Raw, refreshing, and genuine are only a few chosen words to describe the artistry of Roni Marsalis. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Roni decided to attend The University of Missouri- Columbia and study interior design. After completing a year of school she felt the urge to pursue a career in Spoken-Word Poetry and HipHop. After recording a few tracks and performing in Atlanta, at 19 years young Roni packed up everything she owned and moved to New York City to become a star in her own right. Roni found out that obstacles were inevitable and was forced to move back home. She had accomplished many great successes in New York and continued to work on her craft and was even called to perform onstage with John Legend at the SXSW music festival. Now located in Los Angeles, California Roni continues to work on her craft and the rest is still being written. Although, she is learning what it truly means to not count yourself out.
Heavily inspired by Destiny’s Child’s timeless hit “Bills, Bills, Bills”, “Nine Lives” by Roni Marsalis is a unique and refreshing twist on a household classic. Her vocals along with her flawless flow make her an artist to beat! The multi-talented and explosive Roni Marsalis fuses her home roots, her New York grown attitude and her new found Los Angeles confidence. The sultry and fresh single “Nine Lives” takes us through a journey. She exudes confidence and femininity through my speakers. I’m in awe of her effortless ability to demand attention from her listeners. Her fans can vibe and relate to “Nine Lives”. The production is professional and well done. Roni’s mesmerizing sound arrangements paired with the track’s dope and heavy backbeat have us craving more. I’m adding this track to my personal playlist. I highly recommend you vibe along to this single “Nine Lives” and stay on the lookout for what Roni Marsalis drops next!
Check out “Nine Lives” here and keep scrolling for our exclusive interview with Roni Marsalis.
Hi Roni Marsalis! Can you tell us more about yourself?
Well, I’m from Kansas City, Mo originally & I started as a spoken-word poet before I decided to pursue music. I’ve always been into entertainment and creating. I have a fashion certificate and graduated high school with a diploma in Dance. In 2014 I moved and lived in NYC for a little while and was on BET speaking on Muhammad Ali’s impact on my life & when I left to move back home I was called to perform with John Legend at SXSW in 2016. Since then I have continued to perform and work on music, and as of now I’m celebrating my birthday this Sunday! & preparing to embrace better with my career.
When did you move to Los Angeles?
I moved to LA in January of 2017 for school and my career.
We love your track “Nine Lives”. What was the writing process like for this song?
Well the first verse was written in 2016 and the second verse was written a couple of months ago during my recording session. Usually beats that I hear tell stories already and I felt the story I needed to tell matched perfectly. I was in a really resentful place at the time and felt like I was failing at life, but a part of me also felt empowered at the same time because I became a woman with a different type of ambition and mentality. I used to be really naive and scared to be different at one point in my life and I felt like I needed to inspire myself. So I thought to myself I’m a cat with nine lives, I have the power, I have to empower myself. & The destiny’s child song Bills, Bills, Bills instantly came to mind when I was done with the first verse, it just felt right to do. I felt like them during the process of writing this song & it reflects. I felt growth during this process.
Who are your top three biggest musical influences?
Top 3???
-Floetry
-J Cole
-Toni Braxton for sure.
What’s your fan base like in LA?
I’m a fairly new artist out here, but I will say those who are fans of my music out here are really supportive and very diverse people. I met a lot of my fans as co-workers, classmates, or just from going out.
Do you perform often?
I perform about once a month at least. & sometimes I perform more, but I have a really busy school and work schedule and to set up shows and perform gets a little exhausting because it requires so much of my energy, but I do plan to perform much more since I’ll only be taking one class this semester.
What’s next for Roni Marsalis?
I am currently working on a music video for Nine Lives, a few singles and an album. I’m also exploring new ventures other than music, I have custom writers journals and I am designing a new version of them. Once I’m done with this album I think my focus will be geared more towards my journals.
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