Marc Broussard Discussion

[George]

He's best known for his singles "Home" and "Where You Are" in addition to being featured on VH1's Artists You Oughta Know series. Recently, he has been doing tour dates (solo and as part of the Southern Soul Assembly).

[marcjm]

He can sang!

[JamaicaFunk²]

I bought this last night. Yay.
I like when he works with Leann Rimes.

[CammyCan]

Love the new album. His voice is sublime.

[musicbuff78]

I wonder if this is still $7.99 at Best Buy?

[areyoureadytojump]

10/4 charts:

136 NEW BROUSSARD*MARC KEEP COMING BACK 4,488 999 23 4,511

[WotUNeed]

Okay, Broussard fans, I could use some help. I went to see him supporting Sara Bareilles recently. His set was awesome, as expected. I don't have the new album, though, and I can't figure out one of the songs he played. I'm guessing it's one of the Keep Coming Back tracks. Can any of you tell me which it is? Or, if it's not from this album, which song it is?

I jotted down these brief lyrical snippets: "my daddy" "greyhound" "dust to dust" ... as I recall, the second half of the song said "ashes to ashes dust to dust" a few times, and it was pretty funky.

Thanks in advance.

[George]

Perhaps you mean, "Home"?

www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/marcbroussard/home.html

[WotUNeed]

Nov 13, 2008 3:53:50 GMT -5 George said:

Perhaps you mean, "Home"?

www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/marcbroussard/home.html

Actually, now that you mention it, I guess it was "Home," haha. Thanks! I just got thrown off by the "ashes to ashes dust to dust" part. That's not on the album version, right? Must be a live arrangement. Nonetheless, I feel silly for that being the song I can't ID, of all things. Oh well.

If anyone's curious, this was the set from his recent Nashville stop:

1. Rocksteady
2. Man for Life
3. The Wanderer
4. Real Good Thing
5. Another Night Alone
6. Home
7. Gavin's Song
8. Going Home

Only disappointment was that he got such a short set, but I guess that's what happens when you're just a supporting act. At least he came back out for a couple songs during the main set too...

[marcjm]

It seems as if his effort has not done well at all. That sucks because he is a good singer.

[JayBoozer]

I liked his first CD so much better than the last two... it was much more accessible and popppy. "Let Me Leave" from his first album is one of my favorite songs of all time.

[JamaicaFunk²]

I do enjoy When It's Good, but not as much as Nothing Wrong. Oddly enough, I think When It's Good sounds more country than Nothing Wrong.

When don't they do an album together? A sort of Kraus/Plant thing. I'd really enjoy 12 tracks of these two together.

[ncal]

"The self-titled collection will be heralded by the new single, "Only Everything." The track will impact Hot AC radio outlets nationwide on March 14th, while "Lucky," will ship to Triple A radio outlets nationwide on March 28th.


The story behind "MARC BROUSSARD" -- appropriately this unique artist's first self-titled album -- is simple yet eloquent: It's great music, pulled from the heart, crafted impeccably and delivered with the deep emotion that has long marked Broussard as one of the great vocalists of our time. As ever, Broussard achieves a depth in all aspects of his writing and singing through his love for and mastery of tradition. Strong currents of R&B, sanctified church and the many other flavors of his Louisiana bayou home nourish his songs, performed with the able assistance of his crack band, a team of Nashville and Louisiana-based session aces, and producer Jamie Kenney. From the exhilarating drive of its first single, "Only Everything," to the hushed and exultant old-school soul of "Lucky," to the swampy blues that haunts "Eye on the Prize," "MARC BROUSSARD" stands as a lesson in transplanting the seeds of American music into the spirit of today."

www.pr-inside.com/print2402961.htm

"Lucky" Live:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkGGEtOBfMc

[Kurt]

New self-titled album releases June 14.



www.marcbroussard.com/news/3dd9da-pre-order-marc-broussard-now/

[Hook]

I caught "Only Everything" a few times on Sirius this past weekend and I loved it. So I checked out the EP and it's great! I bought it on Amazon. :) I'll have to take a listen to the full album when it comes out.

[Kurt]

^That's how I got introduced to him, too--saw The Pulse had him going for adds. :) Just downloaded the rest of his EP yesterday (after becoming a big fan of Only Everything ) and they're good, so I've added this to the list of albums I'm looking forward to this summer.

