In this interview spotlight, I chat with Marie-Claire Giraud about her many creative endeavors, her journey, the many challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?

I was born on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean, raised in The Bronx, NYC and started my operatic training in Rome, Italy .

When I write and compose it comes out like a jazz song from the 20’s, 30’s or 40’s, when I started writing my musical CHARCOAL the songs came out in the different styles CHARCOAL takes place in. 

I am a world writer meaning I encompass whatever I am feeling at the time .

When I sing whether it be opera or jazz I do my very best to honor the composer and writer of the songs.

How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?

My mother says I sang before I spoke so I have always been a singer, a artist, a creative person . So music is part of my DNA and who I am , I mean I can’t imagine not singing whether it’s for 4 people , 400 people or 4000 people. I love to sing and actually I have been trying to find another word other than love to express how I feel about singing because I am always singing, always and all the time.

I never thought of it as taking on the music industry , I thought everybody could sing until I realized that isn’t the case.

Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Callas, Leontyne Price, Marian Anderson, Herbert von Karajan, Cab Calloway, Gustavo Dudamel, Quincy Jones, Hugh Jackman, Viola Davis are inspirations to me.

How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?

My latest projects, which one? I am working on many different creative endeavors at once.

OPERA DEBUT- making my way to blaze the sky with my own individual voice singing this timeless music and honoring the composers and my teacher. 

• Sing in full opera productions at opera houses and classical/opera festivals worldwide.
• International recital tour which will support my album release
• Sign to major classical label with crossover appeal to jazz, musical theater and cinematic scores which I will act in, and release my original material .

HELLO FROM BERTHA- co-starring in the Tennessee Williams one act play on Theater Row, Lions Theater, 42nd Street .

CHARCOAL- I am completing the songs which start with African music to spirituals to 1940’s swing to 1960’s Motown style to 2022 current music . CHASING RAINBOWS is part of CHARCOAL.

mary b4 magdalene- doing research and writing the screenplay of mary b4 magdalene which is the back story of Mary Magdalene. The soundtrack will have a life of its own, imagine if Vernon Reid, Jay Z and Kanye West lived in biblical times, what would that music sound like.

CARAVAN- a short film music video and song. Taking the Duke Ellington jazz standard recording with a jazz quintet and also adding African instruments Udu and Kora and house music remix produced by Idris Elba

EP- melodious sounds and rhythms

And the above are only a few.

Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?

 Not having enough funds to do everything I need to do from finding the funds for new headshots, copywriting, transportation etc.

Especially during lockdown I thought the best way to utilize my time is honing my craft, finding out more things about myself, working on myself, creating.

Keeping the fire burning is not something I am in short supply of. I thought I have to keep working , perfecting because when the world does open up again I want to be ready.

What was the last song you listened to?

D’amor sull’ali rosee from Verdi’s opera, Il Trovatore.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassette?

No preference , I will listen in whatever format the music comes in.

Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?

Instagram- marie_claireplus

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?

Thank you for having me.

Never ever ever never ever give up on your dreams, keep moving forward and mistakes are a blessing to be learned from.