Meet Marsha G Bartenetti, a seasoned indie musician whose journey in the world of music began when she was discovered by a local band in her high school days. Hailing from the creative hub of Palo Alto, CA, she has spent decades honing her craft and captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice.
Marsha’s inspiration to pursue a career in music came naturally, as she believes that music chose her. Singing has always been her passion, and her career in the industry has been defined by the desire to connect with her listeners on a profound level. Every live performance brings a fresh experience, with the audience’s response serving as a guiding force in her musical expression. Marsha considers singing an art form of reciprocity, where she becomes a conduit for her audience’s emotions and memories, fostering a deeper connection with herself in return.
What sets Marsha apart from other musicians is her unwavering commitment to individualism and truth in her music. While she admires various artists, she integrates their influence into her own unique “voice” shaped by her life experiences. Versatile and unrestricted by genres, Marsha’s dedication to powerful lyrics remains her primary focus, transcending the boundaries of style.
As an indie musician, Marsha has faced her fair share of challenges, most notably the evolving landscape of club performances. While she once made a living through paid gigs, the shift towards audience-driven remuneration forced her to adapt and supplement her income with voice-over jobs and commercials. Despite the hurdles, her love for music prevailed, allowing her to maintain her creative pursuits without succumbing to undue stress.
Marsha’s creative process involves reimagining music from her era into a contemporary vibe. She crafts her songs meticulously, focusing on authenticity to deliver depth and resonance. Her lyrics often touch on themes of love, self-discovery, and life’s myriad emotions, aiming to evoke profound responses from her audience.
Looking ahead, Marsha plans to continue producing music out of love for the art form. She envisions recording singles before compiling them into an album, infusing timeless classics with a modern twist. Additionally, she finds fulfillment in coaching private clients, enabling her to give back and instill authenticity in their performances.
Marsha G Bartenetti’s journey as an indie musician exemplifies the power of following one’s passion, connecting with the audience, and embracing individuality. With her timeless voice and unwavering dedication to music, Marsha’s future promises to be filled with soul-stirring melodies that continue to touch hearts across generations.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I can say that I didn’t choose music – but, music chose me. I have always loved to sing – but, didn’t actively pursue it until my friends insisted that I try out for a local band that was looking for a singer.
I’ve been singing since being in that first band in High School in the 60’s. I was living in Palo Alto, CA – the Bay Area hub of tremendous creativity in music.
I guess I am now considered a “vet” in this business because I still perform and record to this day. What inspires me about this career is that I have the unique opportunity to touch people through music and each live performance brings something new to the table. I learn from my audience what moves them through a lyric or a melody by their response to a song and it informs me of how much singing is a reciprocity art form. I am a vessel through which, hopefully, I can help my audience reconnect to some of their deepest emotions and memory…and in return, I am also more connected with myself. Music, and especially singing is a medium that is directly connected to the heart.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
Like any other artist, my unique style is based on my individualism and adherence to the truth of my life and my expression of that truth through music. We all have artists we love and may pick up on some of their traits because we resonate with them. But, over time, those bits are integrated into our own unique “voice” because our own experience changes how we interpret a lyric. I
I’ve always said I will cross any genre for a good lyric – and do. That’s why judging other artists is moot. We are all unique. There is no judgment. There is only finding your audience who resonate with what you are offering.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
My biggest challenges have been the changes in club performance. I made a living for many years playing clubs and was paid by the club to perform. Now clubs demand you bring your audience and pay you a percentage of the door – They, for the most part, do not directly pay you – pay is determined by what you bring in – so you are now not only a performer – but, a marketing person, as well. Unfortunately, it meant for me that I had to supplement my work with voice-over jobs and commercials. These jobs kept me using my voice – and in a studio – and paid me very well, so I could continue my music without as much stress.
It has hurt so many musicians trying to make a good living playing clubs. And the number of clubs has dissipated, as well. Not an easy business for sure.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
I am currently taking music from my era and reimagining it to a current vibe. Recording singles first – then putting them together for an album. I now do music for the love and will continue producing music until it no longer serves me or my audience. I have also taken on private clients to coach which helps me give back. Bringing authenticity to singing so songs carry the depth they deserve.
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