At a time when people are searching for hope and optimism, award-winning singer-songwriter Denise Marsa is transforming emotion into powerful pop music with purpose. Her latest release, “HOLE," is striking a chord with listeners through its uplifting energy, cinematic production, and message of resilience, freedom, and community.
Following eight consecutive Top 10 hits on the UK Commercial Pop Dance Charts and praise from ArtistRack as “a new anthem for pop with purpose,” Marsa continues to challenge expectations while building momentum across generations. In this interview, Denise discusses the inspiration behind “HOLE,” the emotional role music plays during uncertain times, and the creative partnerships fueling her latest success.
Your single “HOLE” carries a deeply emotional message. What inspired you to write this song, and what does it represent in your life right now?
The state of the world inspired me. When there is distress, there is a call for hope. I have always seen musicians as helpers who bring balance. “HOLE” asks in the lyrics, “Is anybody else feeling less than whole?”
"HOLE" represents community and people embracing one another, with the goal of getting people to look around them. The disconnect is everywhere.
The news proves that every day, whether locally, regionally, or internationally. I am appealing to all individuals to look within to find their own ladder to climb out of it. There are lots of metaphors in this song. I’m getting a little sneaky.
The title of your upcoming album, RISK + HEAL, suggests courage and recovery. What does taking risks mean to you at this stage of your career?
It means success. I always took risks as I followed my heart, and as anyone who is reading this knows, the heart tends to jump in first without considering the risk. That’s one thing that makes love so exciting. It’s in the moment. I do not skydive, nor do I climb big mountains. However, that is what drives some people onward and upward – the risk.
It also means do what your gut tells you to do and be aware that whatever it is and whatever the outcome, you are accountable for your life and any and all decisions you make about change, and if you make the wrong choice, failure.
How does “HOLE” set the tone for the rest of the album? Is it a starting point for the journey listeners will experience?
The tone for RISK + HEAL is still building. It’s either going to be a long album or a double album. I keep saying to those close to me, it’s gonna be the last song, this time for sure, but I keep writing. The vibe is very eclectic; it’s personal vs social. It’s also more political and carries a commentary about the state of the world.
While I also look into my own personal relationships and my relationship with where I am literally. I have been spending time between NYC and Tucson, AZ. As far as "HOLE," I tend to release singles according to what I am sensing, both atmosphere and timing-wise. What’s going on that month in the world? How can my song add to it all?
You’ve remained fiercely independent throughout your career. How has that independence influenced the creative direction of RISK + HEAL?
I would not be here if not for my independence. Ani DeFranco inspired me to do it myself, all of it. I was already most of the way there, and the label was the part that came last. Remember that I started in the late 70’s. Let’s do a separate interview about the music biz for ladies in the late 70s while the 80s loomed. #BravoAni
Many of your songs speak to resilience and transformation. What personal lessons or experiences shaped the themes on this record?
Keeping a clear head and faith in the work you do. The closer I get to my goals, the clearer they seem to be. More specific.
The idea of healing can be both personal and collective. In what ways do you hope this album helps listeners feel seen or understood?
If I could step into the room or space where they are listening, I’d say, “Go over to a mirror and look at yourself.” I want people to feel completely embraced in themselves when listening to my work. Then make a plan on how to get what you want, any portion of it, whatever is left to have in your “desire-bowl”.
You’ve continued to evolve as an artist over the years. What new sounds or perspectives can fans expect to hear on RISK + HEAL?
No expectations would be cool. As I said earlier, songs are still pouring in. So perhaps the answer is, it’s an album about evolving.
Was there a particular moment during the making of this album when you realized you were creating something different or especially meaningful?
Along the way, I have had inclinations. I must keep my feet on the ground. I have been hovering for a long time.
What role does community play in your music and in the message behind RISK + HEAL?
With my work in PR and marketing for/with clients and team (MarsaMedia.com). I am in several communities, working with so many diverse and well-intentioned people. My own community is mostly and has always been family.
Looking ahead, what does success look like for you with this album — artistically, emotionally, or spiritually?
Great question. All of them. Thanks for asking! Artistically, the excitement has me creating lots of new songs from many genres. Emotionally, I am more comfortable in myself both as an artist and as a woman than I have ever been, and I have renewed my love of cooking. And spiritually, I am aware that the stars may be aligning in my favor.
