Denise Marsa, the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, and producer, continues to make waves in the music world with her unrelenting creativity and resilience. Her remix singles “Kiss Me in the Rain (Until Dawn Remix)” and “Rainbow (Until Dawn Remix)” have recently peaked at #6 and #9 on the UK Music Week Commercial Pop Club Charts, earning her widespread recognition and five Grammy submissions. Her third remix from PIVOTAL “Don’t Count Yourself Out Yet (Until Dawn Remix)” is currently being promoted by her collaborators UK’s Until Dawn (Euro-Solution) and has been submitted in the Best Remixed Recording category. In its first few weeks on the scene, the track has already gathered great traction from her club-going fans. These accomplishments are yet another testament to Marsa’s staying power and ability to connect with global audiences across generations.
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Following the success of her latest single and music video, “Dry Spell,” which highlighted her powerful storytelling and soulful vocals, Marsa is now preparing for the release of her upcoming single, “The Pendulum.” Set to drop this Friday, “The Pendulum” is a holiday-themed track that promises to capture listeners with its poignant lyrics, and timeless appeal.
Marsa’s album PIVOTAL, released June 14 has garnered high praise from international press, DJs, and industry insiders, who have noted the energy and emotion she brings to her songwriting. Her remixes have gained popularity and are bringing new listeners to her table. “Denise Marsa’s remixes are electrifying—she seamlessly blends soulful vocals with captivating beats that keep the crowd moving,” reflecting the growing excitement around her latest releases.
Last month, Marsa released the visually stunning music video for “Dry Spell,” which features a mix of nostalgic and modern visuals, set against the backdrop of vintage New York City crane footage. The video, with its deep purple tones and cinematic flair, perfectly complements the song’s themes of love, desire, and self-reinvention, drawing viewers into a reflective and intimate experience. With its hypnotic rhythms and sultry guitar riffs, “Dry Spell” stands as a powerful reminder of Marsa’s ability to combine personal storytelling with broader emotional themes.
As anticipation builds for “The Pendulum,” Marsa continues to push creative boundaries, proving that her unique sound and relentless passion for her craft keep her at the forefront of the music scene. With a career defined by perseverance and reinvention, Marsa remains a musical force to be reckoned with.
Denise talks about her journey, below
Your recent singles, “Kiss Me in the Rain (Until Dawn Remix)” and “Rainbow (Until Dawn Remix),” have both been well received, especially in the UK club charts. How does it feel to see your music continue to resonate with audiences after so many years in the industry?
It feels extraordinary. I am thrilled with the support from the promo team Euro-Solution, without whom none of the club charting would be happening; and from the DJs around the UK spinning the tracks. I get reports on who and where, what the feedback is from the DJs and how the crowd feels about the music. It’s wonderful and so encouraging to think of people having fun and dancing, drinking, partying, to my voice and music, after all these years. This is the most expansive success my music career has experienced. It feels life-assuring and also, way happy I did not give up!
“Rainbow (Until Dawn Remix)” was released during Pride Month and has a clear message of love. What inspired this track, and how does it connect with your personal or musical journey?
I met a woman who had been terribly hurt by her former partner years before we met. It is hard to see someone stuck in pain. It was a tough time for many people, it was at the start of the pandemic and the rules were piling up. I have experience spending lots of time on my own, writing music, recording and am content doing so however so many people were uncomfortable with all the “being alone.” They could not go out to restaurants or clubs. I live in Manhattan and it’s a town that never sleeps, but for the first time everything was closed. It was a ghost town. I was inspired to remind people about the other side, of both love and the future when the world was “healthy” again. That’s what “Rainbow” the song, represents to me, the beauty after the storm.
You’ve mentioned in previous interviews that the music industry has unspoken restrictions, especially for women. Can you elaborate on your experiences with these restrictions, and how have you navigated them over time?
The key word here is time. It took me lots of time to understand I was not going to change the music business on my own, and that the spirit of all women artists, especially independent ones, would be concentrated efforts. I’m sure you know the famous story of icon Tina Turner and how she walked away from being mistreated with just her name. I tend to believe that the energy of one turns into the energy of many, when the goal is crucial and the hormones of women, ha, are raging about how we are being treated and how we must change things for ourselves and future generations of women musicians. I am a small cog in the wheel.
As far as the experiences, it had to do with situations where the business interfered with the creative. I also learned to express my creative boundaries when investigating new associations and/or collaborations, I learned to be more discerning from experience and after a few very uncomfortable disagreements and my walking away from opportunities. Like the meeting in the early 80s with my then manager and a record producer/A&R label executive. Perhaps one day a book…
The music from PIVOTAL has been described as genre-defying. How do you go about blending various musical styles, and how important is it for you to avoid being boxed into one genre?
Labels are unnecessary. They are good for a ketchup bottle or for a car, however for music and art, it’s limited to the creator. When you plant a bed of flowers, you give it what it needs; soil, water, air, sun, and then you let it be. It’s about nurturing. I learned early on to nurture myself, keep myself on target by doing what makes me happy. Hence, I went indie in 1998 with SELF. Doing what fulfills my desires makes me, by nature, a more authentic and relevant artist.
“Don’t Count Yourself Out Yet” is the final single, which was released with the album PIVOTAL, what message do you hope this song conveys to your listeners, especially considering the personal success you’ve seen recently?
There are moments you wonder, is it all worth it, and then you realize, it’s your life and you want to do what best defines your time here on earth. I urge everyone to be themselves and do what makes them happy. I am happiest when I am making music, writing songs, putting down vocal tracks, coming up with harmonies, sitting at my keyboard, creating and then making a music video to support the song. It’s what I love to do. If I had counted myself out, I would not be here with you, today, going over these mindful questions. It’s all about your mindset.
As someone who started her own label, KeyMedia Group, back in 1998, what are some of the challenges and rewards you’ve experienced running an independent label?
At the beginning I knew very little. Even though I was not as young as in my 20s, and though I had been in the business for years with so many experiences, hit records, all types of deals and moving to New York City and London and then Los Angeles, it was a totally new and challenging experience and to be on the other side. I have worn many hats over the years, whether it’s PR or marketing or sales. I have done it all and so now, finally I get it! I am still learning; however, I feel the culmination of my business acumen and my creativity are finally parallel with one another. It feels like I’m on the top of a mountain looking onward and beyond. On to more and more experiences. Much more open now than any other time in my life.
You’ve spoken about the importance of faith in oneself. Can you share a moment in your career when this belief truly carried you through a difficult time?
It was 2014, and I had been in a long-term relationship that was not going well. I had, for the first time, given more of myself than previously in other relationships, and it was not working. Mostly because the other person was not in the same place, was not as experienced with intimacy and partnerships. I walked away and felt very much alone for the first time in my life and as if I had failed. It was not my failure; it was our failure, and I had to take less responsibility. It was the timing. It felt like I started my entire life over again, and in many ways I did. I also realized how important it is to know what is best for you, and even if you love someone deeply, you must think of yourself first often. There are many times in a lifetime, you must come first especially if you are still working at your dream or career. Something to do with you, your work, your desires. Separating yourself from others can be difficult, however necessary at times. Especially as a woman.
After decades of creating music, what keeps you inspired and motivated to continue making new work?
Life, New York City, the beach and the ocean, being outside or on my roof, my imagination, great food, movies and the support of those close to me. Very literal things and keeping things fresh!
How did your experience as a self-taught keyboardist shape your approach to composition and production?
There were / are no rules. I do as I feel, or hear, and it engulfs the process, as it is strictly my own. To start and finish something for others to enjoy, and feel and hear, is a gift and pleasure and I appreciate giving of myself to others, while keeping myself intact.
Looking back, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the music industry, particularly in how artists can reach their audiences?
Women artists have voices, without having to scream or cry!! Indie artists can have their music on a playlist with classic tracks, and with artists they adore or grew up with and it’s wonderful and exciting. I was on a recent playlist on Spotify with Earth Wind & Fire and Kate Bush. It was so glorious; I was over the moon. That’s all it takes. We, indie artists, can call our shots, especially if you have a budget. Save, save, save, plan, plan, plan, and get a team, or hire people that help promote your music. Understand the various options open to you as an indie artist to promote your music. Check they are legit, and not using bots. If you are going to release a single, an album, make it and then plan it, even if it takes a year. Ask for advice from others who have experienced the tasks at hand successfully, who may have a different approach or angle than you and listen. I waited a year after PIVOTAL was done to release the first single. Also do not think it all has to be happening by a specific time. That’s way too much pressure! Let it breathe, let it find its way, there’s no rush! If you truly want people to hear you, believe they will, think they will, in every bone of your body. They will. Your mind, body and soul need to be invested more than anything else. “Believing” may be considered corny however it moves the world. Without belief, how can we accomplish anything. Play all the parts, if need be, and plan to sleep very little! At the start…
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