Ones To Watch: Marsha Ambrosius

When you write and record a song for the late great pop icon Michael Jackson and he loves it, decides to record it, and THEN decides to keep your original demo vocals in the song as a compliment to his own legendary voice, let’s just say you’re on to something. And Marsha Ambrosius has been on to something for quite some time now.

As a founding member of the UK’s soulful hybrid duo Floetry, Marsha officially burst onto the American music scene in 2002 with a vocal prowess unmatched by any of her contemporaries. Her voice emanated with a texture that instantly warmed, engaged and consumed you by song's end. Now as a solo artist, she is continuing in that tradition. There is an inherent honesty in her songwriting and an innate ability to translate the pain and disillusionment in her life into something that sounds and feels so good you forget it’s supposed to hurt. She pours herself into her craft. It's evident in her body of work and her tireless ethic. And despite the accolades, awards and praise, she still manages it all with a gracious smile and a demure "round-the-way-girl" attitude. The 3,394-mile trip here seems to be well worth it!

You’re a gifted singer/songwriter who first made a name for yourself as one half of the soulful/R&B duo Floetry. Now that you’re a promising solo artist, what has the transition from being in a group to being a solo artist been like for you?

Thank you :) Prior to Floetry, I was a solo artist. I just happened to find something that worked creatively. Being solo now gives me 100 percent creative freedom. I can be myself.

What is different about your music now as opposed to then?

The music isn't much different, the growth very much so. I'd written songs like "If I Was A Bird" and "Butterflies" before Floetry began. I've been writing songs forever really, some of which I fine-tuned and created for my album Late Nights & Early Mornings.

What is your approach to song writing?

Honesty. I have to be completely honest, even if it hurts. That's where the magic happens. If I lose sight of that, I find I try to write versus writing freely.

How much of what you write is autobiographical?

Most of it is, whether first hand or an empathetic approach.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

For me, I don't have an AKA or a superhero suit to hide behind. I'm just Marsha Ambrosius 24/7. I could be in Wawa, Whole Foods, Target or CVS and I will still look at other people staring at me like 'What are you staring at?' I often forget I'm a celebrity in their eyes and have to adjust to that.

What do you love most about being an artist?

I love it all. I truly do.

Who or what inspires you as an artist and songwriter?

Life inspires. I can write a song based off an overheard conversation at a restaurant.

The music business can be extremely frustrating at times. How do you manage the ups and downs of it?

I learned very early that this industry isn't cut out for everyone and not everybody plays by the rules. I did study business and finance in the field of entertainment, but much of that information didn't matter once in the industry. Rules aren't always made to be broken.

What is your opinion on the state of music on the radio today?

Radio will always be radio. For certain types of artists, it is something to be relied on. I don't think it makes or breaks someone long term, but serves its purpose at that time. It's whether or not as an artist you follow through with what you believe to be good work. Amongst the many different artists and different songs on the radio, I'm thankful that radio plays the work that I stand by.

Your family is primarily in the UK. How do you deal with the distance and time away from them?

It's very hard. We do talk to each other everyday, iChat, text, e-mail, anything we can to stay in touch. As busy as my schedule gets, the holidays do come around a lot quicker and I go home and cherish that time we have.

You’ve collaborated with many others. Is there a dream collaboration that still eludes you?

I've been spoiled with my dream collaborations. There was Michael Jackson and everyone else. I'm working on the "everyone else" :) -- Prince and Stevie Wonder may be asking for too much, but we'll see.

I know you have a sweet jump shot. Do you still find time to shoot hoops?

The last tour I went out on, I definitely played a little bit. Every true basketball player never loses their touch and I still have it (lol) a little bit.

What’s next for Marsha Ambrosius?

More touring. New album is getting prepped and I'll be back in the studio getting that together. Writing with other artists, most recently Alicia Keys.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I'm from Liverpool England, my album debuted at No. 1 R&B Billboard charts, No. 2 Billboard 200, I WON a BET Award and I'm nominated for an American Music Award. Whodathunkit!? :) Thanks D :)

You can check out Marsha on the web at:

http://www.twitter.com/marshaambrosius
http://www.marshaambrosiusmusic.com