Marc Broussard Interview

Marc Broussard is a soulful, Carencro, Louisiana-based singer-songwriter. He is the son of guitarist Russ Broussard. Marc Broussard will be headlining the Southern Soul Assembly Tour, along with JJ Grey, Luther Dickinson, and Anders Osborne. Marc recently wrote in to discuss how the Soul Assembly Tour came together, his songwriting process, and touring with Bonnie Raitt. For more info on Marc Broussard, check out http://www.marcbroussard.com/

You come from a very musical family. What was your earliest musical
memory?
I can remember my dad teaching me the lyrics of Johnnie B. Goode when I was 5. He then started playing and I started singing in key. After I followed
him through a couple of modulations, he put me on stage the following
weekend. I remember that, too.

What did you enjoy most about growing up in Carencro?
Riding my bike all over the back roads and finding new trails and jumps.

How old were you when you wrote your first song?
I think I was about 11 or 12. It was called “Danielle”, named for my best
friend.

What inspires you lyrically?
I derive most of my inspiration from my love for my wife and family as well
as where I’m from.

What is your creative process when writing songs?
It usually starts with a piece of music but sometimes it comes in the form
of a lyric or melody.

How often do you find yourself writing music?
I hear music in my head constantly. With 4 kids at home, there’s always
either a tv or video game that provides a little background noise and my ear
will grab onto that and run wild.

You are an incredible live performer. What have been some of your
favorite moments on the road?
The highlight of my career has to be touring with Bonnie Raitt. I got to
sing with her every night. She was amazing to watch every night. I’ll never
forget it.

Do you try to change up the setlist every time you play?
Most nights, my set list is really more of a song list. I call audibles a lot.

How did the idea for the Southern Soul Assembly come together?
After I released “SOS”, I took artists out on the road with me that my band
could back up or who could guest with me a bunch. It was an ensemble show
more than an opening/headliner situation. I had so much fun that I asked my managers to find another tour like that. I don’t know exactly who thought of this particular bill, though.

What are your most looking forward to about the tour?
I’m hoping to get some writing done with the guys. They’re all so damn good, I’d be stupid not to spend some time in the dressing room working on new
stuff.

What are your hobbies outside of music?
I really enjoy working with wood with my dad. I don’t do it nearly enough.

Do you have a quote or motto that you live by?
Do unto others…

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in your
career?
Sometimes, record labels can suck all of the creative energy out of a
project. Also, decisions tend to be made at a glacial pace in this business.

What advice would you give to musicians just starting out?
Start small and don’t get ahead of yourself. You’ll be broke forever if
you’re not careful.