When Dea Doyle stepped back into music, she wasn’t interested in writing another song about romance.

Instead, the West London singer-songwriter returned with “Marina,” a tribute to the aunt she calls her “biggest inspiration” and a reflection on how grief continues to shape everyday life. The single marks a new chapter for Doyle, whose songwriting has expanded beyond relationships to explore family, loss and personal growth.

The release arrives after a period away from music and represents what Doyle describes as “the most honest version of this project so far.” While her earlier songs often centered on observations about relationships, she said her perspective has broadened over time.

“As I’ve got older, my writing has become less centred on love and a bit more varied,” Doyle said. “I’m writing about more real, difficult experiences that have shaped me.”

That shift is evident throughout “Marina,” a song written in memory of her aunt, who died from cancer. Doyle said the track serves as both a tribute and a way to process the absence of someone who played a major role in her life.

“She was my favourite person, my biggest inspiration, and honestly, all the best bits of me are her,” Doyle said. “Everything I do is for her, but this track especially.”

The song explores how loss remains present even during moments of happiness. Rather than focusing solely on sadness, Doyle captures the longing that accompanies life’s milestones when a loved one is no longer there to witness them.

That sentiment is reflected in the lyric, “What I’d give to tell you all that you’ve missed since you’ve been gone.”

The deeply personal nature of the song carried into the recording process. Doyle worked with producer Sophie Ackroyd and mastering engineer Izzy McPhee, a collaboration she said created an environment built on trust and understanding.

“It was amazing working with women and feeling so understood sonically. There was a real trust there, which made the whole process feel very natural and collaborative,” she said.

Family also became part of the finished recording. Doyle’s father, Eamonn Doyle, contributed bass and backing vocals, strengthening the connection between the music and the people who inspired it.

The track combines indie-pop foundations with influences from folk, soul and classic singer-songwriter traditions. Doyle draws inspiration from artists such as Fleetwood Mac while incorporating contemporary pop elements and subtle country influences.

Another key contributor was guitarist Anthony Drennan, whose career includes work with The Corrs, Genesis and Chris Rea. His lead guitar performance adds brightness to a song that balances themes of grief with gratitude and remembrance.

“He made the song sparkle,” Doyle said.

The collaboration carried additional significance because Drennan knew Marina personally and has longstanding ties to Doyle’s family.

Music has been part of Doyle’s life from an early age. Raised in a musical household, she wrote her first song at age 9 and later released four singles while establishing herself on London’s live music circuit.

Her latest release signals a new direction, one rooted less in observation and more in personal experience.

While “Marina” serves as a tribute to a beloved family member, it also introduces listeners to a more vulnerable side of Doyle’s songwriting. The track reflects on the ways people carry loved ones forward long after they are gone, finding meaning in memory while continuing to move ahead.

For Doyle, the song is both a return and a beginning.

Rather than simply marking her comeback, “Marina” lays the foundation for the music she plans to create next, grounded in honesty, reflection and the experiences that have shaped her beyond the stage.