From my own hometown of Boston, Michael and Marisa have already traveled the nation performing at various shows, opening for some big acts like David Archuleta, Drake Bell and Greyson Chance. I had the privilege to see these two perform at the Boston House of Blues back in 2009, and I must say, I was impressed. Now I've had the chance to ask this teenage brother/sister duo some questions in this fun interview about their music careers and what's coming up next for them, as well as what they do in their spare time despite their busy schedules (like Michael's awesome green screen editing!).
The two of you have been doing this for so long, what has been your favorite memory so far?
Marisa: That's so difficult...There are so many....I think meeting some of the artists we've worked with and meeting many of the amazing fans. Meeting and sharing the stage with David Archuleta was incredible. He is super genuine and nice and his voice is one of the best I've ever heard. He was so much fun to talk with.
Michael: Still have to say it was playing "I Found a Way" for Drake Bell when I was 7 years old. He came to my sound check at the Whisky-A-Go-Go club in Hollywood. The experience of talking with him and having him teach me one of his songs on the guitar will always be one of my favorite memories.
Besides the guitar and drums, is there any other instruments either of you play?
Michael: We both play keyboards.
Marisa: I also play various percussion instruments like Cajon, Djembe, bongos etc.
Is there any places you’d like to perform that you haven’t?
M&M: Lots of places...all over the world...England, Japan, Australia, TV appearances, Cruise Ships, Hatch Shell in Boston on the 4th of July, Kiss 108 concerts, Madison Square Garden....and on and on...
What’s your favorite song to perform?
Michael: I put together a Lady Gaga medley. I revise it when she has new releases.
Marisa: There are a lot of them...this week it's Price Tag by Jessie J.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Michael: The Beatles, Lady Gaga, Shakira, Paramore, Nicki Minaj
Marisa: Jessie J, Lily Allen, ACDC, The Beatles, Gwen Stefani, Bruno Mars
Have you ever met another famous musician and gotten star struck?
M&M: We've met 100+ of them...they are regular people like we are...just doing what they do....
Proceeds from your single “The Same” go to Kids Against Bullying, how did you get involved with that cause?
Marisa: PACER is a national organization making huge strides to address the bullying problem in schools and everywhere. They are a resource for kids and teens. We admired the work they are doing and wanted to be a part of it.
What do you guys enjoy doing in your spare time?
Michael: I spend a lot of time creating and editing videos and remixing music. I am always creating on my computer and like to try new software. I'm using Final Cut right now and like to work on green screen editing. Here's an example:
I also have been doing Tae Kwon Do since I was 3 years old and am a black belt, and of course songwriting, rehearsing, listening to music, researching new music.
Marisa: Same here with the Tae Kwon Do. I also dance for 4 1/2 hours on Saturdays...Ballet, Tap Jazz and Pointe, softball, playing drums, listening to music, rehearsing, practicing vocals.
What advice would you give to young people who dream of performing?
Marisa: Do some performing...whatever you dream of doing, take steps to make that dream a reality.
Finish this sentence: Tens years from now I will be…
Michael: Ten years older!! Hah!!!
Marisa: Traveling the world, playing drums, singing and writing songs that will change people's lives.
What’s in the works for the both of you?
M&M: We are very excited about the two new songs we wrote over the summer with Stokes Nielson, producer at EMI Music Publishing. We made of video of one of the songs that contains footage of us opening for Greyson Chance when he did his first headlining tour. The songs and video will be released very soon.....We're also going to L.A. at the end of the month to perform at an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. Looking forward to the event and love being in L.A.
Where can people keep in touch with you? Website, Facebook, Twitter?
All three would be great:
Website:
michaelandmarisa.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/michaelandmarisa
Twitter:
@michael_marisa
Youtube:
youtube.com/michaelandmarisa
Do you have a message to all of your fans?
M&M: Thank you for coming to see us play, for all your your comments on youtube, twitter, facebook, for supporting what we do and for staying for the meet and greets after the shows. We appreciate all that and love to hear what is important to you. We want our music to mean something to you like it does to us.
Thanks to Michael and Marisa for taking the time to do this interview, and I wish these two talented siblings the best of luck in the future.
On a final note, opening for Big Time Rush is UK boy band One Direction. This is the boys' first tour in the US, and they perform a great set to get the crowd pumped before BTR comes out. They perform their singles "One Thing" and "What Makes You Beautiful," among other songs from their new album, out this month.
