Long Island Singer Songwriter Performs in Stony Brook
But, when I saw him perform with Long Island singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Marie DelaCruz, their acoustic show was even better than I had expected. They played songs from Dido, Shania Twain and Van Morrison along with some of Marie’s original ballads as well. Brian, it turns out, produced Marie’s debut album “No Expiration Date” at Paris Recording on Long Island. The album was recorded with accomplished sax player, Mario Cruz, who has toured with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, and drummer Steve Haas who has performed with Suzanne Vega and Billy Joel. Marie has eleven original recordings on her album, all reflecting life, love and loss. I caught up with her to find out more about her music. Long Island Exchange: What is the inspiration for your music?
Marie DelaCruz: I find songwriting to be the perfect vehicle for sharing some of my life’s harder lessons with others, who could also relate to these experiences and emotions. I also feel God assigned this talent to me so that I can express myself in a healthy and creative way and hopefully, touch others in the process. When I see people reacting to my originals, either by dancing or tapping their feet, then I am inspired to write more. It’s a beautiful cycle. Long Island Exchange: What goals do you have for yourself and your music? Marie DelaCruz: Fortunately, the internet and social media networks are opening doors and new opportunities to “do-it-yourself” artists like me. Utilizing these forums, as well as the tried and true methods, like performing live as much as possible, will hopefully allow me to bring my music to everyone I can. As a working musician with my own label and a debut CD, I know I have to be proactive and “brand” myself! I would love to have my music included in movies, TV and commercials and write songs for other artists as well. I joke that I want to go from being a “starving artist” to a “fulfilled” one but I don’t feel that making money is the reason to pursue a passion-you do it because pursuing that passion is the only way to be truly happy. Long Island Exchange: How would you describe your style? Marie DelaCruz: That is a good question, but one that is difficult to answer, because I have many influences and never want to be pigeon-holed into one particular style. As a vocalist I know I have certain boundaries-I can’t sing like Janis Joplin or Tina Turner, but that’s OK because my songs don’t require that. My goal was to write and sing from the heart, making sure to stay true to the essence of the song itself and its message. However, if I were to describe my style to someone who has never heard me, I would say it is original, emotional, intimate, eclectic and ethereal, with sprinklings of pop, country, folk, jazz, and light rock. The bottom line is, no matter what kind of music you play, you have to be yourself! Check her website for upcoming shows. (www.mariedelacruz.com) For now, you can see Marie perform every Saturday night from 7 till 10 at The Bench, sometimes as a duet with Brian Unger and sometimes with a full band. She is also available for private parties. Enjoy the music! Donna Amato E-mail This Page | Follow Us | Return to My Column You can Bookmark & Share this article by clicking here:
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