What is your name?
My name is Marissa Burwell.
What is your genre of music?
I am a singer-songwriter that just put out a record with some indie folk pop alternative tunes. How’s that for breaking it down for you?
Give us a little bio about you.
I have been writing songs on Treaty 4 territory (known as Regina, SK, Canada) for about ten years. I put my first record out in 2019 which was a self-titled EP, it allowed me the opportunity to play at showcases and festivals such as Reeperbahn, Pop Montreal, NXNE, Breakout West as well as New Colossus Festival coming up in March. Most recently I have released my debut full-length album titled Bittersweet (Januray 28, 2022). This record covers a variety of themes such as feelings of helplessness, personal growth and the overall complexity of relationships.
What made you go into music?
I started writing songs in elementary or early high school with the intention to work through some big feelings, you know the ones that you don’t have anyone to talk to about. I was super reserved with showing anyone anything music related, I remember getting so embarrassed if I could hear my parents standing at my door trying to catch a listen. It wasn’t until 2018 when I would go to local shows and be inspired by the acts that I decided to face my fears and attempt to put something together that I could play on stage. I made a goal for myself to be brave and here I am!
Who are your influences?
My most favourite artist is Phoebe Bridgers so she is always an influence in the music I make, intentionally or not. I love everything she does really. During the making of Bittersweet we tried to incorporate Phoebe-like production. When we were workshopping the various songs and trying to figure out the direction of each, we also pulled inspirations from artists such as Liza Anne, Stella Donnelly, Taylor Swift, MUNA and The National.
Are you signed?
I currently release music with a local independent record label in my home town of Regina, SK called Grind Central Records.
You released your new album ‘Bittersweet’, tell us more about the album.
The album holds nine tracks that explore various concepts such as dreaming of an ex-partner, outgrowing what you know, as well as working through big feelings of disappointment brought on by things you have no control over. I think there has to be at least one song everyone can relate to, whether its due to your interpretation or because we have a very similar shared experience.
What is the meaning behind the album?
When I wrote this album, this really wasn’t a question that I was looking to answer truthfully. There wasn’t a specific meaning rather than maybe a purpose. The purpose was to let go of some of the past as well as plea for understanding.
What was the writing and recording process like?
The writing process was long. Songs were being written from 2019 until the last weeks of recording the record in 2021. This probably has to do with my initial writing process where I would only write when I felt overwhelmed with emotion. However, I have experienced a lot of growth during the making of this record as I incorporated more writing even when I felt I didn’t have something pressing on my heart.
What are two words that describe each track?
Bittersweet: Reminiscent and romanticized
Roles Reversed: Clarity seeking
Pillow Talk: Red flags
Trying to Help: Disappointment and hopelessness
Take a Load Off: Burden and independence
Why Can’t I: Helplessness and ambivalence
Commotion in Slow Motion: Seasonal depression
Francis: Long-distance friendship (added a hyphen so it still counts as two words right?:) )
Big House: Growth and uncertainty
Who did you work with on the album?
Throughout this album I worked with Chris Dimas who played drums on the record. He also recorded and mixed the record. Madison Nicol provided additional engineering services while also tackling bass, guitar various keys, and some vocals. Gage McGuire played various guitars and keys, as well as some vocals. The four of us collaboratively produced the record together as well which was special. Bittersweet was mastered by Ryan Morey. The album photo was taken by Andrew Parry and assisted by Zak Neilson and the album artwork was created by Michael Dawson.
Will we see a Music video for any of tracks on the and if so, what can we expect from the creative process?
There are two videos out now, one for Take A Load Off and another for Why Can’t I. Take A Load Off is filmed in a saloon setting, with a “one-take” vibe, it might be my favourite video we’ve done yet. Why Can’t I is set in the autumn, you will see me running around looking for answers. There is possibly a third video in the works as well, but we will have to wait and see what will come of that
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you at?
We will be playing at the New Colossus Festival in the Lower East side of New York City on March 11th and 12th. There are also some local shows taking place in Saskatoon on April 8th at Amigos and in Regina on April 9th at the Artesian.
What else can we expect in 2022?
You can expect to see me playing lots of shows! Hopefully you will also see another music video to accompany the release!
What else can we expect in 2022?
You can expect to see me playing lots of shows! Hopefully you will also see another music video to accompany the release!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I wouldn’t say I have a quote I always stick by, but right now this quote by Pablo Picasso is relevant.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up”.
I think its relevant as I get older and feel the societal pressure to focus on a career in the area I received my university degree. There is pressure for the artist within me to be an addition rather than be entirely who I am.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1. Guitar
2. Set list
3. Water
4. My band!!!
5. My show shoes
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Absolutely, I have attached links below! You can also find me at http://marissaburwell.com
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
