Marci Geller is a singer – songwriter based in Long Island. Marci has performed on Live! with Regis, Good Day NY, and Fox Morning Show, and her music can be heard in soundtracks on several television stations including MTV, VH1, ABC Family, and many others.
After setting up a Kickstarter, Marci’s fifth album, Square Peg was backed by fans eager to her the new album.
We recently got a chance to interview Marci about her music, new album, and her upcoming CD Release Party.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new album Square Peg?
Marci Geller: Sure! It’s my fourth indie-released CD on the label I co-own Sonic Underground. I am very proud of this particular CD in that I let go of all the “rules” and allowed the songs to dictate what direction they wanted to go in. It also features duets with two legends that I admire so greatly; David Buskin and Lori Lieberman.
upfrontNY: How would you describe the sound of your music? Eclectic.
Marci Geller: I think I have a very classical/jazz ooted base that I build on. My primary instrument is piano, so I love big, lush chords. I play guitar for the first time on this CD which enabled me to explore more groove-centric possibilities, and I love what came out of me! I’ve been told by many that my songs “sound like they belong in the movies” which is pretty wonderful, since I am always trying to paint a scene with my music.
upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite song from the album?
Marci Geller: It depends on what day it is! LOL! I liken it to asking a Mother which child is her favorite. It really does change. Some days I think “Would You Still Believe?” is the best song I’ve ever written. Then I think “Save Me” is so simple and to the point. “I Just Love You” harkens back to Bacharach/Carole King…I really can’t pinpoint a favorite as much as what is feeling good at the moment.
upfrontNY: How has using Kickstarter for your new album helped you connect with your fans?
Marci Geller: In an enormous way. I was so blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm. I really felt like we were this team trying to get to a goal. It was a very humbling experience.
upfrontNY: Throughout your career, and all you have accomplished, has there been an experience that stands out in your mind?
Marci Geller: Oh there are several. One is performing on Live! With Regis. It was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. It also had a very significant impact on my career. I think the other stand out moment was the first time I opened for Blackmore’s Night in Italy. I performed solo for over 10,000 people who didn’t even speak the same language as me. You could hear a pin drop until I finished each song and there was this literal roar of applause. It nearly knocked me off of my bench. Of course, after every show I do I always say to myself “That was DEFINITELY the best show ever!” I guess that’s why I still love it so much, and why I’m still making music.
upfrontNY: What can you fans expect from your CD-Release party taking place on January 17th?
Marci Geller: First off, the concert space is spectacular. I’m so thankful to Frank & Camille’s Kawai/Shigeru Concert Space for hosting the event. I’m playing an $80,000.00 hand-crafted Shigeru Grand piano. The band is made up of monster musicians who I respect so much; Marshal Rosenberg on percussion, Jack Knight on Bass, Anthony Pomes on guitar, John Tabacco on secondary keys and b/u vocals, my former bandmate Susan DeVita on b/u vocals, and then we have the string quartet: Andrew & Rebecca Perea, Margaret Kwon, Matthew Pierce and Paul Michael Barkan conducting. We will also have a special guest: David Buskin who will be singing the duet with me for Only Love Matters. Oh…and there’s a wine and cheese reception. I think it’s going to be a pretty special evening.
upfrontNY: What are you looking forward to in 2016?
Marci Geller: I’m looking forward to connecting with more listeners, making more music, and truly sending out good energy. I think we have so much hate and conflict on our planet right now. I think music and art can be used as common ground to help us heal.
Learn more about Marci.
Marci’s a great songwriter, performer and collaborator / producer who commands a wide range of musical skills. Was only vaguely aware of MG’s music before 2015, but have become a much more familiar with it since last summer. And that’s a good thing. Square Peg is a real achievement, imho. All the songs rank “very good” in my book, but 3 or 4 are standout tunes (as in “outstanding”). And the one that grabbed my attention and moved me the most was “Strong” – which literally feels and sounds like a song right out of a hit Broadway musical. Yes really. I give Marci’s new album 4.5 pegs on the “not nationally known but ought to be” scale. Great work.