Marcel talks about the success of his song, "Nothin' To Lose" (Currently on the charts by Josh Gracin) :: "It's great having a song do well on the charts. I try not to get involved with it though...it's too much of a numbers game...and I'm not good at math. I wrote "Nothin' to Lose" with Kevin Savigar ("Forever Young" writer) and used to be in rods band as a keyboard player. Anyway, it was our first time meeting each other and I had a very bad sinus infection. I kept blowing my nose and I could barely talk - I was so congested. But, we just stuck it out and wrote the song in like and hour or something. Then we were going to finish the song in a couple of weeks...I ended up being on the same plane back to LA with Kevin and we finished it up on the plane...ya know a few lyric tweaks here and there. Then, I demoed it with Kevin and came up with a cool sounding demo that stuck to the way my project ended up being. The fiddle player, who regretfully recently was murdered in LA made the song. His wild erotic playing draws the ear. Travis Parker, the nicest man you could ever meet was murdered in October this year. He is now among other close friends and relatives watching over me."
Interview from November 2004
(by Janelle Landauer)
CMO: What has been your main focus with your music career lately?
I have been writing a whole bunch. Actually most of the summer I was writing for Jessica's project with her. We really wanted to tackle a part of her she has never dug into. And we did- we wrote some great tunes. Lately the past few months I have been getting back to writing songs for me. Gosh it seems like it's been awhile. I am going to go after another deal next year.
CMO: Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing songs?
Mostly real life situations. I write from my heart.. Sometimes it hurts to dig in but someone has to.
CMO: What is your favorite song that you've written and why?
The last one I wrote.. hahahaha that's a joke that all songwriters make. It's always the one you finish last that's the best one because it's so fresh. But in this case, the last two songs I have written are topping my favorites. They are so directly about me and personal - it's scary..I get emotional listening to them myself.
CMO: What is your favorite song to perform live?
Tennessee- it's another song that hit's home pretty hard. I'm all about feeling emotions.
Interview from May 2003
(by Janelle Landauer)
CMO: How & when did your big break come about when you moved to Nashville?
I played the Bluebird Café on a Monday open mic night and the lady who runs it (Barbara Cloyd) gave me here card and then introduced me to some publishing companies.
CMO: Who are some of the other artists you have written with or for?
I have written with Jeffrey Steele, Anthony Smith, and Jessica Andrews. Jessica Andrews recorded one that I wrote and one that we co-wrote. Also Jolie Edwards has recorded a song that I wrote on her new Warner Bros record.
CMO: What advice would you give for aspiring artists who plan to go into the music industry?
Believe in yourself and go for it. Don't talk about it...it's better to say that you tried than to look back and wonder.
CMO: Can you tell me more about your upcoming album? Did you write or co-write any of the songs?
I co-wrote my whole 13 song album. The album is called YOU, ME AND THE WINDSHIELD. It is basically my personal journey over the past 6 years...it's very true to me. I write about true stories and experience that we all can relate too.
CMO: Do you prefer performing or writing?
I love to do both!! I can't really chose a preference.
CMO: Do you have any plans of touring this year? Any plans of Fan Fair?
I do plan on doing some touring but not sure when and where yet. Jessica and I talked about doing an acoustic tour for a couple dates. Yes, I am playing fan fair but don't have the final time yet.
CMO: Who would you most like to perform with?
Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill or Tim McGraw
CMO: Have you filmed a video for your upcoming release "Tennessee"?
Yes, in fact my album will have the video that is airing on CMT and GAC on the enhanced portion of the CD. Also, the enhanced portion will include a video that I self-produced and directed for "Tennessee." The videos are basically a journey from LA to Tennessee which is the story of the song.
CMO: What is a typical day in the studio like?
It's the best! You get to listen and enjoy brilliant musicians play the music that I created.
CMO: Did you work with the production of this record?
Yes, I co-produced YOU, ME AND THE WINDSHIELD with Byron Gallimore who also produces Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and JoDee Messina.
CMO: What kind of songs did you look for (or write) when you went to record this album?
All the songs I recorded had the same vibe to them. We had a lot of songs to choose from to create YOU, ME AND THE WINDSHIELD. I already have enough material for another album some time in the future.
CMO: How did you come in contact with Mercury Records?
My attorney gave Suzanne Kessler and Luke Lewis a demo that I had done. Soon I received a call from Mercury asking if I was interested in a deal.
CMO: How was the reaction from the fans when you made your CMT Debut with Jessica Andrews?
I think It was good. I hope!!! I have been getting a lot of emails of congratulations and support. It is reassuring to hear encouraging words from the work that I am doing.
CMO: Do you have a favorite song on your record? If so, what is it & why is it your favorite song?
I think my favorite song on my record is "Annie Divine." It just makes me feel good when I hear it.
CMO: Do you have any expectations as a recording artist?
I want to go as far and as long as I can to touch millions of people with my music. I just love making music for others to enjoy, and I just hope to do that for as long as time will let me.
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Songwriter Spotlight: Marcel
