music – Page 2 – DENISE MARSA

Making a Pass

My one-woman show The Pass will debut this winter. It is a journey of self-discovery with original music and lyrics. Now that I am getting ready to advertise The Pass to audiences, I realize how hard it can be to find one image that depicts what the show represents. I knew I wanted my logo to feature the actual pass I obtained from NYU, an official sign that I was entitled to use their rehearsal room. But, just as a recipe cannot contain just one ingredient, I had to blend this image with others to create something that would be both eye-catching and showcase my identity. I vetted some ideas with my go-to company Frank Parker / A Creative Experience (LA) who came up with a silhouette of a woman wearing a red scarf. After emailing the work in progress to friends and associates, I solicited feedback; it was overwhelmingly positive re: the scarf, which added vibrant notes of movement and joy. Some people gave input to the text as well; there were 2 choices and the winning choice remains. I also altered a few other things because of comments that came in.

So, here is my logo for The Pass in its final form:

Please let me know your thoughts and if it inspires you to want to attend my show. My intentions are always to inspire. The songs featured in the show span my songwriting from the 80’s to now. The songs contain many real-life anecdotes, and the vignettes support those experiences. Perhaps they can help you and those seeking out their own path in life to overcome obstacles and come out singing.

Facing the Spotlight: Tips on Bringing My Best Self to the Game

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My whole life, singing has been as natural to me as breathing. Now that I’m getting ready to perform my one-woman show “The Pass” I have to prepare for a more rigorous performance schedule. When you’ve been doing something your whole life naturally how do you discipline yourself, especially as you get older, to keep up the stamina? (And I’m not talking about sex!)

Before holding a concert this past Oct. 16 I had rehearsed two months once a week, including 2 back-to-back rehearsals the days before the concert. This meant 10 hours of singing 3 days in a row. I found myself having to prepare both mentally and physically.

Here’s What Helped:

Self-Affirmations

Increased Exercise Routines—took long walks, bumped up the cardio

Practiced Breathing Techniques

Started Using a Vaporizer with Essential Oils on an Increased Basis

Ate Less Milk Products (Milk Not Good for the Vocal Cords) & NO Spicy Foods (which Contract the Vocal Chords). Started A Vegetarian-Based Diet Two Weeks Prior to the Show And Am Cutting Down on My Carbs and Sugar.

Getting 7 or 8 Hours of Sleep Per Night

Limited My Caffeine, Switched to Tea with Fresh Ginger, Honey & Lemon—Amazing!

Indulged in Warm Baths

I am happy to say it was well worth it.

Thick Skin

As I am new to blogging – it is often times hard to decide what is worth a read and why. There are so many blogs out there and so many people looking for an audience.

This blog was originally created to help generate some interest in THE PASS, the show I am diligently working on while I run my PR side of my life and mentor and manage NICOLE BERKE. I am happily devoted to the pursuit of Nicole’s success as a recording artist and songwriter. Her career and well-being matter to me. That has been an important part of my career in music, mentoring and managing new young artists. It has shifted so many ideas and concepts I had formed over the years about the music industry and the process of being an artist. I have the chance to step into another artist’s shoes and it is pretty cool. I learn so much everyday.

This morning I had an epiphany after a somewhat interesting experience with a fellow blogger yesterday and an associate that helps me with my work. I tried to fix something and did what I thought was best and it backfired. No big deal, right?

It did remind me of something. Having thick skin is important if you are going to create art, music, a blog, cooking and the list goes on. Doing something that comes from your heart and soul and sharing it and then letting it go. Only you know your intention on any given day. The idea is do what you do and if people like it great and if not so what? Will you stop doing it? Why give others the key to your safe?

My intentions are usually good.