[Kurt]

Here's an acoustic version of "Let It All Out," another one of the songs on the upcoming album: www.relix.com/video/artist-exclusives/2011/05/09/marc-broussard-let-it-all-out

[sunnyskies99]

There are some really great tracks on the new record (he was selling advanced copies at his shows this winter). "Lucky" and "Cruel" have been getting a lot of play, especially. It's interesting to see the direction Marc is heading in. He's got such a great voice and style and Carencro is probably one of my favorite albums of the past ten years. The self-titled still has his signature sound but it's a little too produced, in my opinion, and losing a little of the Southern grit that really accentuates his songs. Recommend it when it comes out in June though, because it is pretty fantastic.

[George]

LOPEZ TONIGHT ANNOUNCED!!!!

Marc and his band will be appearing on Lopez Tonight on June 13th!! They will perform his new single just a few short hours before the new self-titled album hits record stores and iTunes at midnight on June 14th!!

***Check your local TBS listings for air time.

"MARC BROUSSARD" STREAMING NOW ON PANDORA RADIO!
For a full week before album release, the entire Marc Broussard self-titled LP will be streaming on Pandora Radio. So head over, get a pair of headphones out, crank 'em up' and enjoy the newest addition to the Marc Broussard album family.

[punkydoodle]

^ Okay, apparently I'm an idiot. Where is the stream? I can't find it on Pandora.

[George]

Jun 9, 2011 19:37:09 GMT -5 punkydoodle said:

^ Okay, apparently I'm an idiot. Where is the stream? I can't find it on Pandora.

Yeah, I just tried it the other day and I can't find it. I hope his label figures that out.

[Kurt]

@atlanticrecords just tweeted a direct link to it. atlr.ec/k5s9xv

[George]

Marc Broussard says his new album is his best
Story by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
SoundSpike Contributor

Published June 10, 2011 08:34 AM

Louisiana-based bayou-soul troubadour Marc Broussard wears his love for his wife, Sonya, on his sleeve on his self-titled collection set for release June 14.

"Most of [the inspiration for the album] was my wife and my relationship with her, the love that I feel for the woman," Broussard said via telephone while at home on break tending to his newborn son, his fourth child.

"[Sonya is] my best friend. A song like 'Let Me Do It Over' is basically about nothing in particular, just the random times where I see that something is wrong. I have no idea what I did to cause it. So I just apologize. Say, 'I'm so sorry I don't know what I did but I'm sure I did something. Give me another chance because I'm a knucklehead but I really do love you a whole lot. Please don't leave me just give me another chance because I'd be miserable without you.' That's an overall view.

"A song like 'Our Big Mistake' is the story of our lives -- the fact that I've got to leave all the time. That I have to take these trips on the road and go places and leave for a long time. It's excruciating to be away from my best friend like that for any amount of time, much less the six weeks that I go on tour. A song like 'Only Everything' is just a party song. It's just a dance song. No real story from my life to relate in the song. It's just a whole lot of fun to dance to."

Broussard is hoping to inspire dancing among fans when he begins a tour on June 14. But first and foremost, he's just excited to get the album in stores.

"It's been awhile since we released our last," Broussard said of 2008's "Keep Coming Back." "I think this is by far the strongest album I've ever put out. I'm just excited for my fans to be able to get a hold of it and get out there and play some songs, some new songs for these folks."

The 29-year-old son of Boogie Kings guitarist (and Louisiana Hall of Fame member) Ted Broussard said he feels that the album's strength lies in its authenticity.

"I think it's a pretty clear picture into my life and my relationship with my wife," he said. "I think it's a well-rounded album. It offers several different looks, and I think it's diverse enough to keep the listener interested. At the same time, still, it's not so diverse that it seems schizophrenic. I think there's a common thread through the whole thing. All around, I think the album itself is good. The songs are good. The production is good. And it's a great time to release an album, summertime."

The first single from the album is the uptempo song "Only Everything," which has already begun scoring at Hot AC radio outlets nationwide. A companion music video -- directed by filmmakers Paul and Joey Boukadakis -- is now in pre-production, with a premiere date to be announced soon. What's more, Broussard will celebrate the new album's release with a performance of "Only Everything" on TBS' "Lopez Tonight," scheduled for June 13.

"My wife is a big fan of Keith Urban," Broussard said of "Only Everything." "He's got some of these barnburner, uptempo tunes that I've never had on the record. I told my producer, Jamie Kenney, 'We have to write one of these up tempo, four-on-the-floor barnburners.' And he loved the idea. We wrote the song. It's not supposed to be real cerebral, lyrically. It's just supposed to tell a story about how a guy wants to have fun with a girl."

