Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlo Vashti.
Hi Marlo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My joy for the music and theatre has been a flame in my heart since I was a little girl watching Annie The Musical on VHS over and over. Annie – this little girl, seemingly with an afro (like me), her scruffy dog Sandy, the sinister Mrs.Hannigan. Those characters portrayed by brilliant actors created a new world of imagination for me. I didn’t know it then, but 20 years later I would be performing on stages igniting that same feeling I once had, in thousands of others. As a shy middle schooler, I found catharsis in my Drama class, which then led me on a path of attending my school’s Arts Conservatory program for Theatre in highschool (Somerset Academy). Shoutout troupe 7510. Afterwards, I attended Florida Atlantic University where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. During my college experience, I found my poetic voice and began enjoying the art of spoken word poetry. I’m grateful for my education I received, but even more so, for the life long friendships I gained. Most of which are members of The Black Undergraduate Theatre Collective at FAU, an organization I am a proud founding member of. By the time I was graduating, I began working as a professional actress across south Florida. Entering new and diverse spaces to create, opened me up to the gift of community. – which is what supports and fuels me to perform at my best to this day. Being an ensemble member of incredible organizations like New City Players and Art Prevails Project keeps me actively immersed in my community and creating. Art is contagious, and creativity expands us. So when people ask what I “do” it’s hard to say. Sometimes I am a one woman show, other times I’m backed by a dope band or an incredible cast. Or sometimes I am the one in the Director’s chair. I think I do what I want mostly, as long as I can tell a story. As long as I can make in impact in adding joy to this world. At this point in my artistic journey, I’m working on my first EP, with my first single called Muse, produced by Echo Slim, available on all platforms.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Most of the obstacles I have faced along my artistic journey are the ones created in my head. Imposter syndrome is the dreaded contender I have faced many times. They are the pebbles on the path that make me wince as I try new things and expand as an artist. Art and vulnerability go hand in glove. If you think you can create from a dishonest place, good luck! That can be scary, uncomfortable and sometimes discouraging, but everyday I’m working on giving myself grace and maintaining discipline. Cause art heals me and “Doing the thing” gives me an incredible feeling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The past six months alone have been filled with a lot of growth. An actress for the stage and screen, I have collaborated on amazing projects which you can find more of on my website www.marlovashti.com. Stepping into more of myself and sharing what I discover with the world has been the theme. I just recently released my first song called Muse on all streaming platforms. An incredible collaboration with Grammy Winning Producer, EchoSlim featuring MG the AK & Preston Fulwood, this song is an introduction of my sound. And a very special introduction to more of me.
Any big plans?
I have been having nearly too much fun making music and as a result, I’ll have an EP blessing the ethers this year! And now it’s officially in writing. I have more live music performances coming up, more live jazz, more stageplays and films. Follow my instagram for the most current updates.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Marlovashti.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/marlovashti
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marlovashtirodriguez?si=wK2DpMd_zqTQs_79
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/marlovashti
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/349lsA8qdRFYd2UrvApQi9?si=9veKxisBQIiYV7_Kr0bPUA
Image Credits
Cleo Sun
Amastias Photo
Gregg Reed
Ryan Arnst
