Where are you from?
I am from the island of Dominica in the Caribbean.
What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory of music is my mother telling me that I sang before I spoke and me in my diapers in our home in Roseau which is the capital of Dominica singing the Tom Jones song, “ What’s New Pussycat ”.
When did you start being an artist?
I started being an artist when I sang for the first time at an open mic night in NYC and never looked back because I found my calling.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as good music because whether I sing opera, jazz, musical theater or my original songs it’s all good music.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you often explore in your music?
I am a huge Star Wars fan and although I respect the Dark Side I chose to reside in the light. The themes I convey are positivity and light.
What is the meaning behind your stage name?
My stage name is my birth name. At the time my mother didn’t know that Marie-Claire was actually a name and named me after my two great aunts, Marie and Claire.
What is the story behind your most famous song?
CHASIN’ RAINBOWS is a song all about never ever giving up on your dreams. Because there always will be storms and there will always be rainbows after every storm. I always choose to give a hopeful message and inspire people.
What is the hardest thing about being an artist?
The hardest thing about being an artist is being able to consistently strive to be fully self sufficient. I work very hard at my craft each day and I love what I do! Being an artist in this era requires being able to be both flexible and willing to do whatever it takes to perform and get your name out there.
I try to do that each and every day.
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
The creative process is the best thing in the world. This includes voice training with my teacher. Which allows me to fly on stage, to write my own songs, and prepare for my next shows. I am fully involved in all aspects of my career and love the planning and selection process as well as my own styling. I love fashion and movies and curating that for my audience gives me great joy!
What are your goals for your music career?
My goals for my music career is giving any audience I perform to a unique experience from my attire, to the songs I pick to sing. Chanel had a commercial and the tagline was, ” share the fantasy “ and that’s what I want to give my audience, a fantasy, a dream, like the best MGM musical.
What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
I love classic cinema and I love going to the movies. I am a huge fan of TCM. In addition to being a lover of classic cinema, I love fashion and am a devotee of Coco Chanel.
Do you get involved with charities or causes that are important to you?
I believe very strongly in the education, upliftment, motivation and protection of children. So whenever I go out on tour I find children’s homes and/or charities that I can speak to children and inspire them.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that I studied Archaeology at college and am a massive lover of history.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I start my day with warm lemon water, then make my own lentil based smoothie, I continue with warm exercises, work on the arias I will be working on with my teacher, rehearsing with my pianist, jotting down ideas for songs and caring for my mother and great aunt.
Do you have any upcoming projects we can be excited about?
Performing at Scarlet Lounge which is a new jazz lounge on the upper west side of NYC by Michael and Victoria Imperioli. I will be recording my jazz EP with Plaid Dog Studios, my opera EP at Brooklyn College, performing at the winners concert at the Hawaii International Classical Competition in August.
What are some of the standout tracks on your latest project?
The standout tracks on upcoming projects are Caravan which is the title and title song of my upcoming Jazz EP and Pace Mio Dio on my upcoming Opera recording .
What are your favorite topics to write about?
My favorite topics to write about are love, positivity and the wonderful possibilities that life has to offer us.
How do you deal with creative block or artist block?
I deal with challenges by taking a break, doing something completely different to change my perspective. I will go to see a movie or go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art which is my favorite place in NYC.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice anyone has ever given me is to never give up. It is my motto and keeps me going every day!
What was the best show or tour you have ever been on?
I have had the blessing of performing at wonderful venues in both Jazz, Opera and Theater. As a musician I had the honor of performing at the UN General Assembly which was a career highlight, and in addition I performed the National Anthem at a Brooklyn Nets game in front of 30.000 fans. It ‘s hard to top to those two!
What’s been your favorite moment of your career so far?
One of my favorite moments so far has been performing with Lee Musiker, who is a master at his craft, Tony Bennet’s former music director and virtuoso in his own right.
Where can people find your music online?
My website – www.marie-clairegiraud.com instagram- @marie_claireplus
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@marie-claireplus
