A veteran of the indie scene and a chart-topping artist in the ’80s, Denise Marsa is once again making waves in the UK dance music landscape. After reaching the Top 10 on the UK Dance chart in May with the remix of “Kiss Me in the Rain,” the American artist now releases “Company of Women” — an anthem of sisterhood and female autonomy that offers a glimpse into her upcoming album Risk and Heal, set for release in 2025. Blending striking lyrics with captivating beats, the track reinforces Marsa’s independent spirit as she continues to lead her career through her own label, KeyMedia Group.
You made your mark on international charts in the 1980s and are now making a strong comeback on the UK club scene. What is it like for you to experience this resurgence in a new musical and cultural context, so many years later?
Great first question. Artists have more freedom and control now, something I struggled with when I was younger. The music business people I came across wanted to control me and told me I couldn’t do this or that and I was like well then we can’t work together. It was frustrating. In 1997, I decided to own all the master recordings of my songs, which meant I had to pay to make my debut album and also to promote it. That’s when I took total control of my career.
“Company of Women Until Dawn Remix” carries a powerful message of autonomy and belonging. What inspired you to turn this affirmation of female identity into a dance track that also doubles as a protest anthem?
I believe it came from a deep place in my psyche. I wrote and recorded the song rather quickly, and as I worked on it, I realized it had a fun vibe and also a good message. I believe women want to have more individual power and prowess, and many still have to fight for it. I support sisterhood and women supporting women.
The album track was produced by me and Paul A. Harvey, and Richie Wicander worked with me on my lead vocals and our back-ups. I wanted it to be a celebration of women celebrating each other and being respected by all. When Until Dawn worked on the remix for the UK clubs, they wanted to emphasize the message. It was a brilliant collaboration.
You don’t just write and perform your music—you also produce and promote your own work. What are the biggest challenges and rewards of taking creative and business control over your career?
Challenges: All the time it takes. As my career expanded my attention towards others on a daily basis was hindered, and by that I mostly mean a romantic relationship. I found myself with little time for anyone, with so much focus and work on my career. Rewards: 5 top 10 hits on the UK dance charts feels pretty good. As we go for 6. There are sacrifices you make when you do much of the everyday work on your career, and especially as you are the impetuous keeping things churning. I knew it was what I had to do to get my work heard.
In a time when youth is often glorified in the music industry, your journey proves that reinvention has no expiration date. How do you view aging within the world of pop and dance music, especially as a female artist?
I agree 100% with your statement – reinvention has no expiration date – I have said it many times, female artists have no expiration date.
OK, I view aging like this: you are happy, you like yourself, you feel good, you look good. Do what makes you feel good. I stay away from drugs, illegal or legal. I like a pure body and soul, eat healthy and surround myself with good and supportive people. I also have a calm home surroundings with no excessive drinking of alcohol. Believing in a dream; determination and hope are youthful energies. I foster those emotions. I imagined success coming much earlier for me and it did, however it left. Part of me pushed it away, it was not what I expected. I always said to myself, the universe has a different purpose for me. A reason to be and to write the songs that come out of me. I decided a while ago to trust the universe and to stay focused on my art. When I acted on this inner unexplainable instinct that I had and still have, I learned to trust myself as well.
“Kiss Me in the Rain” reached the UK Dance Top 10 in 2024 thanks to a vibrant remix. What was the process like recreating this track with Until Dawn, and how did you feel about the way it was received on the dance floors?
It was the very first remix I had released and it was magical. It also, to this date, went to the highest position (#6) of the five top 10 hits so far. When it charted at first, I was ecstatic. It felt like I had timed promoting my work in the way I did, at just the right moment. It also feels like my collaboration with Until Dawn and the UK club promoters Eurosolution is perfect timing. All the waiting and wanting was well worth it as my window opened and I soared outward and upward.
You also have a career in public relations and use your experience to support other artists. How does this dual perspective—artist and publicist—shape the way you navigate today’s music market?
I feel an innate ability to market myself much better now, as I have experience in front of and behind the camera. I can put myself in other people’s shoes now as well. My sense of creativity has expanded, too. I am always thinking outside the box – I like changing things up.
RISK AND HEAL, your upcoming album, already opens with a tone of affirmation and vulnerability. What can you share about the concept behind this new project and how it reflects where you are in your life right now?
Part of me thinks it’s my swansong. I have been at this for a long time! And remember those sacrifices I mentioned earlier? I took a long time to make the first album and then an equally long time to make the second one. Then we released singles and a 3rd album of never released songs from over the decades (SECOND SOUL) and then came PIVOTAL and then next will be RISK AND HEAL with Company of Women Until Dawn Remix leading the way. It’s about my life devoted to music.
You sing about independence with inspiring honesty, but you also speak of connection and sisterhood. What does it mean to you today to be surrounded by the “company of women”—in music, in life, and in the fight?
To be respected and honored and loved and appreciated! I am speaking for other women as well. I want to grab hold of every woman by the hand and twirl us all around and encircle this complicated and ever-changing planet…and nourish one another and not tear each other down. In general, women harbor and nourish, it’s our instinct, and we must not give up. We rule the world. Thank you for your support!
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