Marla Joy

atch as MJ‘s celeBFF Marla Joy serves basketball fans with a scorching hot rendition of our nation’s anthem at the Knicks vs. Raps game at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday (Apr 5) in the Big App.
If you ask MJ – this clip is going to be one of those videos that you’ll see in 5-10 years in a documentary about her! We called it with Justin Bieber… and we’re certifiably head over heels obsessed with our fellow “MJ” — miss Marla Joy! - MicahJesse.com

It was the dress seen around the world last summer. You know the dress. The gorgeous green dress with ruffle front Blake Lively wore in Paris while shooting scenes for the current season of Gossip Girl. Tongues wagged, fingers typed feverishly on the computer to find the designer of that coveted dress, Trish Wescoat Pound of Haute Hippie. After stints at Micheal Kors and Theory, Trish founded her Haute Hippie line in 2008. Describing her label something “you can actually be comfy and dressed up, which is a novel concept,” the designer is is at the top of the list of many celebrities and fashionistas looking for carefree yet glamorous dresses and separates to vamp up their style.

Pound’s quest to create the “ultimate closet” has paid of significantly. Her collection resonated the Bohemian spirit of the ’70s infused with the glamour of the ’20s, which are both evident in the beading and embellishment techniques and feminine silhouettes of her collection. The collection is a labor of love for Pound, who creates each piece out of her New York City apartment. A closer look at each piece and you’ll see the passion, talent and love that each garment receives. Haute Hippie is a favorite of celebrities like Blake Lively, Beyonce Knowles, Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Maneunos, Gwen Stephani, Nikki Reed, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Dakota Fanning, Jessica Lowndes and Jessica Alba.

Pound recently held a party on the rooftop of her Manhattan showroom for press, buyers and close friends to showcase her Fall 2011 collection, with a special performance by soulful singer Marla Joy, an up and coming artist you should be on the lookout for. The Haute Hippie Fall 2011 collection is sexy, sophisticated, and timeless. Pieces that can pass off as either vintage, think intricate glamorous ’20s era beading and sequins mixed in with the Bohemian aesthetic Haute Hippie is known for. Knit sweaters were trimmed with faux fur, a silver sequin mini dress nonchalantly dressed down with an over-sized gray sweater, an embellished cream dress paired up with a cropped faux fur jacket and an elegant deep red sequined skirt unexpectedly styled with a soft t shirt, leather jacket and a faux fur.

