Meet MARISA | Singer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with MARISA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARISA, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think as an artist it’s really important to take risks, especially in the music industry. I personally took a huge risk when I started making music. In 2017 when I moved to LA, I had just finished my theatre degree and was heavily pursuing acting. I actually went on an audition that required me to sing and dance and after that I just completely switched directions and focused on building a music career as a recording artist. It was as if something ‘clicked’. it really felt like that’s what I needed to do. I think another big risk I’ve taken has been choosing to make bilingual music. When I started making music I had so many people tell me I should do all Spanish or all English, that bilingual music is really hard to market. And now, years later, it’s finally catching on and I’m so happy I stuck to what felt authentic to me. And beyond that, most of the artist that I look up to are constantly taking risks. I think creativity is stifled when you become comfortable so it’s really important to push yourself into taking risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is MARISA. I’m a singer/songwriter from Puerto Rico and I’m currently based in LA. My music is a mix of my influences. I grew up listening to pop, hip-hop, salsa, reggaeton and as I got older, I got really into R&B. That’s definitely reflected in my songs. I sing and rap in Spanish and English. I think it’s a really cool time to be making bilingual music because the world is becoming so open to it. I think the coolest thing about making art in general is being able to connect with people around the world and across cultures. I also think it’s the most authentic way to present myself. My brain kind works in Spanish and in English. My first language is Spanish but I’ve been living in the US for a long time at this point. I think a lot of people relate to feeling multicultural. I’ve been making art my whole life. I started dancing when I was really young. I did musical theatre, studied theatre in college all while writing songs and poetry. It was definitely a long journey towards releasing original music. I’m so proud of the music I have out and everything that’s I’ve accomplished thus far because it really does take so much time, money, energy and people to make music and visuals and actually put them out into the world. I think the key is to stay consistent and surround yourself with people that have your same vision, and just stay at it! I truly am so excited about the future. Right now it feels like anything is possible. More music, videos and shows coming really soon!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big nature girl so I would definitely take them hiking, probably to Griffith just cause the views are incredible and they’d get to see the observatory and the Hollywood sign. I also really love museums so we’d go to the Getty and the Broad because those are my favorites 🙂 I think LA has a lot of good donut spots, we’d definitely have to check out Holey Grail, Trejos and Sidecart. We’d go dancing at Gold Diggers cause they play the best music. And hopefully go see a show at The Roxy or The Wiltern.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my sisters, Glo & Nana. None of this with be possible without them. Thank you so much for your constant encouragement, support and love <3

Website: https://linktr.ee/marisamusic

Instagram: marisa.nieto

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MARISAMARISAMARISA

Image Credits
Photos by Val Vega