Broussard said the self-titled name of the album accurately reflects the mission of "Marc Broussard."

"It's really symbolic of the way we all feel about this new album," he said. "It's the best Marc Broussard album that's ever been. It's a statement to the world. We're going to let the music speak for itself. There's no need to put any spin or theme on it. It's "Marc Broussard." This is the best that Marc Broussard has to give. If you don't like it, then I might not be cut out for this business."

Fans can judge for themselves when the album is released, and when Broussard begins takes to the road. He will be expanding his band for the performances.

"I believe that one of the opening acts will be a group from Canada," Broussard said. "These four girls called Chic Gamine. They're going to be singing backgrounds for me on this tour. I'll have four female background singers and they're all amazing. I actually personally requested Chic to go on tour with me. I'm a big fan of what they do and was excited to have them out and come and sing backgrounds for me.

"In that sense, the band will be a little bigger and a little better because my musicians no longer have to worry about singing. They can relax and focus on their instrument. Really, it's going to be a bit of the old with the new stuff. Obviously, we're going to be playing new music, which is always exciting for us as a band to be playing new stuff and letting the stuff evolve naturally as the tour goes on.

"I think people should get ready for one hell of a show. We're going to try and put on about a two-hour show, and all in all have a damn good time."

[George]

Broussard returns from the bayou with more soul
By GEORGE A. PAUL For the North County Times North County Times
Posted: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 8:15 am



A rare estrogen infusion during Marc Broussard's concerts this month should make his soul/pop sound more vibrant than usual. The reason? Members of predominantly female act Chic Gamine will handle background vocals.

"I fell in love with them years ago at a Yellowstone festival," Broussard recalled about the Montreal world-beat quintet, in a phone interview from his Louisiana residence.

"I've always wanted to have really great singers, and these four girls are exceptional. It's going to be different than all (my) previous tours."

The fairer sex also gets an emphasized lyrical role on his winsome new self-titled Atlantic Records album. All the songs were co-written with producer/keyboardist Jamie Kenney (Natalie Grant, Jason Castro).

"If we were talking about a woman, it was generally an amalgamation of our respective others. My wife definitely got the lion's share of inspiration."

Prime examples include the sensual, Motown soul stomper "Only Everything (Appletree)," the strident R&B groove of "Emily," sleek ballads "Let It All Out" and Al Green-styled "Lucky," and the idyllic gospel-tinged closer, "Let Me Do It Over."

Mellotron sounds color the latter tune ---- a departure that Broussard said was "gorgeous" and "came together so beautifully. I feel privileged to have that song on my record." The lyrics revolve around conflict avoidance with a significant other.

"You can tell that something is wrong and have no idea what the hell you did, but you know you probably did something. So you might as well just apologize now instead of figuring it out."

Bluesy standout "Eye on the Prize" ---- influenced by a comment that Broussard's young son once made ---- was originally a smooth R&B song done for 2008's "Keep Coming Back," but it didn't make the cut. While searching for potential material to round out the latest effort's track list, Broussard played the demo on his iPod.

Kenney quickly reworked the arrangement with a "different swampy, groovy approach. I was over the moon about it and said, 'This is exactly what the album needs.'"

Broussard emerged in 2002 with the independent CD "Momentary Setback," signed to

Island Records and put out the impressive "Carencro" (named after his Louisiana hometown) two years later. The buoyant "Where You Are" was a minor hit at Adult Top 40 radio and VH1; "Home" found equal prominence at those outlets and got attention at country radio and CMT after Hurricane Katrina.

On 2007 covers disc "S.O.S. ---- Save Our Soul," the artist paid tribute to '60s R&B forerunners such as Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack and Otis Redding. "Keep Coming Back" included LeAnn Rimes and Sara Bareilles duets and continued down a spirited, soulful path.

Recorded at a large secluded estate on the bayou of Maurice, La., much of the eponymous album was done in a timely fashion. "It's always beneficial to get musicians away from everything because we tend to get distracted pretty easily by liquor. By women as well. Some of us do ---- not myself these days.

"It's so far out in the country that there's not really an opportunity to leave. You just get a hell of a lot more work done. My brother did all the cooking for us on site."

According to the singer, collaborating with Kenney "allowed me to relax more than any other project I've ever been on. ... I didn't have to throw my two cents in anywhere because I totally trusted what Jamie was doing."

