Interview with Marion Shaina

Having grown up in a household without contemporary music, for every song her parents missed on the radio, Marion listened 3 times as hard. In the 8th grade, Marion picked up the guitar and hasn’t put it down since.

Performing her original songs at the weekly open mic nights at Spoon Coffee House & Eatery in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Marion lived off of what she calls “the moment” – that first split second when someone suddenly stops what they are doing, looks up, and listens. Marion has their full attention. In that magical moment, she is able to create a connection. It’s like having her own personal superpower.

At the age of 18, Marion moved to Nashville, TN for college. She knew that any city labeled Music City was where she belonged – and Music City is where she has been ever since.

Marion loves the way songwriting helps her develop deeper bonds with the world around her. She loves to see how her music changes in meaning over time, but never in relevancy. The indie pop songstress hopes that, by putting her music out into the world, she might be able to create more connections than she would have been capable of had she pursued any other path in life.

What is your creative process like?

My process is different for every song I write! Sometimes it starts with lyrics, sometimes it starts with melody, sometimes it starts with a guitar strum. More often than not, the lyrics and melody come together. I think that my most interesting ideas start with a title.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

It is my dream to write with Kevin Griffin. Better Than Ezra has been my favorite band since middle school. Kevin Griffin has written on so many amazing songs that I can only imagine how incredible our song would be if we wrote and recorded one together.

What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?

If I wasn’t trying to pursue a music career, I would probably go back to school to improve my skills in photography, graphic design, and marketing. I already do those things on a much smaller scale. I think, if I was going full force at them, I would really benefit from a classroom and teachers.

What is your favourite song to perform?

I have an unreleased song called “Thinking I Can.” In a focused setting, that’s my favorite song to perform. It’s very personal. The melody is very slow and pretty. When I sing it, I can feel myself connecting with the people around me.

What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?

I have a few songs in the works, so I’m hoping to finish those songs. Once those are done, I’ll start planning the releases. I’m also hoping to play more shows and festivals. I’d like to start traveling more to play outside of Nashville!

Are you planning any videos for your music?

There’s a live session video for “Skinny Dipping” as well as for “Thinking I Can.” I just have to greenlight them before they go live!

What has been the most challenging aspect of your current releases?

Promotion! I really struggle to make myself post online. I think that the current landscape of the music industry is such a weird thing. I love playing shows and having my photo taken, but I really dislike making TikTok’s and posting on Instagram. Sure, there are fun aspects about these platforms. I love connecting with people. But knowing that my success almost entirely relies on how frequently I make content and post it, as well as how well that content does algorithmically, can make it stressful.

Are you creative in other disciplines?

I work as a photographer. I also love to paint and draw. Growing up, I was very into writing poetry and flash fiction, but I haven’t written in those styles in a long time. Maybe they’re something I’ll get back to at some point!

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can lock my fingers into a weird shape that makes them look broken. I call them zombie fingers. Sometimes I do them to freak people out!

You are a new addition to a crayon box. What colour would you be and why?

I think I’d be a mauve-y taupe-y kind of color! Something soft and muted, but still nice and interesting.

Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?

My freshman year of college, I attended Binghamton University, and something that the school did was a program called Late Nite Binghamton. It was a bunch of fun activities Friday nights for the students who didn’t want to go out and party. Sometimes they would have a make-your-own-stuffed-animal activity. I made a moose. His name is Roy. He sits on a chair next to my bed.

What’s your least favourite personality trait you like about yourself?

I really value people and do a good job of showing my love and gratitude.

If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?

American Sign Language (ASL)!

Marion Shaina’s debut single “The Incredible Shrinking Girl” was released on June 25, 2021.