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Interview with Marina
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Music and singing have always been my passions, my creative outlet. I started singing in choirs and talent shows in middle school, and it just grew from there! In college I started writing and performing, and eventually started pursuing it more seriously. Unfortunately music isn’t the way I make a living (at least not yet). My day job funds my music career (I’m a clinical pharmacist), to which I’m very grateful for.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I love to read and practice yoga. I think both inspire me and help me come up with ideas for my songs. There have been many times I’m lying in savasana and a melody will come into my head, which will then lead to a new song. And when I’m reading (if it’s a self development/motivational book) I’ll be inspired to reflect more and come up with the emotional content of my songs.
How long have you been making music?
Over a decade! Some pieces of music were better than others, but it was all a learning experience!
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
I’m based in Denver, Colorado. I don’t think that necessarily had a big influence on me. I wasn’t really into the music scene here when I started writing, so it didn’t really affect my style.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
My most memorable show was a little show I put together back in 2016 at a small cafe/bar called The Mercury Cafe in Denver. I hadn’t performed in ages before that, it was my first show in years!! It felt so good to be on stage again. I also remember how all of my friends, family, and coworkers came to support me. It was amazing. After that there was a great show in Boulder that I did at a spot called The Laughing Goat. That was wonderful too. It was one of the most attentive audiences I’ve ever had.
What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I honestly don’t really have a favorite. Every spot has been unique and enjoyable. One day I’d love to play at Red Rocks!!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the lineup?
Oh my gosh, what a fun dream! Probably Maroon 5, Halsey, Kelly Clarkson, and Fletcher.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Just keep going! You’re going to run into hiccups all the time, but that’s not a reason to quit! Do it because you love it, no other reason.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Be consistent and practice more!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
“Sunsets And Rieslings.” I wrote it during the pandemic, and it was the first song I’d written in years! I was so discouraged (creatively) at that time, and it was the first great thing to come through! It was also the first fully produced track that I had the opportunity to work on with my producers up in Evergreen. They did an amazing job!!
What is your creative process for writing your music and what inspires you to write your music?
Honestly, I’m more of a muse writer than a process writer. A melody will pop into my head, and then I’ll just go to my keyboard and start exploring it. I’ll mess around with different chord progressions, find what works, and then start coming up with lyrics.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Love, empowerment, hope, sadness, and resilience.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
In the future, I will continue to write and create!! Nothing coming up as of yet, but for now you can stream my new song “Why” on Spotify!
Follow Marina
https://www.facebook.com/watch/marinassongs/
https://www.instagram.com/marinassongs/
https://twitter.com/marinassongs