In recent years, a few veteran acts have used Broussard's raspy pipes on their own albums. George Benson redid Broussard's "Come in From the Cold," there was a guest appearance on Trombone Shorty's punchy "Right to Complain" and fellow Pelican state native Irma Thomas tapped Broussard for fresh tracks on the "Soul Queen of New Orleans" retrospective.

The Thomas session was particularly memorable because of some banter with her band's Charles "Chucky C" Elam.

"He made me laugh so hard that I ruined at least five takes. Finally Miss Irma said, 'All right, son, it's time to make it happen. Time to calm down and stop laughing.'"

[George]

An Artist With His "Eye On The Prize": A Conversation With Marc Broussard
Posted: 06/13/11 12:00 AM ET

Mike Ragogna: Marc, you're friends with Dave Barnes?

Marc Broussard: Yeah, Dave is a good partner of mine.

MR: You guys collaborated on "Gavin's Song."

MB: Yeah, we wrote "Gavin's Song" together, he is also a writer on "Lonely Night In Georgia," and we wrote some other things together that have never really made it on a record.

MR: So, you have a new album--Marc Broussard. Let's talk about the song "Cruel." Is it from personal experience?

MB: Not necessarily. That song was written here in Nashville with a couple of fellows that the label was anxious for me to sit down and write with. It was basically an attempt at getting a song that the label felt good about that would be able to be played on the radio. So, it's one of those songs that's really just a pure pop song.

MR: Is "Let Me Do It Over" a breakup song, and when you write, do you choose topics that relate to your personal life?

MB: Most definitely. A song like "Let Me Do It Over," I never really viewed as a breakup song, but more so as a description of my roll in my relationship with my wife. "Let me do it over again..."--that's my M.O., I'm a pretty big screw-up when it comes to relationships, at least that's what my wife tells me on occasion.

MR: Does the song "Our Big Mistake" have a similar story?

MB: Yeah, it's a song that I never really viewed as a breakup song for me, but more of a song about leaving home or being on tour. It's really difficult for me. I'm a father and a husband. I'm very dedicated to my family, we have child number four on the way right now. It definitely gets difficult for me to leave home for any period of time. I think "Our Big Mistake" is just a conversation about that.

MR: You seem to have natural R&B instincts, who are your influences in that genre?

MB: You can't begin any discussion of influences without starting with Stevie Wonder at the top of that list. Digging a little a deeper, Donny Hathaway is a huge influence for me. Getting even deeper, Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye. Those are fellows that I really gravitated towards when I was a young man and still, to this day, it's my "go to" on the iPod.

MR: What is your approach when you make an album?

MB: I think you keep it simple and you do what comes naturally. People have responded well to the music I put out, especially the album Carencro. This record is the closest I've come to Carencro in recent years, even more real, in a sense, because I trusted my producer so much--Jamie Kenney. Because I had such faith in his ability to make a great sounding record, I was really able to focus on what I wanted to say lyrically. I think we accomplished a great many things. We gave the listeners a wide pallet to choose from on this record. There are several different styles coming together that should compliment any different mood. Then, there is a very deep and personal look at my relationship with my wife and my family, as well as some plain old "put it on and dance while your getting dressed to go out or while your on the way home from work" just to sing your lights out and have fun. I had a blast making this record, and once again, the approach from jump was to do what came naturally and to shoot from the hip.

MR: Yeah, it seems that this album is in the same vain as Carencro in that way, sure.

MB: Thank you, because I think ultimately, that's what we were trying to do. We were trying to put together a record that was in line with Carencro.

MR: Can you share the story of "Bleeding Heart"?

MB: I don't really know how to describe it. I mean, it's really talking about the gal that is just so closed off and unwilling to relent, in a way, that it's smothering me. I think that's sometimes with the wife, she and I spend quite a bit of time together. At times, we both feel that way about each other, sometimes we can't get any kind of break from the relentlessness.

MR: Now, there also is this song on the album titled "Eye On The Prize" that you wrote that with your band years ago.

MB: Yeah, I had called my son from a tour to talk to him. He said, "Daddy, I want to be in a working band." It struck me that this kid was five years old at the time--

I don't know if he recognized the difference between just being in a band or being in a working band. It struck me pretty profoundly that he said, "I wanted to be in a working band." So, I mentioned it to the guys and they liked the idea of incorporating it into a song. We actually wrote that song, and the original incarnation is quite different from the version you hear on the record. Originally, it was very over the top R&B, like something George Benson would have cut. At the end of the recording process for this record, we were scrambling to get some more songs to record so that we could maximize our time in the studio. I handed my producer the lyrics to "Eye On The Prize," and he ushered me out of the piano room, then came back with a completely new arrangement on a song that was lyrically very strong but wasn't going to fit musically with the record. He came back with a whole new arrangement that you hear on this record, and I think he knocked it out of the park. I love this song, we love playing it live, and I think it's a rockin' tune that kind of goes back to my song "Home." It's the second generation to that.