- The Glamazon Diaries

Dalai Lama vildi vera með
Höfuðstöðvar samtakanna eru í Vínarborg og tilgangur þeirra er m.a. að efla menntun barna og styrkja konur í þróunarríkjum.
„Svo erum við líka að styðja við bakið á fjöl- fötluðum einstaklingum,“ upplýsir Hend- rikka. Velferð fjölfatlaðra er henni mikið
hjartans mál vegna þess að systursonur hennar er fjölfatlaður.
„Hann er þrjátíu og fimm ára og er eins og litli hálfbróðir minn því hann var svo mikið hjá foreldrum mínum. Ég hef kynnst
þessum krökkum vel og alltaf fylgst vel með þeim. Þannig að þetta stendur mér nærri. Ég vil koma þessum einstaklingum meira á framfæri. Mér finnst þeir vera alltof mikið til hliðar í samfé- laginu. Þótt þeir séu mikið fatlaðir hafa þeir svo mikið til brunns að bera og eiga skilið það allra besta.“
Hafði hugmyndin að Alþingi barnanna gerjast með þér lengi?
„Nei nei. Hún kom bara svona,“ segir Hend- rikka og smellir fingrum, „og við gripum hana. Við fengum gott fólk með okkur í lið, m.a. Kerry Kennedy frá New York, Dalai Lama, Betty Willi- ams, nóbelsverðlaunahafa frá Norður-Írlandi, og BiBi Russel, en hún er frumkvöðull og hefur hjálpað heilu þorpi í Bangladess.“
Þetta eru engar smá kanónur. Hvernig kom Dalai Lama t.d. inn í þetta?
„Við höfðum bara samband við Dalai Lama og hann vildi vera með. Síðan er fullt af öðru fólki með okkur líka og það er enn að bætast í hópinn. Fólk vill sameinast um þetta.“
Hvernig tókst þér að fá Sameinuðu þjóðirnar til samstarfs? Tókstu bara upp símtólið?
„Ég fór á fund. Ég pantaði tíma hjá manni sem indversk vinkona min kynnti mig fyrir og ég þekkti ekki neitt, Amir Dossal hjá Sameinuðu þjóðunum, og svo bara þróaðist þetta,“ upplýsir Hendrikka. „Amir er góður vinur minn í dag,“ bætir hún svo við.
Nánar tiltekið þróaðist þetta þannig að Hend- rikka kom á formlegu samstarfi milli Sameinuðu þjóðanna og samtaka sinna en samstarfið fellur undir „UN Millenium Development Goals 2 og 3“-þróunarverkefnið hjá Sameinuðu þjóðunum. Í
Söngkonan Marla Joy er andlit og „músa“ (muse) tískulínu Hendrikku Waage. Hendrikka segist hafa séð hana á sviði í New York og heillast samstundis, bæði af persónuleika söngkonunnar, sem og af hárri, sterkri röddinni sem Hendrikka segir eins konar sambland af röddum Christinu Aguilera og Janis Joplin.
framhaldi af því tóku Sameinuðu þjóðirnar fyrstu bók Hendrikku upp á sína arma, eins og fyrr segir, og buðu hana m.a. til sölu í verslun sinni í New York.
Fer áfram á seiglunni
Fyrir utan góðgerðarstörfin hannar Hendrikka svo fallega skartgripi. Hún kynnti sína fyrstu skartgripalínu árið 2004 og síðan þá hefur verið fjallað um skartgripina hennar í fjölda erlendra tískutímarita, eins og Vogue, Bazaar, Elle og Mar- ie Claire. Hendrikka hefur þó ekki farið varhluta
Dýjadalshnúkur
Kerhólakambur
af breyttu efnahagsástandi í sínu starfi, frekar en aðrir. „Ég hef farið mjög rólega síðastliðin þrjú ár og ætla að halda mér í þeim gír. Ég reyni að koma með eitthvað nýtt á hverju ári. Á þessu ári eru það Talisman-fylgihlutirnir og verndargripirnir. Línan heitir Hendrikka Waage Fashion Collection og mér finnst gaman að vinna með hana.“
Margir eru sífellt að fá góðar hugmyndir en fylgja þeim ekki eftir til enda. Af hverju heldurðu að þú hafir náð þeim árangri sem raun ber vitni?
„Ætli maður sé ekki bara með einhverja seiglu í sér. Allt er þetta barátta, að koma skartgripalínu eða verkefnum á framfæri og fylgja því eftir, ekki bara hérlendis heldur líka erlendis. Þetta tekur sinn tíma. Danir eiga marga flotta skartgripa- hönnuði en þeir hönnuðir hafa verið að í fimmtán til tuttugu ár. Þetta er alltaf eitt skref fram á við, nokkur aftur á bak og svo tvö skref fram á við á ný. Þannig er þessi bransi. Þá skiptir máli að hafa seigluna og gefast ekki upp. Þetta er náttúrlega rússíbani. Það þarf að hafa mikla vinnusemi og gott auga til að bera, fylgjast með því hvað er að koma og vera einu skrefi á undan.“
Hvernig fylgist þú með?
„Ég held að þetta sé bara eðlisávísun. Eitthvað sem maður finnur á sér. Maður er kannski bara listrænn. Ég fylgist vel með.“
Hver hefur kennt þér mest í gegnum tíðina?
„Það eru svo margir. Móðir mín, Guðrún H. Waage, er þar í fyrsta sæti. Faðir minn, Sigurður Waage, kemur þar svo fljótt á eftir. Svo á ég marga lærimeistara, til dæmis Bob Geldof. Hann er mikil manneskja. Ég hef hitt hann nokkrum sinnum og síðast í sumar, þar sem hann var með gríðarlega góðan fyrirlestur á „Education Festival“ í Bret- landi. Þar spurði hann sjálfan sig: „Hvað er ég að gera hér, ég sem er ómenntaður.“ En svo svaraði hann á móti: „Ég er hér í dag vegna þess að það skiptir mig máli að krakkar hafi sterk gildi í líf- inu.“ Hann er mikill frumkvöðull. Ég get einnig nefnt vísindamanninn Stephen Hawking, dr. Anthony Seldon, Richard Branson og marga fleiri. Fólk sem er manneskjulegt finnst mér skara fram úr. Fólk sem hefur stóra sál og gott hjarta.“
Hvert er besta ráð sem þú hefur fengið?
„Að vera gefandi á lífsleiðinni og laus við egó- isma.“ - Frettatimi (Iceland)

