Marsha Bartenetti is a Smooth Jazz, Great American Songbook & Contemporary Adult Singer, who will cross any genre for a good lyric. Her style ranges from Billie Holiday to Bonnie Raitt, all sung with authenticity and rich, evocative tones
Tell us a bit about your company and why you do what you do.
I’ve had a couple of businesses. Today I will talk about my company, Windhorse Enterprises, Inc. which is dedicated to the voice – through singing, voice-over, and narration as a specific means of communication. My career started years ago as a vocalist and recording artist and continues today (after several years of hiatus) with my second act including 5 studio albums and live performances. (www.MarshaBartenetti.com) Through the years and through personal changes, I left the music business. All I had really known to that point was singing and having a mic in front of me! I began using my voice for commercial jingle singing, and something unknown to me at the time – Voice-Over work. I also did on-camera work in commercials. I was still in a studio – still using my voice and “performing”, but, for a very different audience! Voice-Over work became very lucrative for me and I loved it very much and still do. To this day I record every day for Audio Descriptions for feature films and tv series. (Audio Description is a narration service for the sight impaired where we describe/narrate what is happening in a film between dialog. )
I use my voice as a messenger – through song – through narration. I exercise my voice/instrument daily – and am always exploring new songs to sing that will resonate with my audience and our human shared experience. I feel so very fortunate to have this ability and opportunity to share the gift of voice.
Is there anyone special who’s inspired you to forge ahead with your business?
My vocal coach at one time, the famed Judy Davis, who was a grand diva and mentor, truly changed my life. And kicked me in the rear end to take responsibility for the gift I had in my voice. She gave me hell when I needed it; to get back to singing after I had left for a while. I am forever grateful to her.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change in the world?
I would have people realize their innate goodness and be mindful of any impact their actions may have on themselves and others. Guiding them toward harmlessness to self and harmlessness to others.
If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
Follow your passion with dedicated intention and be open to changes along the way. As life changes so must you without losing your core beliefs.
Do you have a motto or a mantra you apply to either work, life, or both?
“Rest. But don’t quit!”
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can write backward very well.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes. Songs I’m working on to record and performing.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Rest. But Don’t Quit.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
A fabulous authentic fresh pasta dish. Perhaps includes Lobster.
If you could learn any language fluently what would it be?
Italian.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
Feathers bring me luck.
What’s your favorite children’s story?
The Wizard of Oz.