MR: Okay, let's talk about your amazing recording, "Home," which was a Top 40 hit. What did it feel like to have a pretty solid charter with it?

MB: It feels a little unresolved. That song could have done better, had it had a little more focus at the very beginning of that record. Those days, I was on Island Records and it was our first outing. I think there were several mistakes made on that record, and like I said, it feels a little unresolved. But, once again, it's the first song of mine I had ever heard on the radio, so, of course, there is always going to be a special place for that song in my heart.

MR: "Home" also was so married to the show Medium.

MB: Yeah, "Home" has gotten its fair share of placements here and there. It's a great tune, it's got a good groove, and has always really sounded good in sports stadiums. It's perfect for baseball when guys are running home and you've got the song "Home" on.

MR: (laughs) That's right, it's a bit of a standard now. Marc, are you a baseball fan?

MB: Yeah, I'm a big baseball fan. We don't have a team in Louisiana, unfortunately, but I am a big baseball fan. I'm excited to see these boys get back on the diamond. They have some great athletes in that game, I always get excited around baseball season.

MR: You must also be a big basketball fan, right? I mean, "Must Be The Water" was the theme for the 2008 NBA Allstar Game.

MB: Yeah, I'm definitely a big Hornets fan.

MR: And you've been involved in past philanthropic endeavors, such as the Momentary Setback fund, a benefit for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

MB: Yeah, that fund is still open and we are still contributing to various charities in southern Louisiana. We recently paired up with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, but we have worked with United Way quite extensively over the years. It's something that I always think will be a part of my life. I enjoy giving back, and in fact, every show that I play in my hometown, we give a portion of the proceeds to charity.

MR: Sweet. You also did a Middle East tour in 2007 right?

MB: It wasn't necessarily just the Middle East. It was a tour that we did for the navy, and it took us to Japan and Korea, as well as Bahrain, Africa, and various parts of the Persian Gulf. I don't know exact latitudes and longitudes because we were constantly moving. We landed on the USS Enterprise in the middle of the Persian Gulf, so that was a really exciting trip to be able to do, something very few human beings alive have done--land on an aircraft carrier in an airplane and be privy to the operations to that go on these ships. There are four and a half acres on the deck of the USS Enterprise, and several thousand people sleeping on board every day. It's a nonstop workday for a good 16 hours. It's exciting stuff to be on those things, and as a civilian, we felt like we were definitely the most important people on that ship. I felt if we were to go down, every single one of those soldiers would had laid their life down for me and my crew. It was a special feeling to be among the nation's military in wartime, battle ready, and conducting operations.

MR: Thanks. Getting back to the album, is there a story behind the song "Yes Man"?

MB: Yes, there is a story. The first verse talks about being in the front yard and having some sort of a disagreement. My wife and I were actually working in the front flowerbed, and she said she didn't think this gal liked her anymore. I asked why, and she said, "I sent her a birthday invitation on Facebook for one of our kids and she didn't respond." I said, "Well that doesn't mean she doesn't like you, maybe she just didn't see it or just hadn't gotten back to you yet," and the wife said, "Oh, I just wish you would agree with me sometimes." So, that's kind of the inspiration, but once again, I've been informed by my wife to tell you that that's not a true story.

MR: (laughs) Okay, is there something about Marc Broussard that readers don't know yet?

MB: Well, most notably, I think part of my life is actually do-it-yourself projects around the home. I don't make a whole lot of money, and I find it necessary to take the remodeling responsibilities into my own hands. Recently, I tackled our master bathroom, I did some demolition work to a wooden step to get into the tub as well as the faucet and the fixtures around the tub. I was able to successfully knock out the plumbing without any leaks or any problems, so I now consider myself a DIY demigod. I'm pretty proud of that recognition.

MR: What will upgrade you to "god"?

MB: I will get the full upgrade to "god" status when I can tape and float some sheet rock. I can do it because it's there and if people are going to see it, I'm not as confident in my abilities to tape and float, but I can do it.

MR: What advice do you have for new artists?

