[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Margo Rey is a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and co-founder of the L.A. based independent record label, Organica Music Group which bears the same name as her self defined musical genre, Organica. Margo defines Organica as a ferociously nuanced hybrid of Adult Alternative Pop (AAA) music with deep roots and grooves in Jazz and Rock n Roll which delivers texturally ambient guitars and Margo’s lush vocal arrangements all made by humans not machines. Organica has earned her nine Top 20 Charted hits on Billboard and others as well as the number one most played original Christmas song (This Holiday Night) of the last five years. One of Margo’s most notable songwriting partners is John Oates (Hall & Oates). Margo currently lives in the United States (LA) where she writes, records and tours.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24398″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]What is your musical background?
I’m an American and Latin American Jazz musician who is classically trained yet writes pop songs. I have sung in 8 languages and I have my own musical genre called Organica and founded my own record label by the same name. Organica is a ferociously nuanced hybrid of Pop music for adults which is deeply rooted in Jazz, Rock and Funk grooves with lush vocal arrangements and ambient overtones; created by humans not machines. Organica is the pure sound of my voice, not the software that was used to record it.
I was born in Acapulco (most people are only conceived there), raised in Texas and have lived in NYC, Dallas, Atlanta, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. My heart is in so many of the places where I have lived yet, I insist on keeping my NYC area code phone number; I gotta love the New Yorkers who have compassion and grit. I have toured extensively so, I consider touring my home.
Do you have any music influence?
My music influences are SOOOOOOO varied.
Some for musicianship, some for performance and songwriting and some for the mere delight of entertainment and the honesty of their identity.
I am classically trained yet I approach most of my writing with a rooted influence in Jazz and Rock so, naturally, I have the deepest admiration for Puccini, Verdi, Chopin and Mozart; Miles Davis, Keith Jarret, Bill Evans,
As vocalist go, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Reeves, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Celia Cruz.
For songwriting influences, there are too many to mention so here’s a few. I am influenced by Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Sting, Bill Whithers, David Bowie, John Oates and Dolly Parton.
As pop contemporaries go, I really like Bruno Mars, John Maher, Bjork, The Roots, Madonna, Gaga and The Weeknd.
Tell us about “The Roots of Rey”?
Jazz is American and the landscape of America is changing “The Roots of Rey” is a musical reflection of that change. The Roots of Rey is a re-shaped and re-imagined American and Latin American songbook that is seamlessly in English and Spanish for a re-shaped and re-imagined America curated for the times with the gorgeous arrangements of multi-Grammy winning latin jazz pianist, Oscar Hernandez.
How was working with multi-Grammy-winning pianist, Oscar Hernandez?
Innovative, creatively exciting, musically intense, inspiring and delightful. We have worked together as performers off and on over a decade but, this was our first dedicated studio project and there was so much ease to it and that is precisely how a musical partnership should be. Get out of the way of yourself and let the creativity flow.
What is your next goal as a musician?
I am designing a show around the songs of “The Roots of Rey” with a storyline so that it can take on a life of its own. Much more than a concert but a happening.
Define your music style in 3 words?
Lush / Cinematic / Organica
What are the five things you can’t live without?
That’s a good one – Creativity, Loving Kindness, Musical Collaboration, Laughter and Exploration.
What music do you like?
The kind of music that makes me want to be a better musician.
Any loves, other than music?
Yes, my French Bulldog, Miss Pearl Bailey Rey, Salsa Dancing, , Yoga, Snow Skiing, Interior Design, Culinary Arts and Landscape Architecture.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Spinach & Meyer Lemons
And your favorite cheat food?
Champagne… that’s a food right?
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t use 5 year goals because that would imply that I can’t make it in 1 or 3 years, what if it takes 6 years?
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
There is more Margo Rey music and shows being created so, please reach out to me. VIP@margorey.com because I want get to know my listeners better.
Best advice ever given?
Stand up straight and find your voice.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Sunny and cool where anything is possible and all is at ease.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I am happy to support as many charities as I can that are dear to my heart with my time and money. I have designed a scented, travel candle gift set for “The Roots Of Rey”. If you purchase “The Roots Of Rey” candle, you will receive an exclusive promotional copy of “The Roots of Rey” CD and part of the proceeds will go to www.SBPUSA.org. The Saint Bernard Project helps victims of natural disaster re-build there homes faster in the United States. You can purchase your gift set for $25 here!
Food Banks and shelters are of great importance to me, for several years as I was facing my 2nd breast cancer diagnosis, I was the national ambassador for an organization called Brides Against Breast Cancer.
What do you think of Social Media?
It is a great tool for mobilizing and inspiring others.
Where can we follow you?
MargoRey.com / ITunes / Amazon / YouTube / margorey & margoreymusic on – FB / Instagram / Twitter / Tumblr / BandCamp / SoundCloud / Vimeo and just about anything else that comes up, I’ll be there!
Favorite Music: My favorite music is the music that inspires me and also the most recent music that I’ve created. Music is like food to me, if it is good then it is my favorite.
Quote: Lead with kindness.
Holiday Destination: Kyoto
Food: Organic and farm to table
Restaurant: Anywhere that is fresh, delicious and prepared with care. Also, I’m a foodie’s foodie so anywhere with a great Chef’s table and wine pairings.
Drink: Latte, Good Champagne and of course my family’s own Number Juan Tequila – Extra Añejo
Celebrity Crush: I can’t help it, I’ve always had a playful crush on Harry Connick Jr. alas, he is married to a super cool woman
Song: The latest song I have written – my songs are like my children
Sports Team: I’m sports agnostic
Movie: Wonder Woman, of course![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
