Los Angeles – The independent woman has been picking up a guitar to spill her emotions for decades and Lonna Marie is making her predecessors proud. Her ballads have a simplicity that could easily be imagined being plucked alongside a campfire. They are a simple and lovely homage to love and life’s teachings.
The raven-haired crooner was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida, but now she has found herself hustling for her dreams in the California version of her hometown. Marie began her career singing and songwriting in the streets of New York in 2012, releasing her very first EP before touring her way across the country to work with acclaimed producer Will Golden. The trek was without a doubt worth it considering Golden has helped mold sounds for similar sounds like Michelle Branch and Meiko. Marie’s sophomore EP, The Worst Has Just Begun, showcases an organic talent and a producer’s understanding of an artist’s strongest attributes.
Her second compilation is a special mix of country and folk that are joyful and jangly despite lyrics like, “Afraid of what you hide deep inside those broken eyes.” It is that clever juxtaposition of simple melodies with high tones and somber words, that make Lonna Marie one to watch.
Best New Bands sat down with the songstress to discuss the music industry, her growth as an artist, and what is to come:
Ariela Kozin: What do you want to convey with your music?
Lonna Marie: I always want to be truthful and open when I’m writing a song. If it doesn’t feel genuine, it doesn’t see the light of day. I also want to make people who listen to my music feel okay with themselves and their emotions, no matter what those emotions might be. Feeling something is everything.
AK: Can you describe your music?
LM: My lyrics are chaotic, heartfelt and emotional; while the melodies are more light hearted and beautiful. I want people to really enjoy the journey the melody takes them on and not realize that it’s a sad or emotional song.
AK: You’ve talked about working on expanding your sound. Can you elaborate?
LM: I’ve been writing songs in my bedroom a lot longer than I’ve been out and about in the recording world so I really wanted to find the right people to hand my music over to. I recorded an EP before leaving NYC two years ago and it was a really great experience and I learned a lot. I’m always going to be striving to find the right sound for each song. It’s not so much looking for “my sound,” but making sure someone can take each individual song and give it the life it deserves and is asking for. I’ve been able to find that here in LA and it’s opened my eyes so much to this entire process. It’s very inspiring.
AK: Which artists are currently giving you inspiration? Is there any career you would like to emulate?
LM:I am in love with Jessie Ware right now. I’ve always been a fan of Jason Mraz, too, since he first came on the scene. He really inspired me as an artist and writer. I really appreciate his career and that of Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles. I feel like these artists always (or seemed to) take their careers into their own hands and made it work for them. No costumes, no flash, just raw talent and honest music.
AK: You said you were filming a music video? Can you explain a little bit about that project?
LM: Yes! This will be my second music video experience and I love that I’m working with my close friend, Valerie Noell, who is a photographer here in LA. She sees things and can envision the simplest of situations and turn them into cinematic heaven for the eyes. We’re working on the video for “Drifting” off my sophomore EP, The Worst Has Just Begun, which was released this October. (The video) will be released early 2015 so keep an eye out!
AK: What do you think separates your sound from other artists?
LM: I’ve kind of coined the term “loverly folk” along the years because my “sound” doesn’t exactly fit into a certain genre. Pop melodies and vocals with folk describing the more diverse and elaborate lyrical content. I let the music take the wheel and it’s definitely given me a sound of my own that feels genuine.
AK: It’s a big decision to pursue music for a living. Do you have a memory of when you decided to pursue it?
LM: Oh gosh, yes, it’s a huge decision. There isn’t a day that goes by that my brain doesn’t double check with my heart, “You sure about this?” This is my life, though. A lot of artists say that because it’s true. There are a lot of other things I want to accomplish as well, but spreading and creating music will always be at the forefront. It’s an extension of me. Without it, I’d have a lot less to say.
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BestNewBands.com is pleased to present a series of articles about worthy artists that came to us via our Artist Discovery program with ReverbNation, the website that provides over three million music industry professionals with powerful easy-to-use technology to promote and prosper online. Look for additional artist profiles in the weeks and months ahead.
Ariela Kozin
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