Marc Broussard premieres his new song, "Send Me a Sign," from his upcoming album, Easy to Love, available September 15.
Soulful singer-songwriter Marc Broussard is set to release a new studio album, Easy to Love, this September, and C&I has an exclusive first listen to the second single, “Send Me a Sign.”
We talked with Broussard about his new album and the story behind the moving piano- and vocal-driven tune.
Cowboys & Indians: What’s the back story of your song “Send Me a Sign”?
Marc Broussard: I had come up with some music and I sent it over to my friend Joe Stark. Joe said, “I just wrote some stuff in my journal that I think will work.” [He] sent me back a recording with the first verse and chorus. I then wrote the second verse and bridge. It was the first and only time I've ever co-written a song via email. Joe’s wife had a family friend that had recently passed away, so that’s why he went in this direction for the lyric. I just chased the rest down.
C&I: What’s your songwriting process like?
Broussard: Typically, it starts with a melody and a line or two of lyrics. Then I pick up a guitar and work out some changes. Then I kind of mumble-sing to get the phrases where I want them. Then it’s on to shoehorning some actual words into those phrases.
C&I: Your new album, Easy to Love, is coming out September 15. What are some memorable stories along the way of getting it from concept to actual release?
Broussard: When we started writing for this record, there wasn’t a record in mind. I was just trying to write some new material for film and TV. Once the first batch of seven tunes were written, though, I felt it was good enough for a new original record, so I grabbed a few covers, wrote a few more, and voila, we have a record!
C&I: What songs on the album are you most proud of?
Broussard: I think I’m most proud of the song “Send Me a Sign.” It’s a song that I wrote nearly a decade ago. I’ve tried to record it several times and just couldn't get it right. Finally, we were able to capture the heart of that song on tape!
C&I: What kind of touring will you be doing to support the release?
Broussard: I’ll be touring fairly nonstop for the rest of the year all over the country.
C&I: Who are some of the singers and songwriters that have inspired your creative development?
Broussard: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and James Taylor top my list of influences. They’ve been with me my entire life and I’ve never stopped learning from listening to their music.
C&I: What’s in heavy rotation on your iPod/turntable?
Broussard: Right now, I’m stuck on Emily King. Her record The Switch has been in steady rotation for the last six months.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
August 5 – Baton Rouge, LA – L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge
August 30 – The Woodlands, TX – Dosey Doe
August 31 – Dallas, TX - Grananda Theater
September 2 – Oak Harbor, WA – Oak Harbor Music Festival
September 12 – Nashville, TN - Americanafest
September 16 – Shereport, LA – Highland Blues and Jazz Festival
October 7 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour
October 10 –San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
October 11 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
October 12 – Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
October 13 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
October 15 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
November 16 – Boston, MA – City Winery
November 17 – Boston, MA – City Winery
January 6, 2018 – Sandy Beaches Cruise 24
January 13, 2018 – Boca Raton, FL – The Funky Biscuit
March 17, 2018 – Birmingham, AL – Alys Stephen’s Center
For more information on Broussard and to preorder his upcoming album Easy To Love, visit his website.
