Songstress Denise Marsa Finds Inspiration in the Desert

Denise Marsa, the acclaimed dance music sensation, celebrated for her sharp lyricism and vibrant musical vision, is taking a creative detour in Tucson, Arizona. Known around the world, Marsa has consistently brought intelligence, warmth, and energy to her recordings. She has shown her ability to translate personal experience into music that resonates with a wide audience.

Now, in the wide-open landscapes of Tucson, Marsa is exploring new sources of inspiration. The city’s unique energy and natural beauty have offered her a fresh perspective, fueling ideas for upcoming projects and providing the kind of space that allows her songwriting to breathe. Whether it’s quiet reflection or the vibrant pulse of local music scenes, Tucson has become a place for Marsa to reconnect with the roots of her creativity.

Her latest single, "Company of Women," exemplifies the synthesis of her experiences and influences. It’s a celebration of connection, empowerment, and the strength women draw from one another. The song’s remix by Until Dawn brings a modern pop and dance sensibility to her signature thoughtful lyricism, making it both immediate and enduring. The track highlights Marsa’s talent for blending introspection with infectious energy, showing how personal narratives can be transformed into universally engaging music.

In the interview below, Marsa opens up about her time in Tucson, the inspiration behind "Company of Women," and how shifting environments influence her songwriting. She reflects on the balance between independence and collaboration, the ways creativity thrives in community, and how being in a new city can unlock new musical directions.

This conversation offers insight into both Marsa’s artistic process and her personal journey. It reveals how a seasoned musician continues to evolve, embracing new surroundings, connecting with listeners through her music, and finding joy and inspiration in unexpected places. For fans and new listeners alike, it’s a chance to see Denise Marsa not only as a gifted artist but as a storyteller navigating the intersection of life, music, and the spaces that shape her vision.

Read the full interview below.

Your career has spanned decades and genres—what originally drew you to music, and what has kept you passionate all these years?

I’ve always had an innate ability to feel the rhythm and to sing. I love instruments and what they do for us humans while in our hands, and now as we expand the existence between digital and real. What music does for us is inexplicable. We owe so much to music. When I sit down at my keyboard or piano and a song erupts, my passions are fueled and I go where I have never gone before. I take a new journey with every song I write. Would any of us want to exist without music? I think not.

You’ve worked as both a solo artist and a collaborator. How do those experiences differ for you creatively?

My biggest collaboration was early in my career when I was a guest artist on another artist’s album and hit single. That was strange as it was my first big success and it did not feel like it was all mine. Now I collaborate with others on my albums and that feels more comforting, like I am getting my point of view out there and I am working with great talent that understands my vision and enhances my work.

Many fans remember your iconic performances and recordings—are there particular moments on stage or in the studio that stand out as defining for you?

I was working with Greg Walsh in the UK, when I was living in London during my Warner Bros (1st) publishing deal. He is a wonderful producer and person whom I learned a lot from. I was about to sing the final vocals for my song THIS HEART and the track was sounding so amazing. He and the musicians he hired, had poured their heart and soul into it and I had a severe moment of doubting myself and where I was, and my age, and that was years ago. He carefully walked me through it and shared stories of other artists he had worked with - more well-known and successful, than myself, and explained that the art of being an artist is often fueled by self-doubt. Like we want to prove things to ourselves in our most vulnerable moments. I sang a kick-ass vocal and the track sounds amazing today. I released it in 2022 on an album of unreleased masters, SECOND SOUL.

How has your approach to songwriting evolved over time, and what inspires you most when you sit down to write today?

It’s pretty much the same, except now I have to record the song the moment it arrives or it may never come to be. It’s like a volcano and I go where the music in my head and heart takes me. I hear things and I follow them. The songs lead me.

Your music often touches on deeply personal themes. How do you balance vulnerability with storytelling in your songs?

I don’t think about it, I just write what fits the feel and sound of the music and the melody. Perhaps the balancing is for the listener.

Collaboration seems to be a big part of your career. Are there any partnerships, past or present, that had a major influence on your artistry?

I’d say my first manager, Don Puluse, who retired as Dean of the Music Technology Division at Berklee College of Music, Boston. Puluse was responsible for launching and developing Berklee's Music Production and Engineering (MP&E) program, and the person who introduced me to the music business. At the time we worked together he was the head engineer at Columbia Records and had engineered a stellar list of albums. Your first impression is the longest lasting and it just may dictate who you become, not only as an artist but also as a person. He was a gem of a mentor.

The music industry has changed dramatically since you started. What changes have had the biggest impact on your work?

Being an independent artist, and therefore in control, has become much easier. Now I own all my masters and I run my record label though for this next album I may be open to another label helping me to promote it and help me with performing live/touring.

You’ve been involved in multiple genres and musical styles. Do you feel drawn to one more than others, or do you enjoy the freedom of experimentation?

Freedom of expression is always the road I will travel. Not one to be put in a box.

How do you approach live performance now compared to earlier in your career? Has your relationship with audiences changed over time?

