Before Marsha Ambrosius performed on stage at SOBs, Singersroom had a chance to chit chat with the R&B/Soul songstress. She told us about her passion for singing, Floetry’s split, ignoring the pressure from the industry, Lastly, Marsha talks about her new album, Friends& Lovers. The sophomore album is completely different from the debut album in 2010 because it’s more in depth and she believes fans can relate to the highs and lows of being lovers and friends in a relationship.
Marsha’s passion for singing: I don’t think you ever decide, you just are. I guess when I was legal, I was allowed to do things, and it became a career unintentionally. I’ve been singing like every other kid, my whole entire life. I was an 80’s kid, born in 1977, but you know my hero was Madonna or Sting. I grew up in the UK, my musical heroes are a little complex, but I just grew up with music. I guess I knew when I cam make money off of it, I decided I was going to be a singer.
Real Reason Behind Floetry’s Split: I didn’t decide, I didn’t even decide when I was with Floetry, to do Floetry. Well kind of, actually I had a solo song called “Fantasize,” and I had this bright idea to put poetry to my music. And I asked the Floacist at that time which was Natalie to put poetry to my music. And it worked out, so it wasn’t something I planned on doing. It was something that I followed through. So when she (Natalie) left, they put Amanda D at the time to replace her; it wasn’t a Floetry replacement. I’m signed to a contract and I have to fulfill that so once that was void, I was a free agent. And I’ve got interest from everyone, whether it was Dr. Dre and I ended up being a writer and producer on Dre’s label, Aftermath. So when I got approached by J Records which was 2009, the beginning, I’ve done stuff with Alicia Keys, Mario, and Jamie Foxx. And the record label was like well, do you want to sign over here? I was like sure, and I did it, and that’s how it worked out.
Pressure as a Solo Artist: I mean, 7 years later, I don’t hold pressure, I just do the work. I don’t approach things that way. I enjoy life and I enjoy making music. Putting pressure on yourself to make music mean you’re faking who you are. I don’t have an AKA or an alter ego. I’m Marsha Ambrosius and I’ve been writing the same songs since I was seven years old. My first song when I was seven was called, “Gonna Get Ya.” And it’s the same concept I had since I was young. I just keep doing the work.
Favorite songs she wrote for other artists: All of them, its just the fact that people will listen to words and opinions that I have about music, love, and life to inflict that on another person’s artistry is a gift in itself. And it’s a blessing to work with people who were great with that, whether it was Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, Nas, or Common. My Wikipedia, I had to look at the other day, and ask myself, I did all of that? I mean Floetry only had two main albums and a live album and outside of that, I put more albums together worth of features and writing then I did then. We came in this game as two solo artists who found something that worked collectively. But, we were individuals in our own right. Nat was on the acting thing and I’ve always been music and now I’m just on my own.
New Projects: Just the new album, Friends & Lovers, that’s my baby, well baby number 2. I feel like I’m definitely pregnant with the little one, which is the second album. And it’s absolutely; it just feel crazy this time around because it’s real. The first time around was like, let me get the album out, let’s make sure the album is right, let me do what I need to do and I did that to myself. I put all of the things I need to do on the album with the last album. But, the second album is more concentrated, it’s very conceptual. I enjoy being absolutely single with some friends and lovers.
Reaction on being a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter: I cried, cried my eyes to a pillow, at the W Hotel in DC, overlooking the White House because I was singing with the president the next day. It was almost like, if I haven’t received the nomination, I would’ve been like you know what, I’ll go back with another album and do what I need to do on the next one. And I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. President. And I was already going to sing Christmas carols with the first family. So it was like, I cried for so many reasons other than getting Grammy nominations. Now, being a seven time Grammy nominee, one winning which just happen to Justin Timberlake’s song, “Cry Me a River,” it just, I’ve been consistently putting in work. I just concentrate on making people love and live through my music.
Marsha Ambrosius is a multi-talented artist whose career spans over two decades. She has made her mark in the music industry as part of the R&B duo Floetry, and also as a successful solo artist. Marsha’s work has been recognized with Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album, making her one of the most respected artists in contemporary urban music. In this article we’ll learn more about why she does what she does, how she achieved success, and how she stays true to herself.
The talented singer/songwriter recently released her fourth album titled ‘Friends & Lovers’. The project was created with no pressure from any outside influences or expectations. Instead it was an opportunity for Marsha to express herself freely through songwriting and vocal performances that captures all aspects of love – be it romantic relationships or friendships. With themes like self-love and personal growth, Friends & Lovers embodies everything that makes Marsha such an inspiring musician.
In addition to discussing her latest album, we will also take a look back at some of Marsha’s greatest accomplishments so far including her acclaimed collaborations with other artists as well as receiving recognition from the Recording Academy with several Grammy award nods throughout her career. Get ready to dive into the world of Marsha Ambrosius!
Overview Of Marsha Ambrosius’s Career
Marsha Ambrosius is an English singer-songwriter and record producer, best known as the other half of the duo Floetry. As a solo artist, she has released two albums No Pressure (2015) and Friends & Lovers (2014). Throughout her career, Marsha’s music has been highly praised by critics and fans alike, leading to multiple awards including a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album in 2018.
Over the years, Marsha has made quite a name for herself with her soulful sound and meaningful lyrics. She started out writing songs for artists like Michael Jackson and Alicia Keys before releasing her own material when Floetry came onto the scene in 1997. The group quickly gained critical acclaim for their mix of poetry and neo-soul vibes which earned them three Billboard Music Awards nominations over the next few years.
In 2010, after 11 successful years together, Floetry announced their hiatus so that each member could pursue individual projects. Since then, Marsha has continued to make waves in the music industry; becoming one of Britain’s most sought-after songwriters while also achieving international success as a solo artist with hits such as “Far Away” and “Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player).”
Successful Projects And Accomplishments
Marsha Ambrosius has made a lasting impression on the music industry with her soulful sound and meaningful lyrics. Her success is reflected in the awards and accolades she’s earned throughout her career, including a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album in 2018. Additionally, Marsha’s solo albums No Pressure (2015) and Friends & Lovers (2014) have both been met with critical acclaim.
In addition to her successful albums, Marsha has also written songs for many other popular artists such as Michael Jackson and Alicia Keys. She has received multiple ASCAP Awards for these compositions which showcase her skill as an accomplished songwriter. As Floetry, their mix of poetry and neo-soul vibes brought them three Billboard Music Award nominations over the years while “Far Away” was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Through all this success, Marsha remains humble and focused on creating new music that resonates with people across genres. Whether it be through her own projects or collaborations with other artists, she continues to push boundaries with her original musical style that blends elements from funk, jazz, hip hop, rock, reggae and more into something completely unique.
Conclusion
I have to say that Marsha Ambrosius is one of the most impressive female artists out there. She has been in the music industry for over a decade and continues to stay relevant with her unique sound and creative visuals. Her artistry has taken her from being part of Floetry to achieving Grammy recognition as a solo artist, which is an accomplishment that not many can lay claim to.
Marsha’s latest album “Friends & Lovers” was well-received by critics and fans alike, proving once again why she remains such an influential figure in contemporary R&B and soul music today. What I admire about her work is how it speaks volumes about life experiences without any pressure or expectation – something we don’t often see with other stars these days.
Overall, Marsha Ambrosius’ story serves as an inspiring reminder that hard work pays off and you should never give up on your dreams no matter what anyone says. With every project released, she proves time and time again why she’s considered one of the greatest talents in modern music history.