Multi-talented performer MxDicey (Marissa Holder) is about to show out with their newest music passion. We had the pleasure to speak with them before their show on the 21st.
MxDicey was born in England to their Trinidadian father and Anglo-Indian mother. They came to Aotearoa at 15. Growing up they were enjoyed choir and musical theatre. After attending the National Academy of Dinging and Dramatic Art where they received a bachelors of the arts in musical theatre in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), they relocating to Tāmaki Makaurua (Auckland). A true multi talent MxDicey fronted a synth-pop band No Sunrise, and formerly the hard rock group Living State, as well as writing numerous recording jingles for commercial radio. On a recent visit to England they were introduced to production software by their cousin Ryan. They fell in love with creating synth music and has struck out on a solo journey exploring dance music. Let’s learn more.
Tell us about some of your earliest music memories.
I think my earliest memory was doing musicals and dancing as Frenchy in Grease. I wore this orange wig that fell off on stage; I was really worried about it. I was part of lots and lots of choirs and musicals in high school both in England and here in Aotearoa, NZ. My first ever roll on stage was Postman Pats cat; my mom sewed me a tail and I was crawling around, I was about eight. Growing up my dad played a lot of Trinidadian music like Mighty Sparrow and Disco like Earth Wind and Fire and Chaka Khan, which has influenced a lot of my music.
Has music always been a part of your family?
Yes, my mom used to sing at five start hotels in India when she was younger. She is so gorgeous and an incredible singer. She would sing Abba and other pop songs. She used to tour, play at big events, and was even on TV. My dad always had music playing in the house. My mom has always supported my music but my dad has been my biggest supporter. He would drive me from place to place. Choir one day, a musical the next. He’s a teacher and would sit in the car working on lessons or homework while I was at practice. He has always been there for me and my music.
What are some of your favorite artist?
My music is a melting pot. As well as the music my dad played, one of my favorite bands is Digitalism. They’re a pure synth French duo that occasionally have guest singers. I play to death. They always end up on my Spotify wrap. I also really enjoy Justice a mix of dreamy pop and synth. They’ve done collab with Tame Impala, another band I really enjoy. Crumb, a jazz psychedelic pop band, is a band I love so much. Then there’s Elliot Smith, I actually have a tattoo of one of his album covers on my back. He’s more folk music and his music is kinda depressing but beautiful. Not everyones taste but if you like Elliott Smith we’re gonna be friends, instantly. I really like everything, another band I love is Tool. I really tried to work in the 13:8 on songs with the classic rock band I was in called Living State.
Tell us a little about some of your music projects.
Well, like I said I started out in musical theatre and choir. I’ve always enjoyed musical theatre which is why I went to school for it, getting my bachelors of arts in musical theatre. The only musical I did outside of Uni was Dominion Road written by Renee Liang. Renee was co-lyricist with Jun Bin. It was a great production along with a stellar cast. I’ve taken a break from musical theatre due to anxiety. I’m always worried I’ll forget my lines, even though I have never forgotten a line. It took away from my enjoyment of the process. Whereas with music is just in me and I don’t worry I can just do it.
I have been with a number of bands, like Living State, a hard rock band. I joined them initially cause I could hear more. We wrote ten songs together but after about four years together I changed and had to make the very difficult decision to let go. I’m not really a clinical writer; music just comes to me. I can’t really sit down and hash things out.
There’s this website called nzbands.com where you can say I’m a singer looking to join this type of band. I met a lot of great people through it but when I met Tim we clicked and started called No Sunrise, it’s synth pop. We’ve released heaps of music together, we have two full albums and three EPs on Bandcamp. Unfortunately, we’ve been on a massive hiatus, as Tim has had some wrist problems. I’m really loving synth right now and I still have so much in my head. Which has led me to MxDicey, I’m really enjoying creating more dancy music. But just like my music tastes I really enjoy creating a lot of different kinds of music. What I make is often influenced by what I’m listening to but I don’t ever want to be anyone in particular.
What next for you?
I’m really excited for what’s coming. Obviously getting to open for Vanessa Tottle is going to be a huge highlight for me. I have four songs written and one that I worked with Mazbou Q on. He worked with Geoff Ong on what I put forward. I recorded some pan stuff I sampled and he added some calypso behind it. The song is called moon and in my mind it was going to be more orchestral but they went in a more dancy direction, which I love! I want to continue growing my song list to ten for future gigs. I also have this other band which is a cover band, we’ll be doing weddings and events and can cover stuff like Blink 182, No Doubt, Cher, Spice Girls etc… We don’t have a name yet, so watch this space.
Further down the track, I really want to move into the folk music space but that’s much later. I want to get all this dance music out of my system first. I’m really enjoying this space and glad to be a part of it. I’m also getting back into acting. I’ve been on a lot of auditions after singing with an agency.
One more thing I really want to give a shout out to Spliner Mann for getting me ready for this. He’s brilliant and has filmed 100 songs by 100 artist that you can find over on YouTube. He also makes amazing music. He’s been like a project manager for me and I have to thank him.
Head over and to grab your tickets to see MxDicey open for the incredible Vanessa Tottle upstairs at the Ding Dong Lounge.
Hi Marissa just read this I think it’s amazing. It’s great to know you like the Spice girls. What about Little Mix they ate Good as well Hope your dreams come true. Give us some more beautiful music Lots of love ❤️ and wish you all the best.