Introduction
Can you introduce yourself and provide some background on your journey as a music artist? How did you first become interested in music, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
Yes, absolutely. My name is Marina, and I'm an independent pop artist. I've been singing forever, since I was in elementary school. I started writing music in high school and college, and things just progressed from there. I stopped performing and writing for several years when I went to school, but then got back into writing more seriously during the pandemic. I found a great studio here in Colorado and went from there. Since then, I've continued to write and perform locally in Denver. It's currently not my full-time career at the moment, but I hope that one day it will be.
Musical Style
Your music has a unique style. How would you describe your musical sound, and are there specific genres or artists that have influenced your musical journey?
I'd describe my sound as pop or adult contemporary. If we really want to get into the weeds, then you could also classify it as Alt-Z. Many artists have influenced my sound, including Kelly Clarkson, Fletcher, Emlyn, and Katy Perry to name a few. Growing up, I listened to Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, and Lady Gaga too! I would say with each song I write, there's usually an artist that comes to mind that I'm trying to emulate.
Songwriting Process
Can you share insights into your songwriting process? Where do you typically find inspiration for your lyrics, and what themes or emotions do you enjoy exploring in your songs?
Honestly, it's often random. Sometimes I'll find inspiration from another song. I'll hear something come up on my Spotify that I love and think "I should write a song with that same theme!" And other times I'll just be feeling sad, start journaling, and song lyrics come from that process. I've even been inspired by conversations I've had with people! Someone may say something that resonates, and I'll use it as a song lyric. That said, I'd say the majority of my songs are centered around my past relationships and my experiences in them. Writing the songs helps me process what happened and lets me create something beautiful from something that was sad or painful. Those are usually the common themes: heartbreak, sadness, betrayal, regret, and longing. I'm trying to shift to happier themes but it's not as easy as writing the sad stuff!
Challenges
Artists often face challenges in their careers. Can you discuss some of the challenges you've encountered in the music industry and how you've navigated them?
Yes, there have been many challenges. I'd say the biggest challenge as an indie solo artist is the fact that you're expected to basically do everything alone. I have to be my own social media manager, content creator, booking agent, manager, marketer, etc. It's exhausting. And it's a huge shame that that's basically how it is now. Social media and growing my pages has probably been the most challenging and time-consuming. I honestly just try and do the best I can. It's also just a challenge to get your music heard and recognized in general! I get plenty of rejections from playlist curators, and have sent many emails where I'm totally ignored. It's discouraging. But, when I get down about it, I try to remember it's just one person's opinion. There are many out there who will enjoy my music and I just have to find them.
Collaborations
Collaborations can bring new dimensions to music. Have you had any notable collaborations in your career, and how have they influenced your creative process?
Unfortunately, I have not. I definitely hope to one day! I have plenty of dream collaborations though. If I could collaborate with anyone it'd be Katy Perry or Maroon 5!
Live Performances
Performing live can be a powerful experience. Can you share a particularly special or impactful moment you've experienced while performing in front of an audience?
Yes, I can. Last year I performed at a singer-songwriter showcase here in Denver, and all my friends, family, and even some co-workers came to support me! It was amazing. I remember one of my friends in the audience got teary-eyed during one of my songs! It made me so happy one of my songs moved her so much.
Career Highlights
Looking back on your music career, what are some of the most memorable moments or achievements that stand out to you?
I'd say the performances that I've done where the people I love came to support me. Those stand out in my mind just because I felt so grateful. Regarding achievements though, my latest is that I just signed with a boutique music publisher and sync agency! So I'm very excited and proud of that. They're called OML Sync and they're based out of London.
Future Aspirations
What are your future goals and aspirations as a music artist? Are there any upcoming projects or releases that your fans can look forward to?
My future goals include writing more awesome songs, and getting a sync placement for one of my songs in the next year or so. Regarding upcoming releases, I don't have anything currently, but I'll be writing over the next couple of months, so hopefully the muse will strike!