In a world where nearly anyone with a MacBook and headphones can call themselves a DJ, only a select few have the talent and drive (and representation) to actually succeed. Helping such artists along the way are the genius founders of dGi Management. Partners Damon DeGraff and Yoni Goldberg have made it their business – not to mention their passion – to develop and nurture the standout stars of this saturated market.

But for dGi, DJs were only the beginning. The rapidly growing company now represents an impressive roster of celebrity DJs, recording artists, record producers and cultural influencers. From Rev Run to The Misshapes, this client list effortlessly runs the gamut from hip-hop to hipster. With nightly fees soaring into the thousands — on top of numerous endorsement opportunities – DeGraff and Goldberg pioneered their way to the top of this underworld.

We selected a group of artists from dGi who exemplify everything we deem cool. Click through the above gallery for a look into a world most of us only enter well past our bedtimes. - Style Caster

We’re beyond excited to introduce you to Marla Joy. She’s a girl with many stories to tell and amazing chops to tell them with.

Few artists have the vocal talent of Marla Joy, but it’s her raw, emotional connection to the material that makes her stand out to us. According to her Myspace page (which we couldn’t put into better words if we tried), her sound is, “Some hot funky gritty music comin out of a lil’ thing……. with a whole lotta soul!” She applies her incredible voice to melodies, rhythms, and soulful groove, which create a depth to her singing that is rare to find. I don’t know how she does it, but she brings the perfect amount of fresh edginess to the familiar style of some of the great female R&B artists who have come before her.

Marla Joy has shared the stage with amazing acts such as K.C and the Sunshine Band, The Temptations, Mary J. Blige, and many more. She’s currently in the studio recording with noteable Grammy-award winning producers and also taking time to perform live shows. We’re beyond excited to have her on our bill for tonight’s No Pulp Music event before she goes on a couple of tour dates with Citizen Cope next week! - No Pulp Music

On Sunday night, designer Catherine Fulmer and entrepreneur Avi Oster hosted Southern Crawl, an evening of fashion and music, featuring a presentation of Fulmer’s Fall 2011 women’s collection along with music by emerging Soul singer Marla Joy and a special appearance by renowned DJ Paul Sevigny. Southern Crawl was held at the Bowery Poetry Club, the quintessential New York City poetry performance space that is home to established and up-and-coming artists. Fulmer’s Fall 2011 women’s collection was inspired by her recent travels in the South. These designs are ready-to-wear and perfect for brunches and cocktail dates for the downtown girl. Minimalist sensibilities were mixed with a slight rocker edge. Beautiful burnt oranges and forest greens were balanced out by basic blacks. Born in Palm Springs, Catherine Fulmer is an up and coming fashion designer who moved to New York to fulfill her dreams at the tender age of 17. The fashion world quickly became aware of Catherine Fulmer’s exclusive pieces, and she was soon stocked in the top boutiques in New York and Los Angeles. Since 2003, Catherine has showed at New York and LA Fashion Weeks and has been featured in prestigious magazines such as Vanity Fair, Elle, Teen Vogue, French Vogue, and the cover of industry paper, Women’s Wear Daily.

