Interview with Marié Digby

Last week, I delivered the premiere of Marié Digby‘s powerful new video “First Picture of Earth.” If you missed it, watch it now here. Before the video’s premiere, I hit the singer with a little Q&A to find out more about the inspiration for the video, what’s next and where her clear love of music came from. Read the interview below and check back soon for more from Marié.

Interview with Marié Digby

Chris Vetrano: It was in 2007 that your cover of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” made an impact online and contributed to the success you’ve seen over the past few years, but where did you first discover that music was what you wanted to do?

Marié Digby: When I was about 3 or 4 years old, my mom took me to see the Broadway musical Cats. When she brought me to the entrance, the guards said that they couldn’t allow a child under the age of 7 to go in. She begged them to let me in and convinced them that I loved music so much that I’d stay put and quiet. She was right. I sat, mesmerized, for the entire few hours. That night, I went home and tried learning how to play the songs on our piano. I believe my true love affair with music started around then.

Chris: Playing piano at 3 years old? Wow! You were clearly a talented lady from the very start. All these years later, what all can you play? What instrument is your favorite to play?

Marié: Actually, all I can play is guitar and piano. I’m pretty average at both! I think I’d like to learn how to play the harp. It’s such a massive instrument and yet it makes the sweetest, purest, most soul easing sounds.

Chris: That would be killer! How do you classify your own sound?

Marié: Right now? I’d describe it as magic in the forest.

Chris: [Laughs] You’ve experienced most of your success in Asia. What do you think draws that audience most to your sound?

Marié: I’ve never quite figured that one out. In some ways, I don’t even know if it’s all about the music. I think many fans in Asia gravitated toward my YouTube videos because they found me relatable. Because I am half Asian and half [caucasian], I kind of look like I can be from anywhere. But on a musical level, perhaps it’s because they enjoy sweet acoustic music and I’ve done lots of that.

Chris: The video for “First Picture Of Earth” is gorgeous. Where was is shot, what was the inspiration for it? Tell me the story behind the song/video.

Marié: My sisters and I decided to shoot a video in one of our all time favorite places, Yosemite National Park. I’ve always wanted to do a video there and this song was all about how stunningly beautiful our world can be so it was a perfect fit.

It was a total DIY effort so we did everything. I made my costume, sewed on my elf-like hair pieces, scoured vintage stores for the perfect lantern and visited taxidermy places for my lovely animal co-stars. My sisters film student friends helped us with the cinematography, editing, and VFX. My fans also helped in producing the video. But the hardest part by far was the long trek up to the top of the mountain for the closing shot. We hiked 2 hours with all of our equipment to catch the sunset just in time.

Chris: A worthwhile hike, I’d say. So, what’s next for Marie Digby? What does 2013 have in store for you?

Marié: 2013 is going to be an amazing year for me. If all goes according to plan, I will release more music in 1 year than I ever have. 2012 was about preparing and 2013 will be all about sharing that new music with everyone. I can’t wait!

Watch “First Picture of Earth” here and download music from Marié Digby on iTunes now.