Tina S. Marie
By Patrice Raplee

Stretching languidly across a couch, Tina S. Marie's head is tilted back in laughter. A mane of blonde hair hides the mischievous glint in her eyes. Seated next to her, a slightly startled look emanates from guitarist and boyfriend Geoff Soenpiet; the recipient of S. Marie's capricious antics. Positively Entertainment interviews this talented singer-songwriter, musician and co-producer of the recently released CD entitled Namaste. Charisma is the first impression one gets when meeting this San Diegoborn maven. Singing from infancy, S. Marie moved to Alaska at age 20, also the age when she received her first guitar.

PE&D: How long have you played music in Portland?
S.Marie: Four years.
PE&D: Have you enjoyed performing here?
S.Marie: Yes, for the most part I've met nice people. sometimes generous with their opinions. They don't buy me drinks very often.
PE&D: In what category would your peers place your music?
S.Marie: Predominantly folk-rock alternative. Not totally mainstream, but pop enough to make it so that it's not completely alternative.
PE&D: Who are your musical influences?
S.Marie: Probably Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Bonnie Raitt, oh yes and Carl Orff! My favorites now, for example, are Sarah McLachlan, Duncan Sheik, Wall Flowers....I love the Wall Flowers!
PE&D: What does the title of your CD Namaste mean?
S.Marie: The god in me recognizes the god in you. When you are true to who you are, people recognize your essence.
PE&D: Is your music spiritual in nature?
S.Marie: It's not religiously spiritual, it's just a different slant on the human condition. PE&D: Do you write all your own music?
S.Marie: Yes, I write it down and play it, but no, it's given to me from some undefined source. It just falls right out of me, usually when I am in the thick of my feelings.
PE&D: Your Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith sets are popular and getting pretty well known in Portland; do you ever get negative comments from your male counterparts?
S.Marie: (She laughs) I don't think I get any negative comments, but I do get offers of assistance or asked if I need resuscitation after a particularly grueling yelp.
PE&D: Why do you perform with two different live bands?
S.Marie: I play under the name Tina Martini for my '70s to '90s club sets and Tina S. Marie for all my original music.
PE&D: With the current release of your CD, what do you have planned next?
S.Marie: I would like to find more of an audience for my venue, I don't think Portland is it. Although there are a lot of people who want to listen to my music, they are more the concert going set rather than night club patrons.
PE&D: Your talent is starting to get noticed, is there any formula you use for success? S.Marie: I don't think there is a cookbook for this line of business; if there is, somebody please tell me quick!

Finally when asked about her band and the production of Namaste, S. Marie states, "I play with great people. Whether it's on the CD or live, I wouldn't have made it this far without these wonderful musicians; especially Geoff Soenpiet and Ronn Chick."

Among one of the top locally produced CDs this year, S. Marie credits Burke Harris, coproducer at Soundtracks studio (Battleground, WA), as well as producer and lead guitarist Chick.

Namaste's production would lead one to believe that there are a bevy of musicians involved, including a very savvy arranger. Chick and S. Marie played every instrument on the CD with the exception of the keys in I wait, played by Harris. The vocals of S. Marie vary from bluesy to hauntingly lilting. The lead guitar work is outstanding. This CD is a "must have" for those who love alternative/adult contemporary and crossover pop.It is available at Music Millennium and Locals Only. Look for S. Marie to perform live as well. It is certain you will be amazed at the dynamically packed performance.

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