Meet Marie Haddad

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Haddad.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was fascinated with the piano at an early age. When I was a little kid, I would feverishly pound on my tiny toy piano to accompany any music that was on the TV or radio. When I was 5, my parents decided to get a real upright for the house. I began taking lessons but, being 5, found it hard to concentrate for long periods of time. I had an understanding teacher who let me take numerous cartwheel breaks during my lessons. At my first recital, my mind went blank and I forgot my song. Sitting at the keys, all eyes on me, heart pounding in my little ears, I wasn’t sure what to do, so I decided to make something up on the spot, much to the dismay of my teacher, parents, and all in attendance! Haha. Despite this disastrous debut and the stage fright that followed for years after, music was something I loved and writing and performing was something I knew I needed and wanted to continue working on.

In college, I reluctantly had to sell my piano. I had no idea how much I would come to miss it! I had a little keyboard, but it wasn’t the same thing. When it became too much to live without, I gathered up all of my piano books and snuck into one of the ballrooms of a large downtown hotel in the middle of the night to practice on their baby grand when no one was around. This became sort of a regular routine for a while and eventually the cleaning staff started to recognize me.

I had been in a few bands, and loved each one (a synth band in high school, a folky band called Third Time Charm, even a Xanadu cover project aptly called The Xanadu Cover Project), but it wasn’t until joining the San Diego Beat Organization, a 9-piece psychedelic rock band, that I found a regular gig playing music. We had a weekly residency at a place downtown and frequently played up in LA. We were nominated as Best New Band at the San Diego Music Awards, but the group broke up soon after.

It was at that point that I decided to switch gears and to try to write my own songs. At the time,  I was heavily influenced by Kate Bush and other piano-based songwriters and poets like Leonard Cohen. At the urging of amazing and supportive friends, I put together some originals and faced my stage fright, playing my first show at Lestat’s West music venue opening for the band Rookie Card.

And so began my solo music adventure…
Many many local shows followed (solo and with a full band), studio work (both for my own music and for others), some small tours, videos, and, gratefully, a few TV placements.

This year, I released my second full-length album, Stories from Atlantis. I’m extremely honored that it took home the Best Pop Album award at the 2018 San Diego Music Awards! I hope the distinction will bring new audiences my way. It certainly means a lot to me.

Please tell us about your art.
When recording this latest album, I knew I wanted to venture past my usual set-up of piano, drums, and bass. Some of the songs have a world music feel. We brought in instruments like the bouzouki, accordion, marxophone, melodica. I did a lot of vocal layering, we added synthy touches. I enjoyed every minute of it! I was really very fortunate to have gotten to work closely with producer Ben Moore, drummer Matt Lynott, and bassist David Carpenter. All three inspire with their talent, creativity, and direction.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you
learned earlier?
I think it’s important to never stop learning. Venture into new territory. Try new styles. Pick up a new instrument. Work with new people. Be open to critique but don’t let it persuade you negatively. Believe in yourself and your talents and vision. Work hard. Have fun. Bring it.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can check out my website for videos and music and shows. I’m on all the usual social media. I do have a few exciting projects in the works as we speak! Two new music videos and a few surprises announcements are coming soon, so please keep in touch!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://mariehaddad.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrihaddad/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariehaddadmusic/
• Other: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/MarieHaddad

Image Credit:
Lunar Maps Photography
KIND Films
Dennis Andersen Photography

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