Once the fashion presentation concluded, Marla Joy, a petite soulful singer with a voice double her size, rocked the stage. Marla’s belt embodied the spirit of Janis Joplin, with riffs and a range comparable to Christina Aguilera. The crowd adored Marla, who’s spunky yet sexy attitude kept up everyone’s high energy as they danced and enjoyed the open bar, which started as early as 7pm and would run until midnight. The crowd was tipsy and ready to party as DJ MSB began to spin. Legendary NYC Nightlife King, Steve Lewis, was hanging out by the DJ booth, enjoying the night along with Paul Sevigny. These guys know the downtown nightlife scene better than almost anyone. Seriously, these guys run this town. With free drinks, amaze music, and a cool crowd, this party was dangerous for a Sunday night. Let me just share that Monday morning in the office was rough. Real rough. But, of course it was worth it. - The Downtown Diaries

Last Tuesday, Hennessy Black hosted a shindig at The Box, to celebrate Micah Jesse‘s Four Year Anniversary of his Website. I must say I was pretty impressed and def had a case of blogger envy. Micah and I had just recently bonded over a drunken evening down at SXSW and I wanted to come out and support his big night, after all it was THE PARTY to be at – everyone I knew was going and my new found fave Marla Joy was performing.

All the nightlife regulars were there as well as “celebrities” Aubrey O’Day, Kelly Bensimon & Sonja Morgan, Alexia Echevarria, Adriana de Moura, Lea Black and Marysol Patton, DJ Cassidy, Albie Manzo, Jonathan Cheban and Simon Huck, O’Neal McKnight, and Donnie Klang – yeah that’s right – whatchu know about MTV’s “Making The Band.” Leave it to our boy MJ to real in all the latest reality TV stars.



The night was over the top but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Micah.

Overall notes and highlights of the evening:

Marla Joy’s amazing performance. She’s looked stunning in Haute Hippie and is growing as a performer, right in front of my very own eyes.
Hennessy Black is actually pretty good when mixed right.
The Box is still one of the best looking rooms in NY.
The Real Housewives of Miami came out with a cake and sung Happy Birthday to Micah. I mentioned the party was a little over the top, right?
There was so much love in the room.
I am officially jealous. I need step up my game and get some sponsors if I want my two year anniversary to be half as good as his jam. Especially since the guestlist will be virtually the same.
- The Downtown Diaries

