Music
Press
"Spiller, too, is a killer Maureen. Her portrayal even garnered her a callback from the touring Broadway production of Rent."
- New Times San Luis Obispo CA
"Spiller, too, is a killer Maureen. Her portrayal even garnered her a callback from the touring Broadway production of Rent."
- New Times San Luis Obispo CA
"And then there was Diana. Clarissa Spiller, who was so fabulous as activist/performance artist Maureen in Cuesta College’s production of Rent, owns the role of Miss Ross, a woman quoted as saying, awesomely, “Just because I have my standards, they think I’m a bitch.” Spiller cemented her diva status early with her delivery of Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and reinforced it with a generous helping of other soulful incarnations throughout the show: Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary,” and even Janis Joplin’s ironic, twangy “Mercedes-Benz” and wailing “Summertime.” She nailed them all." - New Times San Luis Obispo CA
"And then there was Diana. Clarissa Spiller, who was so fabulous as activist/performance artist Maureen in Cuesta College’s production of Rent, owns the role of Miss Ross, a woman quoted as saying, awesomely, “Just because I have my standards, they think I’m a bitch.” Spiller cemented her diva status early with her delivery of Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and reinforced it with a generous helping of other soulful incarnations throughout the show: Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary,” and even Janis Joplin’s ironic, twangy “Mercedes-Benz” and wailing “Summertime.” She nailed them all." - New Times San Luis Obispo CA
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Sexy, brassy vocalist and versitle songwriter Clarissa Spiller hails from the great state of New York but found roots on the West Coast after leaving home at age 19 in pursuit of the world.
Influenced by Tina Turner, Joni Mitchell, Sia, Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Betty Davis, Marva Whitney, Led Zepplin, Sade, Sharon Jones and Beyonce among other obscure Soul and Classic Rock artists with just a hint of a unique and outlandish Grace Jones flare. Clarissa brings her soulfully hip melodies via the impact her travels have had on her life. Her lyrics come from a place beyond your average lovesick song and are built to pull at the human spirit in poetic form.
In the very early years, she began exploring music through her school, church choirs and local theater productions in her hometown of Olean, NY. Music always encompassed Clarissa's life from family ties to personal therapy. Her father, Tim Spiller, an accomplished vocalist, exposed her to the great American standards at a young age.
When Clarissa was 13 she began playing guitar at the encouragement of her parents in addition to her many years tinkering on the family piano, and the family's downtime spent harmonizing, a cappella, with old church hymnals. She began writing songs at age 8 and continues to explore and uncover her natural talent for empathetic lyrical expression.
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