I do a lot less of it now and I keep saying I am going to do more shows, especially as people ask me often, when is your next performance? I love it when I do it and it’s a struggle to get there. I think putting a band together was always so much work and that’s what I want again, a band. That’s how it all started for me. I am looking for that again.

Are there particular instruments, sounds, or production techniques you love exploring in your recordings?

It all depends. I can be motivated by many things: sounds, words, even the rhythm of life itself. I want to stay fresh, and each song dictates the sounds and the feel. I have collaborated on my album PIVOTAL with Lautstumm Studios, in Germany, and Janosch Roth and his team Anna Paulin and Viktor Bekter brought new elements to the production, which was truly exciting and put me into a more European vibe. Then we did remixes with a UK company, Until Dawn and Eurosolution, and things really heated up. We have had 6 (Rainbow Until Dawn Remix last week peaked at #9) top 10 UK Music Week remixes on the Commercial Pop Club charts and now our first single from my next album RISK + HEAL, Company of Women, just entered the charts at #29. I co-produced RISK + HEAL with guitarist, multi-instrumentalist Paul A. Harvey, who lives in London. We have known one another a long time and have been friends since I lived in the UK.

In addition to music, are there other creative pursuits or projects that currently occupy your attention?

My garden, decorating, swimming, taking good care of where I live, my car and my joy of cooking.

You’ve traveled and performed extensively—how do different environments influence your creativity and the music you make?

I learn from all the local people, who they listen to and what excites them. I also listen to the public radio stations as I know the program directors are playing what lights them up and not what big labels or advertisers are pushing them to play. There’s an organic process to music I practice from start to finish and that is not always easy. To keep it real and organic and genuine.

Are there new directions, themes, or ideas you’re exploring in your upcoming work that you’re especially excited about?

Working on my next album RISK + HEAL for 2026. It’s a bit more socially oriented as opposed to PIVOTAL being very personal.

For aspiring musicians who look up to you, what advice would you give about building a long-lasting, fulfilling career in music?

Don’t compare yourself or your success with others. Find what works for you, focus on it, have an amazing time and learn about the business of music. Lots of middle people, and lots of BS. There’s also a huge pressure with numbers these days. Followers, likes, comments… share. Geez.
People hear your music and it hits a nerve and/or they feel something, or they don’t. Sure smart marketing helps, and knowing your audience, who you think will appreciate your work and where to find them. However the marketing can get out of hand, the emails, the comments, love your music and pay us to do this, and that. Be very careful who you give even $10 to as it may start to get out of hand. There are also many companies using BOTS, and that does not serve you at all. Do the research and ask for actual references from other similar artists and check the back-end. Is this account a real person? Will they become a genuine fan? True, genuine fans are worth a lot to an artist. Classic bands are touring 25 years after their biggest hits, because their fans will pay to see them, no matter how long it’s been or how old the band members are. The songs are eternal and have meaning to fans. That’s gold in an artist’s pocket. Some classic bands need to earn as well. Royalties on streaming are minimal; even legends have to pay their bills, too. Find the real supporters and appreciate them. Also do what you love to do, what makes you happy, no matter what.

When you reflect on your career as a whole, what moments or achievements give you the most pride, and what do you hope your legacy in music will be?

Performing THE PASS in the UK in 2018. My voice, a piano, my songs and me. I spoke intimately, for me, about my choices, the choices I did not make, and the things that just happened. People often ask me why I am not “more famous.” I say, watch THE PASS which we will be featuring (for the first time) on my YouTube channel in four weekly episodesstarting in late September or early October. We have a new video we are releasing COMPANY OF WOMEN (Until Dawn Remix) so that will release before THE PASS. The show digs a bit deeper into this lady and her career that has spanned decades. My legacy is my music. It has been my life, my light and my reason for being. That’s all…pretty simple really.

How has moving to Tucson influenced your music or creative process compared to your time elsewhere?

I've not actually moved here yet, however I am spending lots more time here from this year forward. There are so many inspirations… the majestic mountains surrounding the city, for me they represent eternity and freedom. The openness, the desert breeze in the early evening and the smells that gather. The sunsets are breathtaking. It's like living inside a canvas and we are all a part of the art.

Have you found a local music scene or community in Tucson that inspires you, and are there any collaborations you’re excited about?

I heard about a few clubs and the scene from a gardener/ landscaper I work with, Melinda. I hope to check it out. I also have been listening to KXCI and I love it. It’s great to drive around and listen to terrestrial radio. There’s such a community in Tucson; I am very inspired every day.

What drew you to Tucson, and how does the change in environment impact your life both personally and professionally?

I grew up here for a while, and then I went to U of A and I was a theater major. My parents also lived in Tucson, after all us kids were out of the house, and I visited often when I was living in Los Angeles. This summer and now into fall is the first time I’ve spent real time here and I am falling in love with this city. I am deeply happy both professionally and personally. There is a calm yet a burning energy that seems to be manifesting for me here. I wrote a new song for the next album as well. Elevated. Ha! Thanks for these great questions and your support!! I will share that Tucson holds a very special place in my heart and I hope to spend more time here in the years ahead.

Connect with Denise Marsa: Website | Instagram | Spotify | Youtube