CANDID INTERVIEW WITH MARJORIE MAYE
Q- What they should do when they are rejected?
A- Stick around. Donıt give up and donıt take it too personally, hone your
craft and keep going. Don't get jaded. People can tell when you are. Stay
positive and keep creating, and when you've created the best thing you think
you can create, start something else and make it even better.
Q- What are the 3 most important qualities in a writer and a composer?
A- Wit, versatility and humility.
Q- Do you have those qualities?
A- Iıd like to think so.
Q- And the 3 most important strengths?
A- Creativity, Cleverness, and the inability to settle
Q- Your favorite foreign singers and songwriters?
A- Dan Hill is one of my favorite writers and Celine is one of my favorite
singers, both are from Canada, does that count as foreign?
As for overseas artists, I'd say Andrea Bocelli.
Q- And American favorite torch singers?
A- It would have to be Whitney Houston.
Q- Do you get mad sometimes?
A- Sure.
Q- What makes you mad?
A- Stupidity and incompetence.
Q- And do you make people mad at You?
A- Sure. Who doesn't?
Q- Did your good looks help you in your career?
A- A pleasant appearance seldom hurts. So yes, it may have helped in meeting
industry professionals. But I always remember what my father told me, "Good
looks may get you in the door, but they won't keep you in the room. Once you
have their attention, you better have the substance to back it up."
Q- Do you produce other's work?
A- I mostly produce what I write.
Q- What do you require as a prerequisite from those aspiring artists who knock
on your doors?
A- Some sort of vocal sample and a photo. It doesn't have to be a fully
produced demo, it could be as simple as a piano vocal, you can usually tell
when someone has that something special right away.
Q- Do you go by the book in giving a chance to others, or just you follow your
intuitions?
A- Intuition.
Q- Did any of those artists you previously helped or worked with, become
successful or famous?
A- Songs I've written have been the singles which launched new artist careers
at different labels from BMG to Sony, such as Nikki Webster and Rouge, and
several demo singers I've worked with have found success at different labels,
so yes, I guess indirectly I may have effected their careers.
A- Writing for movie soundtracks. Itıs great. You screen the movie or read
the script or just get a music cue describing what they "think" they are
looking for, and write something for it. It's hard because you need to be on
tempo, nail the musical vibe, and most importantly, be scene appropriate
without being so dead on that it becomes corny.
A- For the most part, I think men in general are pretty cool. Predictable at
times, but you gotta love them. What do I dislike about them. not much,
other than the fact that they all forget to put the toilet seat down.
A- Late and late. I sleep around 2ish and up around 10ish.
Q- Last question. What are the questions you don't like to answer?
A- I take the fifth. Talk to me in 7 years after the statute of limitations
have expired (just kidding!).