About Marcella Simien

"Though leading woman Marcella Rene Simien originally hails from Lafayette, La., her band with the “Lovers” is Memphis-based, and Simien has lived in Memphis since moving there for art school in 2009. Her powerhouse voice lends itself to the group’s swampy soul sound. Memphis has long been home to soulful blues bands, and Marcella and Her Lovers know how to freshen those classic Memphis sounds for a 2018 audience." - Paste Magazine “One of the most interesting artists to emerge on the Memphis scene in years”. –Chris Herrington, The Memphis Flyer Wielding the torch of a veritable Creole dynasty, Marcella René Simien has successfully planted the seeds of her South Louisiana heritage deep into the fertile bluffs of Memphis—no small victory and especially for a woman in the music industry. Daughter of two-time GRAMMY™ award winning Zydeco luminary Terrance Simien, she was practically born onstage and grew up thoroughly immersed in sound and performance. It was not uncommon for, say, Taj Mahal to sing her happy birthday, Dr. John to be like an uncle to her or for David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, to sit in on family gumbo dinners. Simien is a natural in the truest sense, and though music in some ways chose her, it is she who ultimately chose music. Simien has forged her own pathways in the music business. A graduate of the prestigious Memphis College of Art, and a student of fearless women such as Erykah Badu and Nina Simone, Simien boldly follows her heart as she has conquered the role of bandleader. Her music is a rare hybrid of the sounds of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, steadfastly rooted in the sighs and laughter of her Creole ancestors. In times when we seemingly must feel around in the dark to survive, Simien’s soulful voice functions as an instrument unto itself, a guiding star in the night. As Memphis legend Boo Mitchell puts it, “[Simien is] one of the most soulful artists I've heard since the glory days of Memphis soul music. Her sound and stage presence are constant reminders that soul music is still alive and well.” Simien already boasts a lengthy list of musical accomplishments and recognitions. From a viral interview feature (over 1.5 million views) sponsored by IKEA and Southern Living to being one of only 350 artists in 2017 to be nominated for a $50,000 USA Artists Fellowship. Marcella & Her Lovers were featured on nationally syndicated radio show Beale Street Caravan and Sun Sessions syndicated TV show. In 2016 Simien was named by the Memphis Flyer one of Memphis’ “20 Under 30” professionals. She appeared on her father’s album Dockside Sessions, which won a GRAMMY™. In 2018, Marcella performed alongside Spooner Oldham for Beale Street Caravan's ‘I Listen to Memphis’ video series. She is currently part of a tour, titled Gumbo, Grits & Gravy, with folk-blues master, Guy Davis (son of actors, Ruby Dee & Ozzie Davis) & Anne Harris, (Otis Taylor). The Memphis Flyer named “Got You Found” CD by Marcella & her Lovers, one the “Top Ten” releases of 2018. Simien’s stardom quickly rises, and is stunning to behold.

Work experience

  • No work experience Entered

Marcella's Skills

Live
  • Touring Musician
Songwriting
  • Co-Writer
  • Top Line

Marcella's Genres

  • Alternative Rock
  • Blues
  • Country
  • Folk
  • Funk
  • Hip-Hop
  • Jazz
  • New Wave
  • Pop
  • Psychedelic
  • Punk
  • R&B
  • Reggae
  • Soul
  • Standards
  • World

Marcella's Experience

I have created a career for myself. I am proud to say I am working in my field. Although my primary source of income are live performances, Constantly looking for new and innovative ways to use my skill set, I see not limitations. I perform in multiple ensembles, my 5 piece “Swamp Soul” band Marcella & Her Lovers, my jazz trio, an Americana roots folk trio: Gumbo, Grits & Gravy, I do regular solo shows at a piano lounge, I work with hip hop artists and punk bands and expand my knowledge of music at every corner. I know no bounds and am inspired by the countless artists before me who have worked in that spirit and with the knowledge that you must approach the work with a full and open heart. The two greatest languages are music and love. And I strive to work with that thought in mind. Today I find myself in Luzern, Switzerland performing at the Lucerne Blues Fest this week and feel so grateful that my music career has allowed me to travel all around the world sharing my sound with people from every background. I also know that this doesn’t happen overnight, and nothing is handed to you in this industry. I have played 170+ shows a year over the past 5 years and I have managed and booked myself. I only just this year have gained a couple new members to the team (booking agent: Eric Hanson and someone helping with artist management tasks). I handle all my marketing and social media myself – earlier this year was able to employ an intern from University Of Memphis to help with some of those tasks. I use my BFA in drawing & painting from Memphis College of Art every chance I can. It is a gift to be able to use my strengths as a creative and my artistic vulnerability to connect with the audience and I take what I do seriously.