MB: Well, I definitely have new artist advice. The truth of the matter is there are many pitfalls in this business. I think more often than not, we shoot ourselves in the foot because it's very easy to relinquish all creative control to a record label. When you're young, you sign a record deal and say to yourself these people have been in the business longer than me and they know what's up, so let me trust everything they say and relinquish all of your control. The truth is that they sign you to a record deal in the first place because they wanted you, they wanted what you had to bring to the table, right off the streets of where you're from. At the same time, I don't recommend fighting and cutting them out totally. At the end of the day, it is a partnership between you and the record label--you are going to have to get them invested in the project. I'm kind of the mindset of if somebody wants to put their name on my record, if somebody wants to take some credit for making the record a success, is that really going to be hurtful to my career in the long wrong? My answer is no if it really is ultimately a part of the success story of your project then let somebody get the credit. Don't fight so hard that you push everybody from the record label out and shoot yourself in the foot by not getting them involved in your project. Everybody in the building is talking about your record, and that takes getting people really excited about being a part of the project.

I think that it has some growing up to do, and I think that is still is a young business in that standards haven't really changed over the years, whereas the business outside of those four walls in New York or LA has changed. The demographics have changed, and the purchasing has changed drastically over the years, especially recently. The business has some catching up to do in terms of the consumers. All in all, it's a fun business and it's a labor of love for us who's out there doing it. Ultimately, before getting too long-winded about this story, I'm working on putting together a seminar for new artists that we are probably going to do in the next few years down in New Orleans. It will give young people a very clear picture of what's to be expected from a manager and vice versa what managers expect from artists. We are going to have panels with different folks, everybody from Kid Rock to Ani Di Franco. I'm hoping to put this together because it could be a huge tool for a lot of different folks out there. If your listeners and readers are interested in that, I would love to hear that feedback.

MR: My feeling is if you work on it, you get the nod, not just the boss or hotshot executive. Everyone's on the team.

MB: Yes, and the truth is that there is a big group of guys that made this record happen. There are seven guitar players and three or four bass players, two drummers, keyboard players, string players, and horn players. Had they not been available and had they not had the talents that they had, this record would not sound the way it does. You give credit where credit is do.

MR: Musicians, engineers, all of them, naturally, yeah. Hey, I'm hearing quite a few samples on the album, right?

MB: Yeah, Jamie has a really good ear for this stuff and that's why we hire the guy. His ears are so precious. He had a vision for this record, he had the skills to accomplish the things he wanted to accomplish.

MR: Do you have a comment about the new 360 deals that labels are offering artists?

MB: I don't necessarily have comments on it at this point because it's still very fresh. It's something that I think has the potential to work out, it's just going to take the labels doing some catching up. For the first time in a hundred years since the advent of major record labels, they are getting back into the touring game. It's an interesting deal, they have new departments for touring. Fortunately for me, whenever ticket sales are down or if the promoter doesn't really have any more resources to throw at the show, the label makes some resources. It's definitely going well so far, and because they have a merchandising department that can pull in huge numbers, we can get better deals with merchandising.

It's an interesting concept that's still in its infancy. I'm excited to be on the forefront of this new development in the business. I'm hoping it goes well for all parties involved, because it can definitely be something that could be a huge benefit to artists in the future. I have a great deal and I have to give credit to Lyor Cohen for really stepping up and showing me that he really wanted me at the label. The entire crew at Atlantic, I worked with all of them when I was at Island Records, everyone from Lyor (Cohen) to Julie Greenwald to the radio department and the publicity girls. I've known these folks for a very long time and they stepped up to the plate when they wanted to bring me to Atlantic. I have a great relationship and a great record deal, so I'm hoping this record really knocks it out of the park, and we can really start to move into the next phase of my career which is going to be a great fun time playing shows to a whole lot of different people.

MR: Personally, I honestly believe Atlantic has one of the best rosters as far as new artists out there. It speaks for itself, and I have to say, Lyor has amazing instincts.

MB: I think success follows Lyor where he goes. When he was at IDJ, the roster was incredible. He really surrounds himself with very talented people and lets them make the decisions that need to be made. It gives people the freedom to do their jobs in a business that tends to be treading on thin ice most of the time. You really find at Atlantic people that are will to put their cajones on the line.

MR: (laughs) So, where will you be touring?

MB: We are going to be touring up the East Coast and throughout the Midwest. You can be looking for us all the way up the Eastern Seaboard and Upstate New York, and from Minnesota to Tallahassee, Florida.

