The latest entry in our WIB Meets series takes us to Montreal/Canada where we sit with the delectable vocalist Maridee. We know she’s a staple on the indie live performance scene and has worked with the likes of Alaiz super producer Dr Mad amongst others. As expected we get the juice on how she hijacked an hospital’s PA system, her experimentation with the Logic Pro X DAW and then some.
Check out her project NOX : HERE
Full Interview After the jump…
For the benefit of anyone who’s been living in an underground bunker for the last ten years…who on earth are you?
Maridee, singer-songwriter, music lover, art enthusiast
How did you get started in music, and what drives you to continue?
I started when I was just 5 playing the keys, then sang, learned to play more instruments like the cello &flute… Music is so omnipresent, and omniscient, it is at once an act of creation and a means of expression, so just my sheer fascination for it drives me to continue.
Besides music, what other activities do you participate in?
I’m a big fan of all art forms, I try to paint and draw from time to time. I travel every chance I get.
If a movie about your life in music was to be made, what interesting/strange moments and stories would you share to make the movie cool?
I would have to make sh*t up because I am not that cool, haha! There was this afternoon last year I just went up to people in the street, singing them whatever they wanted, in exchange for them to buy tickets to my 1st show. Shameless. But it worked. Also I once sang into a hospital’s entire microphone system without permission.
What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?
The greatest thing about it is the people you meet. I’m a people person – even though like everybody I have my antisocial side – and meeting other creative minds is so enriching and motivating. Like Marlon Kroll for example (the other mind behind NOX) he’s like the most fascinating person ever! And each musician, they all got their special character, their own story. Like Drey, this kid who just taught himself to play the sax and just never stops playing cause that’s how much he loves it, or Anthony, the hardest-working, most dedicated drummer… I could go on… I would ease up the obligation of building an image – I wish the music spoke for itself more.
Looking back, what have been the most important moments in your life so far?
On the music level, building a band, launching a project and giving shows from absolute scratch.
What has been your biggest challenge…and how did you overcome it?
Other than the constant doubt about putting yourself out there, which everybody goes through no matter the field of work, my biggest challenge is the musician/producer “plateau” : when your musical creativity is superior to your technical abilities. As a result, you hear beautiful things in your head but cannot externalize them. I’m overcoming it now: more piano lessons and more Logic X experimentation.
Who are your heroes? Why do they rock your world?
My mother, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane… This question makes me realize I should read more biographies. But generally I am more impressed by everyday people: anyone with sheer genius, who has the guts to live up to their potential or is compassionate enough to help others.
Who have been the coolest, most memorable people you’ve met along the way, and how did they make an impact on your life?
Arthur Comeau (ex Radio Radio) is one special kind of mind – total free spirit. I admire that. Jean-Michel Frédéric, a great piano player, so laid-back yet so knowledgeable.
When you’re sitting on the porch age 97 what would you like to look back on and smile having achieved? Being able to improvise on the keys. Singing a slow ballad in a large auditorium, with an orchestra! With a killer dress.
My two EP launches have been the biggest outpours of love I have ever been blessed to live.
What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?
Jamie Foxx. It was strange how cool he was. And the Backstreet Boys. Surreal moment to hang out with them in real life.
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
My grand mother, rest her soul. I’d make her some good gnocchi and a blueberry pie.
What are the greatest songs, albums, books, movies, TV shows, websites you’ve ever come across?
Off the top of my head:
Dalla sua pace – Don Giovanni – Mozart
Giant Steps – John Coltrane
Terrorist Threats – Ab Soul
Voodoo – D’Angelo (and that new track Sugar Daddy)
Le fou – Félix Leclerc
Poor Folk – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The organ Rehearsal – Henry Lerolle
Reclining Nude – Gustav Klimt
Name 5 songs (yours excluded) that we would expect to find on your iPod or Music Player
All the above-mentioned and so much more stuff. My soundcloud gives a pretty good idea of the variety of music that I listen to.
What special-hero type skills are you blessed with?
Well, I’m no hero. However, I always have a quick, really good come back phrase when somebody’s actin’ up/being rude! Usually people come up with them way too late. I’m the regulation ninja haha
Where can everyone reading this interview keep up with your adventures?
marideenox (instagram)
Any final thoughts?
Thank you, for having me. Long live thewordisbond.com
The Author
