Marisa Johnson
By Natasha Barbieri
- Classical and Vegas aren’t words that usually go together. Please tell us more about your experience as a Las Vegas headliner!
Las Vegas was such a great experience for me. The people there are so supportive and open to new ways of being, and new forms of music. They took my Classical-crossover singing seriously and loved it! When I release my album this summer, I had a sold-out concert, had articles written about me in all the major newspapers, and even graced the cover of the local magazine, VIM. Now that I am in Los Angeles, I plan on making this town fall in love with Classical-crossover, as well!
- You sang with Andrea Bocelli on his PBS special. Can you tell us about how you were selected and what it was like to shoot a live concert special?
Well, just getting the opportunity to sing with the likes of Andrea Bocelli was one of the most special highlights of my life. He is a role model to me and I can only hope that one day, I can inspire people just as he has inspired me. And performing live concerts is my most favorite thing in the whole world. The intimacy between audience and performer is a magical thing and there is nothing like it.
- You originated the role of Maria in the new opera “America Tropical.” What were some of the highlights and challenges of performing a new work?
I love performing new, original material. As a singer/songwriter/composer, it is the most rewarding experience for me to get to create a role and a song in my own original way. When no one has sung the song/role first, you get to do your own take, which is an exciting, creative process that I love.
- What does your pre-performance ritual look like?
It always starts with a full 8 hours of sleep. Sleep and water are so important! I try to relax, look over my music, and stay as quiet as possible. I make sure I have nothing to do on performance days except perform. It is important to me to get my head in the right space for the performance. I do meditation and listen to my favorite playlist as I’m getting ready.
- Original songs are important to any artist, but do think there is a special need for quality female songwriters in the classical crossover genre?
Absolutely. I am a huge advocate of female original music, especially in the genre of Classical-crossover. I feel that if we are ever to be seen as our own genre, then we need to write our own music, have our own voice, and appeal to the public in our own way. That is one of the reasons that Renee Fleming endorsed my album, in fact. She said she believed in the genre and that we need more women writing music.
- Although you have a background in both opera and Broadway, you have a special fondness for classical crossover music. What is it about this genre that makes such a connection with the public?
I was raised in a poor, Mexican family who did not have the money nor the accessibility to expose me to the arts. But one day, I happened to see Charlotte Church on PBS, and from that day on, I was hooked. And it is because of her, and classical-crossover music, that I am the singer I am today. Classical-crossover is the bridge to such high art forms such as Broadway and Opera. It is the gateway drug, so to speak. It appeals to people on a level and in a place that they can understand and appreciate. That is why I feel so passionate about it. I hope to bring classical music to everyone, no matter his or her social standing or financial situation.
- You sang two of my favorite roles, Maria in West Side Story and Carmen in Bizet’s famous opera. The roles require quite a wide range and different vocal characteristics. How do you adapt your voice to meet the challenges?
Having a solid technique is the most important thing you can master. Singing different roles require a strong technique, especially switching from full opera to light musical theatre. Having a great vocal teacher and a solid practice schedule are two requirements that are crucial in your singing development.
- Your debut album is titled, “My Own Way.” The title gives the impression of a woman is very much in charge of her own career. What artists inspire you to be true to yourself?
Thank you! It is very important to me to say exactly what I want to say, exactly how I want to say it. I know who am I am, and I share it. As any true artist does. The artists who I look up to who have done the same are Madonna, Freddie Mercury, Cher, Eminem, Elvis, Lana Del Rey, and Mumford and Sons to name a few. I try drawing from all types of music as inspiration. Good music is good music, regardless of genre.
Learn more about Marisa at marisa-johnson.com
