Q: Hi! First off, I LOVE the electrifying vibe of “Take It To The Floor”; it is seriously the ultimate dance song. What was your favorite part in creating this track?
Lacañgan: Great question! My favorite part about the creation was “The End.” Seeing peoples overwhelming response to “Take It To The Floor” has been amazing. Remaining true to my sound, while exploring new ones with Grammy & Stellar Nominated producer Levester White and 3x Grammy Nominee Steven J. Collins was amazing. They understood the assignment and the assignment was to give the listener “A taste of the old, with a hint of the new” That was the vision. And in the end, the tune has been well received. The whole journey was amazing, but how people, like yourself Melissa, who have responded to it the way that they have has indeed been my favorite part.
Q: Working with Steven J. Collins (a 3x Grammy Nominated artist and producer for H.E.R., Neyo, and Chris Brown), I’m curious, what did working with him teach you about creating music and the industry?
Lacañgan: Honestly? You don’t find people as genuine, God-fearing, and pure of heart like Steven J. Collins. I’ve been in the music scene for a long time, but not really in the music scene (if that makes sense) because people can be difficult, untrustworthy and not reliable to work with, so I’ve kind of been just cruising solo (with my team at Sisu Collective) out here, but Steven gave me hope and was a breath of fresh air. I’d say let’s do it again to him for sure!
Q: I love artists that create songs that appreciate music from the past but simultaneously make the track your own, which is precisely what “Take It To The Floor” is. Who are your biggest musical influences?
Lacañgan: Thats a loaded question, but I’ll give it a shot. I’ve always had an old soul, so people like Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire are true inspirations. However, I grew up also listening to Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, & Elvis. As well as Journey, Doobie Brothers, & CCR.
Q: Do you remember when you first fell in love with music? Was your family musical growing up?
Lacañgan: I was kind of forced into it! Lol. I had hopes of playing football, but my grandmother saw something different. She put me on the piano at the age of 7 and I never look back.
Q: To me, your music is an awesome mix of pop, r&b, soul, among more. In your own words, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
Lacañgan: Exactly what I said earlier my music, my brand, my heart and everything I create musically is created around a quote I’ve always said about myself… “A taste of the old, a hint of the new”
Q: Take It To The Floor” is obviously a song meant to be performed live. What has been, so far, your favorite song to perform and why?
Lacañgan: Before “Take It To The Floor” I had a song called “JukeBox” that was nominated for 2 music awards when I went by the name Marz JukeBox. That one was always really fun to perform.
Q: What’s the music scene like in Texas? I know a lot of artists came up from there, so they must be doing something right there!
Lacañgan: Oh yeah! I’m the new kid on the block because I relocated from California recently, but yeah its definitely jumping off over here. Of course everyone know Beyonce, but Travis Scott, Megan The Stallion, Tobe Nwigwe and Lizzo. They definitely got something in the water out here.
Q: So nice talking with you about your journey! Tell everybody what’s next for you! Any shows, music, etc. coming up?
Lacañgan: For sure you can expect more music from me, but I’m also excited about our company Sisu Collective (www.sisu.live) and helping other artist navigate through this world of music. Thank you for taking the time to share my journey. God Bless you Melissa.
Photo credits: Miguel Pizzaro
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
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