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 14, 2011) - Designer Catherine Fulmer and entrepreneur Avi Oster yesterday hosted Southern Crawl, an evening of fashion and music, featuring a presentation of Fulmer's Fall 2011 women's collection along with music by emerging Soul singer Marla Joy and a special appearance by renowned New York DJ Paul Sevigny.
Fulmer's Fall 2011 women's collection was inspired by her recent travels in the South and reconciles the edgy, minimalist sensibilities of stripped-down neo-South rocker chic with her elegant, downtown, every-woman aesthetic.
"From start to finish, this collection has had my heart, soul and love. I'm obsessed with the burnt orange, black corduroy velveteen, washed silks and the forest green -- these colors remind me of the vibe, warmth, and music of the South," commented Fulmer. "The all-black, sad look is something I'm totally over. I want to show beauty and grace, and that's why my linings represent bright energy, love and joy -- they all come from inside."
"I was glad to help Cat re-launch her line, especially after I saw it in action -- cutting-edge, yet remarkably elegant, all Catherine Fulmer. For a good year, she has thought about who she is as a designer -- raw, downtown, do-it-yourself, make-it-rock chic -- and last night, she really got her vision across," remarked Avi Oster, entrepreneur, real estate developer and philanthropist. "Having Sevigny and Marla Joy enter the mix helped amplify a great collection."
Avi Oster is an avid supporter of many fashion designers. He was Catherine Fulmer's earliest supporter, backing and financing her line when it launched in 2003. He most recently collaborated with Nolcha Fashion Week, one of New York's premiere platforms for top designers in the industry, and Stephen Seo, the modern bespoke brand specializing in stylish, custom-tailored clothing for men and women and the exclusive designer for the principal cast members of HBO's comedy-drama Entourage.
Southern Crawl was held at the Bowery Poetry Club, the quintessential New York City poetry performance space that is home to established and up-and-coming artists.
"I'm happy that Cat, Avi, and Marla got together to accentuate Cat's collection," said Damon DeGraff, whose management company, dGi, collaborated with Fulmer and Oster; their artist, Marla Joy, stripped BPC down to the grit. "The strength of Marla's soulful energy, emboldened by the spirit of Joplin -- it was an awesome night, and I'm proud of Cat because she rocked."
About Catherine Fulmer
Born in Palm Springs, Catherine Fulmer is an up and coming fashion designer who moved to New York to fulfill her dreams at the tender age of 17. After stints at the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology and V Magazine, Catherine started to create custom-made garments, which were soon noticed and worn by A-list celebrities. The fashion world quickly became aware of Catherine Fulmer's exclusive pieces, and she was soon stocked in the top boutiques in New York and Los Angeles. Since 2003, Catherine has showed at New York and LA Fashion Weeks and has been featured in prestigious magazines such as Vanity Fair, Elle, Teen Vogue, French Vogue, and the cover of industry paper, Women's Wear Daily.
About Avi Oster
Mr. Oster is the principal of Oster Properties, a real estate management and development company, which purchases, develops, and owns shopping centers and residential and hospitality properties throughout the tri-state area. He has also ventured successfully in the fashion arena, most recently collaborating with Nolcha Fashion Week, one of New York's premiere platforms for top designers in the industry, and with Stephen Seo, the modern bespoke brand specializing in stylish, custom-tailored clothing for men and women. Stephen Seo is the exclusive designer for the principal cast members of HBO's comedy-drama Entourage.
- Market Wire

Musician Marla Joy knows a thing or two about style. Hailed for her soulful tunes and sultry voice, the rising star sticks to bohemian rocker basics such as leather pants, maxi skirts, oversized accessories and stylish hats. The Icon Concierge was fortunate enough to sit down with Joy and learn more about her music career and fashion picks!
CON: What is Style to You?

MJ: Style to me is an extension of who I am. It’s all encompassing with my music, with my vibe….it’s another art form in which I express myself, I think of it like art. It can change from day to day, but the overall core remains. Most importantly, clothes can be bought…style is something you exude.

ICON: How do you incorporate your personal style into your music or vice versa?

MJ: My style is massively incorporated and relevant to my music. I’m musically and esthetically inspired by the late 60s rock and roll stars. The leather and velvet pants, an abundance of huge accessories, the bohemian glamour of massive maxi skirts, eclectic and vintage pieces. When I’m on stage I need to feel completely whole with who I am and that is so much of it. Off stage, it doesn’t change much…maybe a little toned down (so I’ll take off a vintage gold chain or two…maybe!

ICON: Whats on Your iPod Besides your own music?

MJ: For starters, I never listen to my own music on my iPod. You’ll definitely find Aretha, Janis, The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Hendrix. As far as current stuff I’m a huge fan of the Black Keys, The Sheepdogs, Amy and Adele is definitely there too. I’m actually feeling Bruno Mars right now-especially after his performance at the Grammys. Oh, also discovered the Fleet Foxes, dig them

CON: What are you currently obsessed with right now in your closet?

MJ: I saw a mannequin in a department store while perusing one day, and loved the look. A few days later, literally while hoping into a van to do a show in Montreal I went in on a whim without trying on this black sequined hip hugging Calvin Klein skirt —it was meant to be. Obsessed!

ICON: How do you decide what to wear on stage so that it compliments your performance?

