FEATURE

Interview with Austin, Texas Based Singer-Songwriter Margo Zelle

Published on September 3, 2019

With a unique sound combining soul, R&B, and pop, singer-songwriter Margo Zelle has graced the stage at some of Austin’s most popular venues, including Stubb’s, The Gatsby, Darwin’s, Tellers, The Backstage, and The Belmont, as well as several Nashville and Dallas venues. Her original music is heavily influenced by her love of jazz, her jazz vocal, and piano training, and her three years with the Austin Jazz Club learning and performing jazz standards and composing.

Joe Morales, who runs the Austin Jazz Club says, “Margo Zelle is a talented up-and-coming R&B recording artist. Her show is a high- energy mix of original music with virtuoso jazzy vocals.” Margo is associated with Zodlounge, a boutique production and music services company in Nashville founded by Bret Vargason, Tom Michael, and Brad Gibson.

How did you come by your stage name?

Margo is short for my name, Margaret, and Zelle is something I came up with from my middle name.

When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?

My family tells me I was singing before I had words – every tune I heard and on-pitch but with gibberish for words while banging pots and pans. Constantly. So I started voice lessons in elementary school, fronted a rock band starting at 12 years old and then started pursuing my solo career. I love performing and connecting with the audience. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?

My single, Lazy, was released on August 30, 2019. In our current society, it seems everyone is getting busier and stress levels are rising. I’m certainly going 100 miles an hour most of the time. Recently, I met someone who eased my stress. When I am near them, I breathe better and there is nowhere I’d rather be. Relationships like this are vital, as they are a speck of peace in an ocean of commotion. Sometimes you need someone to slow you down ……….. and to make you lazy

What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?

My greatest challenge has been, as a minor, getting music venues to even look at my EPK for booking. They tend to dismiss outright before looking because of my age. Many have taken me though, and come back for more, and I appreciate that! I have a great work ethic and always have. I have a very organized mind and like things to be progressing and under control and on time. As an artist, this really helps me because I don’t procrastinate.

Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?

Of course not. There are so many fabulous musicians who inspire me and challenge me — Sabrina Claudio and Jorja Smith are at the top of my list. I am great at what I do but I strive to learn and to get better every single day.

What are your plans for the near future?

I am going to keep writing, recording and performing – my fave three things. I am also on a mission to convince venues to make it easier for minors who are professionals to perform!

How can fans find you?

Single released today Aug 30, 2019