[INTERVIEW] Ahead of New Album, Marc E. Bassy Talks Independence & New Music
Native San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Marc E. Bassy, née Griffin, concludes summer with the official announcement of his debut independent LP, PMD, via his own self-made imprint, New Gold Medal. The former frontman of Los Angeles, CA, based 2AM Club is celebrating this exciting news with the unveiling of the set’s latest entry, “Where We’re From.”
Check out the exclusive interview with Marc E. Bassy to talk about his latest project and much more.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this – obviously- actor Bruce Willis movie vehicle inspired second single/video, “Die Hard” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?
Marc E. Bassy: Die Hard the movie was on in the studio, and we just joked about that as a concept. The song actually has a lot of meaning; it’s a love song to a real ride or die person in your life.
Parlé Mag: “Die Hard” comes courtesy of your eagerly awaited, forthcoming sophomore studio collection — What all can you reveal and/or divulge about upcoming said project at this particular point in time?
Marc E. Bassy: PMD the album is my best work to date; it’s more cohesive, it’s more rooted in Hip-Hop music. This is the album of the last year, rather than of the last five-so I think it’s more cohesive.
Parlé Mag: How does the new album either differ and/or compare to that of your first solo offering, 2017’s Gossip Columns?
Marc E. Bassy: It’s probably harder overall. Sonically it’s shaped more like a Hip-Hop album. There is less emphasis on organic elements, and more on production.
Parlé Mag: What exactly became of your prior situation with Republic Records? And, why did you opt to go the indie route this go ’round?
Marc E. Bassy: Republic basically gave me the out, and I took it. Things weren’t working out there like they could have been; we had success, but we weren’t duplicating it and it was time to leave. Major labels sort of brainwash you without trying, especially if you had success on radio. You become less artistic, your focus becomes making money and you tie your worth as an artist to that. I had to leave to remind myself who I really am inside.
Parlé Mag: Who, besides yourself of course, currently makes up the artist roster for the New Gold Medal label? And, what are your future plans and/or goals for the imprint?
Marc E. Bassy: As of right now, it’s just me. We’re going to start looking for people to sign in 2020.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you, either changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into music?
Marc E. Bassy: I can’t even imagine how much I’ve changed. I learned how to perform, how to be subtle, how to be humble. This place I’m in now is the real sweet spot for a musician. You’re young enough to still have that energy, but you’re experienced enough to give the world something nutritious. Obviously, the business has done a full 180, but that’s always in motion in modern culture… so I try and remind myself to stick to the fundamentals.
Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Marc E. Bassy: I’m an actual creative (force), and I’m constantly inspired by the human condition. This isn’t a money play; you can’t box me in. Wherever you leave me, I will come out with music and a message. I’m not a wave rider; I’m making my own wave no matter what.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of the industry?
Marc E. Bassy: I am happy with the current industry. Power to the people! The institutions are always going to be there making money, but it’s nice to be in an era where the artist has more power than ever.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Marc E. Bassy: Not really. I’m just try’na be myself, and make music from my heart.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your greatest career achievement, at least thus far anyway?
Marc E. Bassy: Probably just the fact that I quit the moving truck in 2010 and never had to go back.
Parlé Mag: What is one track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Marc E. Bassy: “Jump for X” off the upcoming album is all me baby! I’m speaking my mind now. The work is crazy, and I’m just trying to tell my piece.
The new Marc E. Bassy drops on September 27th. Be on the lookout for PMD then.
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