Meet Chaz Marie | Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chaz Marie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chaz, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have always believed that consistency is key. I have to work every day towards my goals, my aspirations and keep people engaged. On top of that, I need to keep creating and keep it fresh, but real. Getting back in shape was a big deal for me too. I love my fitness. It gave me my confidence back. To make sure I stick with a plan, I like having a written out goal or a list for my day and my week. Time management, man it’s crucial for creatives. I’m quite scatter brained at times and I need those things in my life to stay on track. Another thing that really boosts me and makes me feel amazing are all the wonderful, successful loving artists and creatives that surround me. We lift each other up and we share the struggle. We empower each other. After all, if you aren’t in this business, you don’t really get all that it entails. Just be a good person. Building relationships is what it comes down to, so don’t ever burn a bridge, take the high road.Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, I started with my sister as The Marie Sisters. We were on Universal/Republic in the early 2000s. I spread my wings as a solo artist in late 2000. My original music is a mix of blues, rock and country, better known as Americana. It’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I got the name Hillbilly Aretha for country meeting soul. If I don’t feel it, I won’t sing it. I have a 5 piece band that is amazing. My husband Quinten Hope is my guitar player, Alex Hahn on drums, David Deshazo on bass and Jerry Collum on keys. We have this unspoken musical bond and friendship that just oozes on stage. We love what we do and these guys are total PROS. We miss performing. The Pandemic wiped out pretty much all of our gigs. Still holding on to a few acoustic spots. My influences are vast! Man, I guess you could say I’m Dolly Parton meets Bonnie Raitt with a little Janis and Susan Tedeschi thrown in there for great measure. I don’t sound like them, but they heavily influence my style. I get people telling me I remind them of those artists which is AMAZING. I just want to keep putting out good music from the soul.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm, let’s see….. as far as my social life, I don’t really make plans until the day of, I like spur of the moment. But I’ll play! We would have to hit my favorite spot in Grapevine, Texas, Farina’s Winery. They have so many yummy wines and delicious cuisine. The atmosphere is awesome and someones always laughing, great vibes. Hopefully someone amazing would be performing at the Kessler or the Majestic in Dallas. We’d probably grab some drinks before the show. I love dive bars. So many to choose from, but that’s my jam. I love a great brunch, so Hip Hop Brunch at the Common Table in Frisco at the Star for sure!! I would literally put a bunch of places in a bowl and we would take turns drawing where to go. THAT sounds perfect.The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m feel so blessed to have all the wonderful artists in my life. It’s so hard to pick! My long time mentor who passed away in 2020, Tommy Young had a huge impact on my life. He pretty much played with everyone and the love, wisdom and leadership he imparted to me is priceless. He believed in me. He could play that piano, organ and B3 like you wouldn’t believe! He was hilarious. He was real. He was successful and everyone loved him. I hope I can leave the same legacy. And of course my wonderful husband, guitar player and Mesa Boogie Endorsee, Quinten Hope is my life. When he and I met and started working together, musical juices were flowing from the start. He empowers me. His guitar playing made me a better writer, a better singer. He believes in me and everything I do, as I do with him. It’s crazy, but our lives and music just fit like a puzzle.

Website: https://www.chazmarie.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaz_marie_/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaz-marie-043830a4/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaz_marie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chazmariemusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Chazzeroni
Tiktok: Chaz_Marie_Hope
Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/4sDNSEf3sl6Ram9ZIseln0?si=nafgj65NQq6RKWwUklCdqw

Image Credits
Cal Knapp Photography