We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcele Berger a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marcele, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Exercise is my favorite way to care of my mind and body. I enjoy hiking and running at Runyon Canyon here is Los Angeles. I am very fortunate to live near by. Another things that keeps me grounded is the New York City Ballet Workout. I have been doing it for more than 17 years. I usually exercise right after dropping off my kids at school. I feel my mind awaken and my body ready for a few hours of driving later in the day to their after school activities.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil.My father, Claudio Fontana is a singer-songwriter. At age 11 I started performing with my family group. We recorded 6 children’s albums and hosted a tv show. We performed all around the country. I moved to the United States after meeting my husband Matthew who lived in Brazil for almost 4 years.
I was awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston where I stayed for 4 years. I performed and recorded while living there. After graduating I moved to Los Angeles.
I recently released two singles produced by Leo Costa. The song “You’re Beautiful” was written with drummer Adam Topol (Jack Johnson.) The other song “Vontade De Você “features Ozomatli’s guitarist Raul Pacheco.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am thankful for all the English and Piano lessons I had growing up. It was essential to my attendance at Berklee College of Music. By knowing how to communicate in another country and feel understood was fundamental for me. It made my transition and the cultural shock much lighter. Music is a universal language and I was able to network and exchange musical knowledge with other musicians as soon as I landed in the United States. It broke so many barriers for me. I am always eager to learn more about everything. I encourage anyone to take as many classes and courses as possible. That is the best investment you can do for yourself. During the pandemic I signed up for Classical Guitar, Ukulele and Music Production courses.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Definitely learning how to play the acoustic guitar. I am extremely happy to see how I can not only accompany myself but also perform with other musicians. I love to be able to exchange ideas and collaborate with other people now in a different way. It also changed my singing and how I feel music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marcele_music
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@marcele_music
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/4oO5pXPEoOXebCZ3w2oeGD?si=tJn3nIDBSva3BpmScLOvMQ
Image Credits
Suzy M. Drasnin
