The Interview (Photo Story)

Amber is a music journalist. Her weekly column, MusiCool with Amber Foreman, appears in the Arts and Entertainment section of the city newspaper. Today, Amber is meeting singer/songwriter Marisa de la Cruz to discuss her newest album, Light Up the Dark.

Marisa on the cover of Urban Tempo magazine

They’re meeting at Tastries. Marisa checks her phone as she waits.

Amber walks into the bakery and spots Marisa at a table in the corner. When she approaches, Marisa greets her with a warm smile. 

Amber says hello and settles into her chair. She takes in the aroma of fresh baked goods and picks up a menu. 

Amber: What’s good here? (looking at the menu)

Marisa: Everything!

After a few moments, Amber decides what she’ll have and goes to place her order. She makes a mental note to grab some cookies for her twins when the interview is over.

Amber: Your first two albums were hugely successful and you show no signs of slowing down. Did you ever imagine your rise to super stardom would happen so fast?

Marisa: When I got started, I had a list of short-term and long-term goals, and I've been very fortunate to check off some of the long-term stuff sooner than I expected. I have my fans to thank for that. 

Amber: I was impressed to learn that you write your own songs. Who or what inspires you?

Marisa: Some of your readers will laugh at this because I'm young, but a lot of my material comes from personal experience. Every relationship, every obstacle, every triumph or failure gives me an idea and I've learned to just run with it.

Amber: What is your favorite part of the job- writing, recording, or being on stage?

Marisa: It's impossible to choose! I love the creativity involved in writing. Recording is probably the most challenging, but it's just so rewarding when it all comes together. And being on stage is exhilarating. 

Amber: There’s a lot of buzz about your new album. Tell us about it.

Marisa: "Here I Am” was my first album, and it was really just about putting myself out there and hoping people liked what they heard. I would describe the girl on that album as sweet. My second album, “Re-Mixed” was about showing my versatility. With that album, people were introduced to hip Marisa. “Light up the Dark” is the new album and I’m bringing the heat with this one. I'm all grown up, and the songs are way sexier than anything I’ve done previously. I think that's what people are responding to, because it was kinda unexpected.

Amber: So, is producer Stanley Kirk involved in this latest project?

Marisa: Oh, yes! Stanley is a rare talent. He knows a great deal about music and about performing. We first worked together on my debut album. Then he produced about half the songs on my second album, and he’s heavily involved with this third one.

Stanley & Marisa at the 2014 Grammy's

Amber: Rumor has it that you two are an item. When you attended last year’s Grammy’s as each other’s dates, it was practically a confirmation, right?

Marisa: (chuckles) Stanley and I are really close friends, really close, and I’m leaving it at that. (chuckles again)

Amber: So, I read recently that cable channel 6 has approached you about a reality TV show.

Marisa: Yes, they want to film the work I’m doing to finish up my latest album. The show would give my fans a chance to see all the stuff that happens off stage. “In the Mix with Marisa” is the title they pitched to my manager. I just don’t know if I want that kind of exposure right now. I’m really a private person. I’m not even that into social media. I don’t tweet or post every detail of my life…not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just not who I am. One of the hardest things about this job is staying true to who I am. Luckily, my family and close friends keep me grounded.

Amber: Tell us about the upcoming tour.

Marisa: I'm touring with Marlo, who happens to be on one of the new songs. The tour kicks off in Atlanta, GA on March 20th. We're heading to ten major cities. The dates and cities can be found on my official fan site.

Amber: What is  something your fans would be surprised to know about you?

Marisa: I have an adventurous side. I actually went sky diving once.  Also, I’m a vegetarian.

Amber: Really?!

Marisa: Yes, really! My mom is going to flip when she reads this interview in the paper. I never told her I jumped out of a plane. (laughs) I've been a vegetarian for about eight years. I do eat eggs and dairy products, though. Otherwise, I could never set foot in this bakery.

Amber: Anything else you'd like to say to our readers?
Marisa: Thank you all for continuing to support me and my music as it evolves. I love what I do, and it's just the coolest thing ever that I get to share it with you. Now go get the new album and some concert tickets, too!

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