MJ: Like I mentioned before, I believe that the visual compliments the audio, and vice versa, they go together. I wear what I feel, I usually end up tossing my shoes off mid-way, but I love to have a ton of huge accessories. I’ve been really into massive skirts and leather vests lately…Haute Hippie is my go-to brand!

ICON: What can our readers expect next from you in music?

MJ: Greatness! Some sexy rock and soul blues that’ll make you feel so gooooooood!
- The Icon Concierge

There has been plenty of news from Umphrey’s McGee as of late. The group will host sUMmer school, a five-day music camp at Big Indian, NY’s Full Moon Resort from August 6-10. In addition, Umphrey’s McGee has embraced the ‘pay what you want’ model popularized by Radiohead for a new charity campaign”:http://groupees.net/umrr featuring their new two-part documentary Red Rocks and Blue. With all that going on, we look back to November 3rd and the band’s performance in Toronto with special guest Marla Joy joining in for this Guns N’ Roses cover. - Relix Magazine

Last Night it was a full house for the 4 Year Anniversary Celebration for MicahJesse.com. The event took place at the Box on Chrystie Street and the venue was packed with personalities from celebrity DJs to ‘Real Housewives’ – all who came out to show their support for celebrity blogger Micah Jesse.

Taking the stage to deliver a dedicated performance to Micah was the beautiful and very talented, singer and songwriter Marla Joy.

Marla Joy has a powerful voice that captures the essence of rock star legends like Janis Joplin – In fact, the video below is Marla Joy’s rendition of ‘Piece of My Heart’ – One of my absolute favorites! (Marla, I would also love to hear you sing “Me and Bobby McGee”). Xo. - Social Vixen

Featuring Marla Joy – " the muse" of Hendrikka Waage fashion line.

"There was this stunning slip of a girl on stage, with this beautifully powerful voice singing her heart out, the rawness and pure emotion that she sang with, had me frozen on the spot for her entire performance. I was just blown away. She immediately brought to mind Janis Joplin and the whole boho/ rock vibe - I knew right there and then that Marla Joy would be part of the inspiration for my next collection, says Hendrikka"

Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear Marla Joy sing live has agreed, her vocals are the likes of which haven't been heard in decades and she sings from a place that seems well beyond her years.

Marla began to share stages, with the likes of: K.C and the Sunshine Band, Cassandra Wilson, The Temptations, and many more. In 2005 she was asked to perform her soulful stylings to a sold out crowd at Massey Hall, backed by the Canada Pops Orchestra. She was invited to headline the Sick Kids Celebrity Gala, the Make A Wish Foundation Gala, and opened for the queen of hip-hop soul, Mary J Blige, at Matt Damon's OnexOne Gala.

Marla's career has continued to reach new heights. With the completion of her first EP "Blackbird" in 2010, she has showcased her talents at world-renowned venues across the United States such as Los Angeles' House of Blues and New York's famed Arlene's Grocery, Don Hill's, and Highline Ballroom. She was personally asked by recording artist Citizen Cope to open for his U.S. tour. Often praised for her eclectic and unique personal style, Marla performed at the Bowery Poetry Club and Style Thirteen showcase during New York's 2011 Fashion Week.

Marla is currently recording her full-length debut album. She has collaborated with some of the worlds greatest writers and producers: Dave Tozer (Grammy award winning producer and writer for Jay-Z, Kanye West, John Legend, and John Mayer), Devo Springsteen (Grammy award winning producer and writer for John Legend, Kanye West and Estelle), Craig Ross (Lenny Kravitz, Mick Jagger, Sheryl Crow, Nikka Costa), Adrian Eccleston (Nelly Furtado, Kylie Minogue, Divine Brown), Bill Bell (Jason Mraz, Justin Nozuka), Justin Grey (Joss Stone) and John Baxter.

"There is no question that the Talisman Collection represents everything about me: diverse, bold, natural. It's an honor being Hendrikka's muse, Marla Joy."

