Internationally known spoken-word artist Marc Marcel is seasoned in his craft, with talents that range from wide selection of artistic gifts. He is a dynamic poet, writer, author, producer and speaker. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Marcel made his start in Atlanta, Georgia, where he honed his art form, and has since shared his gifts across the country, as well as abroad. Add to all this that he is a loving and devoted father, as well as mentor to various youth and young adult groups. Recently we had a chance to sit down and talk with Marcel about his career, his latest CD Respect, his life and his future ambitions.
How did you begin your career as a spoken-word artist?
Marcel: I am a novelist at heart. I wrote my first novel “St. Thomas” nine years ago and I self published it. I started writing poetry at the end of my novel titled “Games We Play.”(which was never released) The poem was going to be about the same subject as the novel. I started writing novel’s first, because I was dating this young lady at the time, I just had to get the emotions off of my chest. I let her read the first 80 pages of the “Games We Play.” novel, needles to say, we are no longer together. The first poem that I wrote was after the book “St. Thomas” I actually recorded my first spoken word CD 8 years ago, but it was released a couple of weeks before 9/11.
You have said in your biography that one of your college professors taught the students your poems, could you elaborate on that?
Marcel: I had extra credit, one day for school and my professor had a poetry reading open mic. I was late and I begged him to please look over my poem. He was hesitant but he eventually did and he loved it and asked me to bring it to class the next day. He stopped teaching his class for two weeks and taught them my poetry. I was like ‘wow.’ That was the first person other than my folks, who took interest in my work.
When is your second novel going to be released?
Marcel: I have actually written eight novels in three and a half years. I also have over 2500 poems. My novels are my babies, when I publish another novel I want to do it right not just put it out there any kind of way. As I said before I self-published “St. Thomas,” it took a lot out of me. Next time that I do it I want a big company to be behind it.
You also have done some acting, correct?
Marcel: You are, I have done a skit on “Jimmy Kimmell” as well as an episode of “Lyrics Café,” as well a show called “No Reservations.” I did a spoken word performance on “Poets Corner” a few years back. That is TV wise. I have also been meeting with various agents, lawyers and producers, just trying to put together my own show.
The name of your latest CD is titled “Respect,” why did you name your CD that?
Marcel: It is the tattoo on my neck so I said I might as well put it in print.
Is it hard for you to be a devoted father and have these various career ambitions?
Marcel: I used to feel conflicted with it, but with time I have grown to accept it. I want to be there for my son everyday of his life, but 1. I am not with his mother so that is a hard thing, 2. I travel so much. I was wondering how that would hamper our relationship. I always try to call my son and see him as much as possible. How can I tell my son to go for his goals if I don’t do the same thing with mine? He is very proud of me; to him I am a superstar. He brags about me to his friends and has high aspirations. We have a wonderful relationship. He calls me every other day. He works harder at what he does now too by seeing me work hard. I love him with all of my heart.
You mentioned earlier about your plan to start your own TV show, what other plans do you have for the future?
Marcel: I have big plans for the future. I came to L.A. strictly to develop my reality show trying to make into a spoken word kind of thing. The people who I have met out here have even bigger plans for me than that; they have me envisioning that I could actually sell out Madison Square Garden. I really appreciate that kind of thinking. That kind of motivation is priceless.
How can people reach you and what do you want them to remember about you?
Marcel: They can go to my website which is www.marcmarcel.com. I want them to remember my work. I aim to touch people’s lives and be an inspiration to them.
