Marcella Simien Unveils Debut Solo Album To Bend to the Will of a Dream That's Being Fulfilled

Written By Faizan Asif

Artwork by Josh Breeden/St. Francis Elevator Ride

Listen to the Full Album HERE

Release Date: January 17, 2025

(October 18, 2024 | Memphis, TN) – Louisiana native and ninth-generation Creole artist Marcella Simien is set to release her long-awaited debut solo album, To Bend to the Will of a Dream That's Being Fulfilled. An artist deeply rooted in the rich heritage of her Louisiana Creole lineage, Simien’s debut effort is a personal and transformative musical journey, capturing the essence of self-discovery, spirituality and identity.

Drawing from her lineage of healers and artists, Marcella’s musical upbringing is nothing short of extraordinary. The daughter of two-time GRAMMY™ winner Terrance Simien, she grew up on stage alongside legends like Taj Mahal, Dr. John, and dined with Bob Dylan and his band! Yet, in her solo debut, she moves beyond familial influences, fully embracing her own voice and vision. Over the past several years, Marcella underwent a holistic transformation—becoming a yoga teacher, eliminating toxins from her life and diving deep into her racial identity, body image and spiritual self. This awakening is at the heart of her new album.

“To Bend to the Will of a Dream That's Being Fulfilled is a deeply personal, very physical experience,” says Marcella. “I felt it necessary to have my hand touch every aspect of this collection of music.” True to her vision, she wrote all the lyrics, played every instrument, and performed every vocal on the album herself. The result is a sonic journey that blends traditional and contemporary sounds—drawing on her Southern roots while infusing elements of Rāga and Indian music. The harmonium and tanpura mix seamlessly with accordion and electronic textures, reflecting the healing, introspective nature of her work.

Marcella’s sound is an evolution from her former project, Marcella & Her Lovers, where she pioneered “Psychedelic Swamp Soul Music”—a fusion of Memphis soul and New Orleans funk. This album, however, goes deeper, with lyrics exploring themes of empowerment, ancestral healing, and self-acceptance. Her love for both traditional Creole instrumentation and contemporary production creates a dynamic, genre-defying soundscape.

Beyond her musical work, Marcella is committed to uplifting others in her community. She leads artistic development and yoga workshops for musicians and has engaged in cultural exchange programs that nurture young creatives, including a recent tour in Colombia. Her commitment to her craft is matched by her passion for supporting the next generation of artists.

Simien’s career includes collaborations on notable projects, including her contribution to the GRAMMY-winning Dockside Sessions and involvement in Disney Park’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure amusement ride. With To Bend to the Will of a Dream That's Being Fulfilled, Marcella is poised to further her impact, inviting listeners to join her on a powerful journey of healing, identity, and self-empowerment.

The album To Bend to the Will of a Dream That's Being Fulfilled will be available on all streaming platforms, on vinyl, CD and digital download.

For More Information:

Follow Marcella Simien:

  • Instagram: @MarcellaSimien

  • Twitter: @MarcellaSimien

  • Facebook: Marcella Simien

For press inquiries, please contact:

McKenzii Webster
mckenzii@thewebmgmt.co
The Web MGMT

Faizan Asif
Previous

Max Gomez Releases New Album Memory Mountain 
Next

Marcella’s To Bend To The Will.. Receives Critical Acclaim