- Hendrikka Waage

n many ways, Marla Joy is a throwback. Channeling artists like Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin, she sings with a power and rawness rarely heard anymore. In stature, she’s diminutive, which makes the magnitude of her voice and stage presence truly surprising. She’d fit in seamlessly at Woodstock or the Chelsea Hotel in the early ’70s. (She often jokes that she was born in the “wrong era.”) As a performer, she’s a veritable rock star, taking over the stage rather than being dwarfed by it. She also really puts her long brown tresses to good use—so much so that it makes one wonder how she’d ever perform without them. Big, chunky jewelry, black leather and heavy eye makeup complete the look. This girl has the talent and the style, which—combined—scream “future star.”

Born in Toronto, Canada, Joy had an unconventional childhood, to put it euphemistically. By 14 years old, she was on her own, moving from one friend’s house to another’s every few weeks.

“There were many days when I didn’t have anywhere to go,” says Joy. “I’d sleep in people’s basements or on their couches, carrying my clothes around in garbage bags. I wanted so badly to be normal.”

During this time, she found solace in music. But not just any music—the music of Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye all deeply resonated with her.

“I describe my music now as soul with grit and edge,” she says. “It’s the opposite of smooth, pretty soul. Most of my influences come from music that was produced between 1968 and 1972.”

While Joy is currently considered a very promising up-and-comer, it’s been anything but easy for her to get to where she is.

“I’ve been through a lot, but I don’t regret any of my experiences. The ones I had no control over made me stronger, and the ones I messed up on my own taught me humility and resilience.”

It’s easy to see how this perspective penetrates her music.

“I feel every single word every time I sing them,” she says. “The grit, the rawness, that will always remain in my music.”

Her past has also given her a relentless determination and drive.

“Before I met my manager, Damon DeGraff, I sang wherever I could at whatever time and place. At one point, I was even taking 15-hour bus rides just for the chance to sing for 20 minutes at a New York City venue.”

And as true determination is wont to do, it paid off.

“I met Damon while performing at Bagatelle one night. Since then, I’ve been around so many people who believe in me because they know what I am capable of becoming.”

In the past three months alone, under the management of DeGraff, Joy has performed at Arlene’s Grocery, Don Hill’s, RDV and Bowery Poetry Club in New York City, as well the House of Blues in LA. She’s also opened numerous times for Citizen Cope while he’s been on tour. Most notably, though, she’s putting the finishing touches on her debut album, being released by dGi Records.

“I am welcoming all of this hard work with open arms,” she says. “This is who I am—the music, the songs, the performing, the struggle, the ups and downs. For me, there is nothing else. There is no plan B.”

- Amy Zalneraitis
- Soma Magazine

Last night Umphrey’s McGee crossed the border for a performance in Toronto at The Mod Club. Two area musicians guested with the group during the course of the evening. First up was New Deal drummer Darren Shearer, who stepped in for Kris Myers during the jam “In The Kitchen,” which closed out the first set. Then, near the end of set two, Marla Joy joined in the action, lending lead vocals to a cover of the Guns N’ Roses classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” which Umphrey’s last performed on 12/2/06. - Jambands

What I like most about music is its power to transport you to another place and to change your emotion in a single moment. When I first heard Marla Joy sing, I was transported to another era where auto-tune and iPod DJs did not exist. She was introduced to the crowd at Bagatelle to sing a few songs, and while I pegged her to be a rugged, angst-y kind of Ke$ha-type pop star, when she belted her first note, I nearly dropped my glass of pinot noir. Marla sang her self-written track “Changes” with such soul and raw passion I thought I was witnessing the ghost of Janis Joplin in the heart of New York City’s Meatpacking District.

After her 3-song set that night I took down her name and shamelessly started researching her music and background like a teenager that just discovered Justin Bieber. Turns out Marla took the long road from Canada to downtown Manhattan. At the age of 14, she was taking care of herself, practically homeless and completely inspired by music of the late 60s and early 70s—Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin were her closest confidants and singing was her escape from reality. The uninhibited emotion of those artists that still resonates with every new generation as much as the last. Marla Joy has that same kind of timeless spirit in her music.

