can’t be replaced like game day.”
To get you in the groove below is a sample of one of Marley’s latest works alongside good friend Jasper Rowden, something to keep you going during self-isolation times of need.
Here’s a mix Marley put together below, playing back to back to also get you in the mood, great for when you are doing your workout sessions