MR: All the best with that and the album, Marc. It was really a pleasure talking to you.

MB: Thank you, this was a great interview.

[George]

Marc Broussard hopes to 'knock it out of the park' with new album
By Mike Osegueda McClatchy Newspapers
Last Updated: June 15, 2011 - 9:44 am



FRESNO, Calif. — More than a few times, singer Marc Broussard has shown up in a city to discover what's almost a secret society of fans.

"I've often had the pleasure of showing up in a city for the first time and being pretty wowed by the number of folks who will show up," says Broussard.

While he has put out quality music for close to 10 years now, Broussard hasn't had a tremendous amount of commercial success.

His last two albums peaked at 96 and 136 on the Billboard charts. The closest he's come to mainstream fame is a pair of singles in 2004 and 2005 that found their way to No. 37 ("Where You Are") and No. 40 ("Home") on the adult contemporary charts.

He's crossing his fingers all that changes soon. This week, in fact.

His new self-titled fifth album came out Tuesday on Atlantic Records. This time, Broussard says he's hopeful for a pop breakthrough.

"If it ain't, I'll be at a loss for words," says the Louisiana-born and raised singer, who calls his sound "Bayou Soul," a mixture of pop, soul and funk, and counts Donny Hathaway and Southern gospel among his influences.

"I think this is my best foot forward," Broussard says. "Best album, best songs, best team at a record label behind it. I got all my ducks in a row. If I don't knock it out of the park with this one, I might not be in this business for a very long time."

Early returns are promising — for listeners at least.

His lead single "Only Everything" is an uptempo toe-tapper that would fit after a Maroon 5 song on a mixtape. It's making strides on adult contemporary radio. "Lucky," on the other hand, is an old-soul sounding song that fans of Adele should like.

In fact, says Broussard, it's the success of someone like Adele that gives him confidence that his timing is right. Adele's album "21" and her rousing soul hit "Rolling in the Deep" have owned the charts for the past two months.

"I feel like Adele and I are cut from the same cloth," Broussard says. "You really can't escape the soul.

"That Adele reference was quite heavily used in the studio. We really paid attention to what is current and hip, and not necessarily trying to mimic it, but be smart about what we were doing," he says. "I'm definitely hoping to ride that wave."

[George]

Marc Broussard Talks New Album, Being a Dad, Books, and More

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:55:04

In this exclusive interview with ARTISTdirect.com editor and "Dolor" author Rick Florino, Marc Broussard discusses his new self-titled album, being a dad, what he's reading, and more...



Sometimes the simplest things make for the best songs.

On his latest self-titled album, Marc Broussard took a look at his life and turned it into music. Whether it was moments around the house, being a father, or his love for his wife, everything served as inspiration for notes and lyrics. That's precisely why Marc Broussard feels so real and why these songs stand out in Broussard's already illustrious catalog.

Marc Broussard spoke to ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive interview about his latest self-titled album, how being a dad inspires, his current reading list, and so much more.

How do you feel like you've evolved on the new album?

It's definitely my best foot forward. We worked really hard for a long time on this material. I stayed off the road long enough to drain my savings account and put out the best record I've ever released.

Did you approach the record with one complete vision?

The reason that there's so much cohesion is the fact that Jami Kenney was a part of every song on the record. There's not a song that he and I both didn't work on. The cohesion you're hearing is a result of a writing team that was really prolific on this record. Working with Jami allowed me to focus in on what I was doing with the lyrics. There was never a time that he gave me any indication he wouldn't be able to produce what he said he could. The demos we turned in were really fleshed-out demos. Everybody had a very good idea of exactly what we were going for. He's also a really talented communicator when it comes to communicating with the musicians in the room. Those are some of the clues that can give it away as well. With the confidence and trust in Jamie as a producer, I was able to focus solely on my job which is to write and sing those lyrics. More importantly, I'm a little older than I was yesterday and on past albums, and I feel like I'm more self-aware. I've got my fourth child on the way, and I'm very happily married. All of these things came together to provide tons of fodder to write for this album. I think it shows in this writing. Lyrically, this is definitely some of the strongest material I've ever put out.

What's the story behind "Let Me Do It Over"?

It's really an anthem to the way men operate in relationships. Basically, our women tend to hold things back and keep to themselves. We notice it when it's going on. I can see when my wife is contemplating something. Something is bothering her, but she's not going to say it. Rather than try to coax it out of her, I go ahead and launch into the apology. I say, "Please forgive me. I'm so sorry about what I did. Let me do it over. I promise I'll get it right this time just please continue to put up with my sorry ass, and I'll make you happy at some point in your life. I'll try my damndest." It speaks to the everyday nature of the man's role in a relationship.

