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Cendrine Marrouat: In your biography, you mention that you discovered blues music through Jimmy Hendrix. Do you have other artistic influences?
Marshall Lawrence: I first heard Jimi Hendrix when I was ten years old on the steps leading up to my family's attic apartment. Something in his approach to guitar moved and inspired me. I couldn't believe it, here was a person who could express his innermost feelings through an inanimate object and convey the essence of what I felt it was all about. This just blew me away and I knew I had found my direction. There was no turning back for me.
Some of my other musical influences are: Tommy Johnson (a big influence), Son House, Bukka White, Charlie Patton, Rory Block, Blind Willie McTell, Robert Johnson, Taj Mahal, Johnny Winter, and Roy Bookbinder.
CM: How is the blues scene in Canada?
ML: I think the blues scene in Canada is alive and well and there is an increasing interest in acoustic blues music among younger audiences. Canadians, in general, appreciate blues music and the message that the music is giving.
CM: In four decades, has the industry changed a lot? And why?
ML: There has been a major paradigm shift in the music industry in recent years. The industry has changed greatly in the last four decades with the introduction of the Internet, social media sites (used to network, market, and promote music), YouTube, digital marketing companies (fans can listen to and buy music by downloading MP3s). The rules of how to promote and market performances and music have changed greatly. Because of the Internet, you can now introduce your music to larger and larger audiences without having to be signed to a major record company. Basically, you can market, promote, sell music, build a fan base, and become successful without ever playing a live show or leaving your home. There are now also many inexpensive tools that you can use to record your music and you no longer have to go to an expensive recording studio to record your music and produce a CD. Home recording studios are thriving today. The old rules of the music industry do not necessarily apply anymore. Essentially, I think, there really aren’t any rules anymore and the market is wide open. Everyone is scrambling to gain an understanding and establish a foothold in this new paradigm. It is a very exciting time.
CM: In the past, you also played in several bands. Would you share your favorite moment?
ML: So far my greatest moment was being nominated for a national Maple Blues Award in Canada. To be acknowledged and recognized by the Canadian blues community was quite an honour. My other greatest moment was being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame ® as a “Great Blues Artist from Canada”.
CM: As an independent artist, what are the main challenges that you encounter?
ML: For me, the biggest challenge of being an independent artist is financing my music career and my recordings. There are however many positives associated with being an independent artist. Being an independent is very rewarding because you are the master of your own destiny and creativity. There are no rules that you have to follow in writing, promoting or performing your music. You have complete control of your music, the direction your music will take, and where and when you will perform. You can stay true to your musical vision and walk your own musical path without having to compromise.
CM: What role do independent artists play in society?
ML: Independent artists set the benchmarks for creativity and for keeping the music real.
CM: What is next for you?
ML: I am planning to tour Europe next year and I must mention that my biggest musical goal at this time is to open up for Rory Block, Taj Mahal and B.B. King. That would be my greatest joy.
CM: Where can people find more about you?
ML: Here is a list of the web sites where folks can find out more about me and my music: Official Website, Press Kit, Facebook Fan Page, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Reverbnation.
CM: Is there anything that you would like to add?
ML: I would just like to say to everyone that is reading this interview.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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