Interview: Lo Marie
Neo-Soul/Jazz artist Lo Marie's aesthetic encompasses jazz harmonic constructs, urban grooves, soulful guitar passages, and the expressivity of the jazz and neo-soul vocal traditions. She is a confident artist with a focused vision and a 4-time Madison Area Music Association Award winner.
Every night African daisies close up, a gesture interpreted as being protective of their vulnerably beautiful pedal display. In the morning, these flowers burst open and share with the world their bold essence. Multi-award-winning jazz-tinged neo-soul artist Lo Marie will release a song called “African Daisy” as part of a series of singles to eventually be bundled together as the album Le Rêve. The African daisy phenomenon is emblematic of a profound shift in her personal and creative continuums. “This album is a celebration of freedom of creativity and expression. The themes here are more mature, and the feeling is confident, hopeful, and empowering,” she shares.
“One of the most meaningful things about playing live is making connections and new friends through music. I want to share with people light-hearted, intimate, and uplifting moments in performance.” says Lo Marie.
We recently had an opportunity to check in with Lo Marie and she was kind enough to respond to a few interview quesitons:
Hi Lo Marie! Thank you for taking this interview with us! Your music is great! We just listened to 'African Daisy'. How did that song come to be?
African Daisies are a type of flower that close up each night for protection. Therefore, they must reopen every single day. To me, that seems like an exceptional act of bravery. I think we could all learn something from these courageous flowers.
You have more new music coming up! 'The Gap' will be your latest release, can you give us any inside scoop about it?
Absolutely! I’m so excited about “The Gap.” It is funky and fresh and bold…just like me ;) I also made it my mission to raise awareness for an important social issue: the gender pay gap. I’m hoping that this song will not only provide a fun listening experience, but also encourage people to make individual changes where they can.
Who motivates you to keep going?
Just this morning I got an email from a fan saying that my words allowed him to access feelings that he had laid to rest unexplored. It’s comments like those that are my biggest motivator. I’ve always known that music has the power to move people, but hearing an actual account of my music’s impact is a dream come true. That’s what keeps me going.
Do you write only when you feel creative or do you keep a routine regardless?
I know every songwriter would answer this question differently! For me, I write when I have something to say or something to figure out. I end up having large gaps in time when I’m not writing followed by a whole collection of songs all at once.
How much of your day do you allocate to music?
Pretty much all day everyday lol. I’m a bit of a workaholic…which is an easy trap to fall into when you love your job!
What has been the most deeply personal song you’ve written?
That’s a trick question! They’re all personal ;) Perhaps the one that I’m most connected to right now is “All the Love.” That one wasn’t written about a situation. Rather, it was written with the intention of connecting with one specific person. Oddly enough, I think it turned out to be the song that connects with the broadest audience.
How much do you share with your music to your fans?
All of my songs are based on real life events and real emotions. I think that the more honest you are in your music, the more people are able to connect. That said, I like to keep any other parties involved a secret. I feel like I have the right to write about my own life, but not necessarily someone else’s. I would never want my actions to negatively impact another person.
What is something your fans don't know about you that you'd love them to?!
I’m a total thrill seeker. Speed, heights, and competition. I love downhill skiing, hang gliding, running, biking, and driving with the windows rolled down and the jams cranked up! That said, scuba diving is another thing. I tried it once. There was someone snapping pictures, and I’m telling you, a picture is worth a thousand words. I look so confused and terrified! I also haven’t quite worked up the courage for skydiving yet, but maybe someday.
How do our readers stream your music and keep up with you?!
I’m on all of the streaming platforms! Pick your poison! The best way to keep up with me is through my website and my email list. You can check it out at www.lomariemusic.com.
Have a listen and connect with Lo Marie on social media:
