Marisa shared with Mélange...
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Her passion for singing
I have always loved singing because it feels good to express myself using the talent God gave me! Even the sound, texture, resonance and the physical sensation is relaxing and pleasurable to me. I don’ t recollect a time I didn’ t sing and I would have to credit my Mom’ s record collection for the birth of the passion in me.
Mom’ s collection extended from Lord Kitchener, to Bob Marley, Brook Benton and Nat King Cole to the Temptations and the Supremes, to Credence Clear Water Revival and Tower of Power, from Teddy Pendagrass and Marvin Gaye to John Denver and Neil Diamond. Being exposed to such a wide collection of genres and vocal styles developed my appreciation for music. As a child it is important to be exposed and have access to all kinds of GREAT MUSIC. My definition of GREAT MUSIC is: Music that leaves you feeling satisfied by every aspect of its production; lyric, melody and the instrumental arrangement.
I don’ t remember a time that I wasn’ t singing! As I grew and opportunities to perform presented themselves, I took them and the desire to sing continued to grow along with my confidence, until I had my first night club gig at 18 yrs old and realised I was doing it for real! I’ ve always felt the desire to sing, compelled, and I knew if I could find a way to make a living from music I would be happy!
Her first performance
Public performances began at primary school!
At Merrivale Prep, Mrs Carrington the principal, hosted end of term concerts.“ Party Day” Students were allowed to sing, dance express themselves and PARTY!! It was great.
Her musical journey from then to now
My musical journey continued with a vocal group called Harmony at Christ Church Foundation School. I would pick the harmonies apart and record each part on a cassette tape so that each member could hear their part separately and learn it. It was very good training for my ears. At 16 years old, I would come to appreciate that the skill of hearing, singing and arranging harmonies was a gift. When Anthony Lohar( Barbadian Producer) recognised I had that gift I was suddenly in high demand in his studio. I sang background vocals on many different projects, albums and advertisements. Doing voice overs, I learned even my speaking voice was an asset! My diction is clear and I love the melody of the spoken word. This comes from my LOVE of reading and theater.
While at Barbados Community College I was given the opportunity to perform professionally in my first night club band when I was 18, and I never looked back.
I would say my musical career began at the age of 28. Even though by that time I had already been singing professionally for 10 years, I never considered what I wanted for my solo career, I just blended into the style and genres of all the bands I worked with!
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