GET TO KNOW: MARISA DEERING
Interview by Jillian Pennington
Marisa Deering is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Mission Viejo, California. Growing up on country music, her songwriting is inspired by great storytelling. Her songs are fueled by personal introspection and attempting to explain the world around her as she sees it. Marisa released her debut EP, Dusk, on March 10th. Keep reading to learn about her creative process and the making of the EP! Stream Dawn here.
Marisa, what do you love about the music scene in OC/LA?
To be honest, I haven’t ventured out much into the music scene around here. I can get really bogged down by what other people are doing and accomplishing, so I feel like I’ve had to really protect myself while I’m just starting out so as to not get defeated before I begin. But, I’m working towards reaching a point where I’m really confident in what I’m doing so that I don’t get shaken by looking at my neighbor’s paper.
When did you start making music? How did you know it was something you wanted to pursue?
I used to make up songs when I was just a little girl and always dreamed of being an artist, but never thought it was achievable. But, once I hit college and had sort of an identity crisis, I realized I had been denying myself of pursuing the one thing that would really fulfill me. So, I started actually taking music seriously when I was 19, and that’s when I wrote my first real song “Party Boy” which will be on my first EP.
What is your experience with mixing? And with mastering?
Very little. I took a few audio engineering classes in college and learned more about mixing than mastering, but I wouldn’t consider myself anywhere near experienced. I know enough to get by. I like to leave those jobs up to the people who really know what they’re doing and not get too into the weeds.
We LOVED Pacific Coast Highway, can you tell us how you came up with such an epic storyline?
I was actually dog sitting for a friend of mine who lived in Newport Beach and I would drive PCH to go get food or go to the grocery store. I just kept thinking about the idea of Newport Beach, the people that live there, and how it’s such an affluent place that looks so shiny and perfect on the outside. But, even in my short time on this Earth, I’ve come to realize that those are the places that are often hiding the most. I started imagining what really could go on in a place like that; where people with endless money, power, and resources could get away with anything. Plus, I’ve always been so taken by those deep, dark songs of the Country/Folk tradition that tell haunting stories, and I wanted to recreate that kind of feeling in the place I grew up around and am super familiar with.
Who are some artists that inspire your music and creative process?
In terms of skill level, in my mind, Taylor Swift is the best of the best of songwriters I could aspire to. I tend to keep her song structure, word choice, and her commitment to detail in the back of my mind while writing. Dolly Parton is also another icon I look up to, and while I don’t necessarily incorporate her style into mine, I am so inspired by her depth and sincerity and the love she has for songwriting.
Who is your dream collab? (or some artists you would love to collab with in the future)
Some newer artists that I’m obsessed with right now are: Holly Humberstone, she has such a unique sound and perspective that is really poignant. I think Zach Bryan is doing such cool things right now. There’s also a band called Virginia Man that I think is the coolest, they have such a distinct sound and voice that I just love and admire. And last but not least, my long-shot pipe dream would be Stevie Nicks, which will probably never happen, but a girl can dream.
Tell us about the making of your new EP! How was it recorded? Who did you work with? When can we listen?
I worked with a studio in Boston, MA called Plaid Dog Recording, which is the first and only studio powered 100% by crowdfunding. So, they helped me completely crowdfund the costs of recording my EP, Dusk, which will be released on Friday, March 10! It was produced by Mike Davidson, owner of Plaid Dog. I flew back there and recorded everything in their beautiful studio, with some really amazing musicians. It was the best experience ever and really helped me claim my dream of being an artist and I’m so grateful to everyone who donated and helped make the EP. It turned out so good and I can’t wait for people to hear!
What advice do you have for women and non binary folks who are just getting started in the industry?
Wow, I feel like I am just getting started too, but one of the biggest roadblocks I’ve faced to even get me to this point has been overcoming my timidity. I can sometimes get sucked into a vacuum of self-doubt and wonder, does what I’m doing make sense? Is this a logical thing for me to do? But, I’ve come to learn that more often than not, the best and most thrilling things in life are the things that don’t make sense; the things that have no reasoning behind them because they just are. If you love what you are doing and it fulfills you and it’s a need for you to do, then there is nothing more you need to know.