VOGUE USA: DECEMBER ISSUE, EXCERPT TRANSCRIPT OF MARCELA'S INTERVIEW 1 NOV, 2015
Vogue: So, you just finished your photoshoot with the very handsome Tyson Ballou. Out of all the models we had available for this feature, you went with him. Any reason in particular? Marcela: Yeah, I kind of have a thing for dark haired, bright-eyed men. Since my husband wasn't available, I figured I'd go for his doppelganger.
Vogue: Fair enough! How does it feel to be getting back into the press haul? How have you dealt with waiting for the response of 25? Marcela: I am fucking terrified. I live for the creative process of writing songs and curating a solid record. I am a singer at my core, and I feel so gratified when I get to actually perform. If I could skip over the press and go straight to touring, I would.
Vogue: You recognize your ability as a writer and singer, but that wasn't the case when you were younger - correct? Marcela: [laughs] Ah, yeah. I was a little insecure shit. What never changed is my love of the arts. I got into piano when I was pretty young, picked up the violin after that. I was accepted into The Brit School when I was thirteen, and I was so terribly excited and overwhelmed. There have been some pretty brilliant people that have studied there, you know. I didn't think I could make it as a singer, so I was hoping to get into A&R - behind the scenes work. I actually was doing a friend a favor when the singer for his piece got sick. He needed me to fill in for her the night of the performance. He knew I could carry a note, but I think I surprised everyone that night. I remember the principal pulling me aside and asking me why i wasted my first year studying A&R.
Vogue: You met a lot of important people that influenced your life at the Brit School. Marcela: Yeah, I did. One of my best mates, my first big love and Amy [Winehouse].
Vogue: You often called Amy Winehouse your big sister in music. What is your most cherished memory of her? Marcela: I don't really feel comfortable talking about that.
Vogue: Absolutely understandable. Can you maybe tell us how your story has culminated in 25. From the Brit School to this point now. How did you get here? Marcela: Uh, yeah. That's a really good question. 19 was about self-discovery, definitely. I wrote that record when I was in love and on my own. I was really chasing a dream at that time, and everything was up in the air. Everyone knows what 21 was about. I was completely bitter, heartbroken and just trying to keep my head above water. I needed to take some time to really heal both physically and emotionally. When I took that time for myself and went back to repair important relationships, I came up with Skyfall. I had no clue what 25 was going to be about, but I knew it had to be a different tone to what I put out four years ago. I thought the best thing for me to do is write a record that reconciled the feelings I felt four years ago. I grew up a lot during that period, a lot of things happened during that time frame.
Vogue: A lot of things have changed for you. I think most fans were stunned to find out you eloped with the man everyone believes to have inspired 21. Do you want to officially address this well-known rumor? Marcela: No, not really. I simply married the man I couldn't live without.
Vogue: We all want to believe, Marcela! What can you say about your upcoming album, then? What are you looking forward to performing the most? What song means the most to you in terms of sentimental value? Marcela: I have no problem with the rumors! It keeps people wondering, you know. I will say that I'm excited to perform "Hello". It's one of my more longer songs, and I've been working very hard to train myself up for singing the tracks off of 25. I think the one that holds the most sentimental value is "When We Were Young" ... by far. It is supposed to depict the chance reunion of old lovers, like remembering why you fell in love in the first place.
Vogue: Can't imagine that being about your husband and fellow musician Trey Hillstrom [Wolfman]? Marcela: You are persistent! I'll give you that.