Following the success of her previous singles, Denise Marsa’s “STOP (Until Dawn Remix Extended Version)” blends her lush, chill vocals with a cinematic, downtempo production. The remix elevates the track “Dry Spell” with hypnotic melodies and evocative lyrics, tailored for late-night playlists and underground dancefloors alike. The track also features backup vocals and a soaring electric guitar solo by Marsa’s longtime collaborator and co-producer, British musician Paul A. Harvey.

A true innovator, Marsa has spent her career breaking boundaries and forging deep connections with listeners. From her early chart success to her critically acclaimed album PIVOTAL, she continues to evolve while staying grounded in her distinctive sound. Her momentum shows no signs of slowing, and her work continues to resonate with themes of empowerment and creative freedom.

In the interview below, Denise Marsa opens up about her creative process, long-term collaborations, and the stories behind her ever-evolving sound.

Your album PIVOTAL showcases a remarkable evolution in your sound. What was the inspiration behind the album, and how did you want it to reflect your personal journey as an artist?

PIVOTAL is much more universal than any of my other albums in my opinion. Also less personal. I put myself into other people’s shoes as I wrote it and began to make up scenarios and stories, fueling my imagination by going into ‘what if’ overdrive.  It was written during the pandemic when I was producing live performances for streaming events at a nearby Episcopal church. I was surrounded by all sorts of energies and musicians, in fact, more different types of energies than I had been around in a long time. Lots of live classical and world music and I think my ears were influenced. I also worked with the Lautstumm Studio team in Germany while they were also closed off and experiencing the pandemic in their way, so we all just zeroed in on our talents, the music, and its potential, and the album took on a life of its own. 

The album blends different styles and influences, creating a unique sound. How do you navigate the process of genre-defying music while still maintaining a cohesive artistic vision?

I have never been one to define my work in words. Genre is just a word, and I cross and play with genres. It’s more fun and interesting. For me it’s not about being a cohesive artist, it’s about being an ever-changing person, a woman looking to better herself, especially in the roles I play in this world, with those I am close to. 

You’ve built a career around pushing artistic boundaries. What drives you to continuously evolve as an artist, and how do you balance innovation with staying true to your voice?

My voice is always changing, but my beliefs and my core character are as s they were when I first recall making cognitive decisions and expressing myself. My experiences have been vast, and as such my library of self is expanding. I also spend a great deal of time alone, and much more so in the past 4-5 years as I have not been in any type of intimate relationship with another.  I have come to understand it is my artistic salvation in a sense, and have only just come to terms with this.  I am someone who requires a fair amount of me time. I work a lot on my music and with clients who trust me to handle their PR and marketing for their careers and work, and I communicate daily with the two associates, Meggie and Melissa, who help me. My downtime consists of cooking, enjoying good food, watching movies, exercising and I am doing my best to read more! I am and have always been, a homebody. 

Themes of empowerment and liberation are evident in PIVOTAL. How do these themes resonate with you personally, and what message do you hope listeners take away from the album?

I think I said it in the question above, be who you are. Don’t feel the pressure from others or doubt yourself. Know that the words in your head or outside your head, are what separates you from others. In my opinion, our actions are best when they reflect our hearts, not our anger or our frustration.

With each release, your music continues to resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. How do you approach songwriting to ensure that your lyrics connect with your audience in such a meaningful way?

Great question. I am an empathetic person with a fair amount of time spent on this earth, thus far, and I have instincts and intuition that have carried me through some interesting times. I believe people will connect and perhaps so they do. I also believe 1000 % music is essential to us all and those that listen to it and allow it to enter their souls may feel a greater connection to life itself. I say may as I am only projecting my thoughts and not pushing them onto anyone. The artists you listen to have had all these experiences and touched so many. They are sharing it with you and it’s like a big ball of yarn rolling down the street gathering all its intentions and saying to the people in the houses, come out, let’s play, let’s listen to one another, let’s connect. 

Your artistry is constantly evolving. How do you approach the process of reinvention in your music, and what drives you to push your sound into new directions?

It just happens, I push myself. I open myself to great possibilities and I am not sitting on what some might call laurels – looking back can be devastating if you have not accomplished all that you wished to and so I look forward. I believe in believing.

You’ve gained recognition for your dynamic stage presence. How do you approach live performances, and how does the energy of performing live influence your music and creative decisions?

I want to approach them more! It is the weak link in my career and I need to strengthen it. I approach live performances differently depending on the songs, the instruments, and the budget. I would LOVE to perform more in 2025 and 2026.

Looking at your journey from your earlier work to PIVOTAL, how do you feel your sound has evolved, and how has your relationship with music changed over time?

I love music and always have. My sound in part evolves with the musicians who grace it, play it, and share the performances on the releases. I have been very fortunate to have worked with and to be currently working with many talented musicians. I am humbled by their support and it keeps growing. I am beyond grateful.

In addition to your music, you have a strong connection with your audience through social media and other platforms. How important is this interaction in shaping your career and your approach to creating new music?

I am not sure, as I do not hear from as many listeners as I’d like to…however it is so much easier to connect, and overall, the times are shaping my music, it’s always about the times we are living in. 

What’s next for you after PIVOTAL? How do you see your sound evolving, and are there any new projects or collaborations on the horizon?

Yes, I have just finished writing my 5th album RISK + HEAL, if you count SECOND SOUL which is an album of unreleased songs throughout the years and was released before PIVOTAL. We start recording vocals next week, at the BMG NYC studios. BMG administers my song catalog and they have been instrumental in my branching out. With their support, I have been able to promote my work in a more defined and efficient way and it’s a wonderful thing. We are talking about continuing to work together, as this recent period of collaboration, comes to a close very soon.