Did you always know it would close out the album?

It wasn't until I heard it in this final version that I was really excited about it rounding out the album. I thought the background vocals in that bridge tended to be fairly epic and glorious-sounding. So it was a great way to end the record.

Was it important for you to tell stories with the songs?

I've only had success in the storyteller scenario on a few occasions. A song like "The Wanderer" paints a nice image. You always need to give those context clues as to what's really going on. For example, "Yes Man" started out as a disagreement between my wife and I as we were working in the flowerbed in the front yard. Right out of the gate the song says, "The other day we were in the yard. We had a fight and you put up your guard." Whenever I'm drawing from real life events, you use as much information as you can and elaborate where you need to.

Do you tend to read a lot or watch a lot of movies while you're writing?

I never really read a whole lot until the past few years. I feel like absorbing books is a great tool for a writer. Reading constantly should be mandatory for songwriters because it's the only way to expand your vocabulary. It's the best way to bring a visual together for the listener. For this record, I was doing a lot of reading and trying my damndest to capitalize on all of the tools that were available to me.

What were you reading?

I started reading this old story called The Well at the World's End that I really dug. It's an interesting story about this king's son who goes traveling around the countryside. Then there was another book I was reading called Only in America: The Life and Crimes of Don King because I'm into boxing. There's a book called Liberty and Tyranny that I've also been digging on.

Is being a father a source of musical inspiration?

Always, man! These kids are everything. They give me enough entertainment to keep it very interesting around the house all the time [Laughs]. They're the whole reason I have the motivation to get out of bed every day and get to work. The kids give me tons of inspiration.

—Rick Florino
06.20.11

Have you heard Marc Broussard yet?

Watch this exclusive performance by Marc Broussard here!

[George]

Marc Broussard: The AS Twitterview
By americansongwriter June 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 am



In our latest Twitterview, “bayou soul” artist Marc Broussard talks about his favorite songs on his new record Marc Broussard, being pigeon holed by genre, and more. Check out more Twitterviews with Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell, John Oates, and Frankie Ballard.

AmerSongwriter: Songwriting is often done w/ just a voice & guitar. Ever consider ­­releasing your demos for fans to hear? – @artieodaly

MarcBroussard: I’ve thought about it a lot. But my demos are usually well fleshed out instrumentally so the label can hear.

AmerSongwriter: Which song had the deepest meaning for you and what is it about? @yoephing

MarcBroussard: On the new album, ‘Big Mistake’ hits home. It’s about leaving and realizing you’re miserable.

AmerSongwriter: Which artists would you say have had the greatest impact on your music?

MarcBroussard: Michael Bolton, end of story. jk

AmerSongwriter: Your style has been described as “bayou soul”…do you embrace that label? What does it mean to you personally?

MarcBroussard: Of course I embrace. That genre didn’t exist until someone invented it to describe me. I describe it differently though. When random people ask what we do, I sat it’s a hybrid of Psychobilly and Horror-core. We’re called Darc Broussard.

AmerSongwriter: What’s your favorite place you’ve played thus far on your summer tour?

MarcBroussard: San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world. I live for food and they’ve got plenty.

AmerSongwriter: Do you see any of your children becoming musicians in the future?

MarcBroussard: My oldest, Gavin, wants to be on tour so badly, that he’ll practice enough just to get on the bus and not go to school!

AmerSongwriter: Has having children affected your songwriting in any way?

MarcBroussard: Good question. I think so. But it’s hard to know for sure without a control group. Got a time machine?

AmerSongwriter: Is there any song that you’re most proud of on the new album?

MarcBroussard: Let Me Do It Over. I think it’s a great song and I feel honored to have it on my record. Now I gotta go. It’s been fun.

[George]

He had a mini-concert in the BING Lounge for 101.9 KINK.FM:

Interview:


Lucky:


Let Me Do It Over:


Cruel:


Home:

[George]

Marc's offering a free EP for his fans @ noisetrade.com/marcbroussard



1. Lucky
2. Emily
3. Yes Man
4. Could You Believe
5. Real Good Thing
6. Why Should She Wait (Feat. Sara Bareilles)
7. When It's Good (Feat. LeAnn Rimes)
8. Going Home
9. Try Me (EP Version)
10. It's Over Now (EP Version)