Featured Artist - Marissa Burwell

Marissa Burwell is an indie act from the heart of Saskatchewan, known best for her captivating yet endearing performances. Her debut self-titled EP was released in 2019 creating a buzz that allowed appearances at international festivals including Reeperbahn, Liverpool Sound City, and Breakout West. And now, on the heels of her self-titled EP, Burwell remerges as a fully realized artist.

Burwell’s debut full-length album, Bittersweet was released January 28, 2022. Bittersweet demonstrates remarkable growth, both as a songwriter and with her sonic palette. Her warm, summery voice and wry wit remain but beneath its indie-folk exterior the album is adorned with lush keys, warm synth passages, and subtle drum programming. Lyrically it is her most personal work, full of images of dinner parties, church, gardens and dads with wandering hands. “I’m 22 and I’m sitting in my room and I don’t know what to do with myself,” she sings on Trying To Help. Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan she writes one eye focused on childhood, the other gazing toward a hopeful future, and both feet planted firmly in the snow. Follow Marissa Burwell on Instagram.

Burwell’s debut full-length album, Bittersweet was released January 28, 2022. Bittersweet demonstrates remarkable growth, both as a songwriter and with her sonic palette. Her warm, summery voice and wry wit remain but beneath its indie-folk exterior the album is adorned with lush keys, warm synth passages, and subtle drum programming. Lyrically it is her most personal work, full of images of dinner parties, church, gardens and dads with wandering hands. “I’m 22 and I’m sitting in my room and I don’t know what to do with myself,” she sings on Trying To Help. Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan she writes one eye focused on childhood, the other gazing toward a hopeful future, and both feet planted firmly in the snow.

1. What is the coolest show you have ever played? 

The coolest show I've ever played was probably at Kukuun at Reeperbahn for Canada House. We played that show in 2019 and now I use it almost as a measuring instrument. I think about how nervous I was to play the show and how much more confident in my abilities I feel now. I can't think about that show without thinking about the conference aspect of the festival either, I remember being in one on one meeting having no idea what people were talking about and just trying to pretend like I did. Thinking about that show makes me think of the growth I have had since then.

2. How do you keep yourself healthy and happy working in music?

I keep myself healthy and happy in this world by ensuring I find a balance between isolation and connection. Ensuring I have time to do things alone, and float in my thoughts, while also making time to spend quality time with people close to me. I can have a tendency to get stuck on either side of that spectrum so ensuring I am consciously choosing both is important.

3. What is the biggest challenge you've experienced in getting to where you are?

It can be mentally challenging to face rejection so often and decide to continue choosing to set yourself up for what you know can be more rejection. As much as you have to create for your own reasons, a lot of this industry depends on if someone else likes what you are doing.

4. What is the best part of your life that isn't music related?

The best part of my life that is not music related are days where I don’t have to be anywhere, it’s all up to me and the pace I want to take. Whether that’s spending quality time with friends and family with no time limit, or deciding to go frolic through the fields with my dog with the sun being the only factor in when it’s time to go home.

5. What is the best advice you have been given in the music business?

Be the best version of yourself, not the third best version of someone else. It can be hard to avoid comparison, the reminder that I am not meant to be a model of someone else helps ground me. It also encourages me to celebrate others more whole heartedly.