As with most things, I thought I was way ahead of the game, but alas Marla Joy had already made her mark in some of the most famous venues in New York like Don Hills, The Highline Ballroom and Arlene’s Grocery. She’d also opened for Citizen Cope and performed with Prince on his coveted after parties/jams on the legend’s Canadian tour. OK, so I wasn’t her first fan. But she’s still fresh to the scene so watch out! She’s currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her debut album with Grammy award winning producer Syience, who’s produced for everyone from Jay-Z, Beyonce and Mary J. Blige to John Legend, Ne-Yo and Frank Ocean. In the meantime, while we wait for Marla’s debut check out this future superstar’s website: marlajoy.com


- Global Grind

If anyone ever tells you that dreams don't come true, tell them to look at Marla Joy. We were first introduced to this soulful songbird at one of entertainment blogger Micah Jesse's (micahjesse.com) parties, where she performed and shut down the room with her vocals. Marla is a total throwback to the late 1960's, from her rock-n-roll soul tunes to her bohemian chic style. She has sacrificed a lot for her music -- even her home! She now moves back-and-forth from L.A. to New York to work on her album. An even though she's currently living out of her suitcase, she's living out her dream, and that's all that really matters.

Inspired by the songs of soul singers Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Janis Joplin, Marla started singing at age four. She's currently recording her debut album, and documents the process on Twitter. So Cosmogirl caught up with the young bohemian singer to talk about her upcoming album, musical inspirations and her super cute boho style!

CG: Who are your biggest musical influences?

MJ: I go straight back to 1968 to 1972. I listen to Janis Joplin to Aretha Franklin to Led Zeppelin to Marvin Gaye. My sound is very soulful but it has a certain edge. There's a little rock-n-roll in there. I'm in love the bohemian rockstars of the Woodstock era. It's real gritty soul with an edge. When it comes to current musical inspirations, I listen to a lot of hip-hop. I listen to a lot of Jay-Z, Kanye West and a lot of The Roots. I want to make music that you can move to.

CG: Do you have a favorite Kanye West track on his last album?

MJ: When I was recording my album, "Lost in the World" was one of the songs I listened to over-and-over again in the studio. I do most of my recording and writing in L.A., so for the past six months, there were a few songs that I repeatedly listened to back-to-back. Kanye's "Lost in the World" was one of them, and I listened to The Black Keys on repeat. That album gave me a lot of inspiration. It's sexy soul but edgy.

CG: What song stands out on your EP "Blackbird"?

MJ: There's one that stands out from those tracks and that's "Changes." I find that it's the one that really brings out a lot of emotion. People will come up to me after a show and say, that's the one that made me cry or that's the one that gave me shivers. It's funny because I wrote that song when I was in a really rough state. It's about overcoming adversity and being in the depths of your emotions. Now in terms of fun, my song "Poor Girl" is amazing to perform. Such a upbeat, rock-n-roll track.

CG: You're constantly touring, and you have such amazing stage style. But what's your style like off stage? Do you have an go-to accessories?

MJ: My stage look is definitely boho-rock, and it's so amazing and fun, but on my days off, I'm sweatpants, t-shirts and hoodies. When I go out during the day, I love to wear a beret and put my hair in a side braid or do a nice messy top knot, which is great for summer. I'm drawn to all things bohemian glam. I always wear a bunch of necklaces, and I love clogs! A typical look for me is a pair of high-waisted jeans, a t-shirt, necklaces and my Jeffrey Campbell clogs.

CG: What advice do you have for girls who want to break into the music business?

MJ: If you want to record an album and you want to be in this business, you need to write and sing what you know. From my personal experiences, when you are thinking about what you think people want to hear or what's popular and trendy right now, and you try to be something that you think people will want, that's where you're going to lose. When you finish a song and can say, that was me down to the core, that's when people relate to what you do. Just do you and be open minded and know that it's a long process. It's an uphill climb.
- Seventeen Magazine/ Cosmo Girl Magazine