Denise Marsa’s New Single, ‘Sanctuary’, Is A Modern Feminist Pop-Rock Ballad For The Ages

Alt-indie pop singer-songwriter Denise Marsa taught herself to play keyboard and began writing songs before starting college. Following her studies she moved from New York to London, where she landed her first big break singing for Dean Friedman on his hit, ‘Lucky Stars’. which result in a platinum disc, a UK tour, and appearances on live TV. She then relocated to Los Angeles, where she started her record label and production house, giving her the creative freedom she needed for her incredible talent and can-do approach.

Denise Marsa’s new single, ‘Sanctuary’, from her upcoming third album, ‘Pivotal’, is an anthemic pop rock track, that serves as a feminist ballad for the ages. Right from the outset you’l be drawn in by the 80s style synths, alongside a pounding drumbeat and soaring guitar solos. Marsa’s powerhouse vocals take centre stage, pulling us in and refusing to let us go. The music was performed and produced by Marsa and her collaborator and long time friend, the guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, Paul A. Harvey, who Marsa first met in the 1980s, when she was living in London.

‘Sanctuary’ was mixed by Janosch Roth at Lautstumm Studios in Germany, and tells the story of a lover who has an overbearing attitude, and who tries to take more than they give, expecting Marsa to be there, their sanctuary, at all times. Marsa loves them in return, but fights against the clinginess. She’s not responsible for them being unable to love themselves, that’s their lesson to learn.

The music video for ‘Sanctuary’ directed by Marsa’s frequent collaborator Bill Westmoreland, sees her out on the road, driving through the countryside of Pennsylvania, as she flees from the constraints of her needy ex. She celebrates her new freedom, dancing in an open glade, empowered by her actions. If you’re caught up in a similar situation you’ll find this wholly relatable – and hopefully Denise Marsa can inspire you to deal with it.

Watch the music video for ‘Sanctuary’ below and find out more about Denise Marsa and her music online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Denise Marsa - SANCTUARY (Official Music Video)

You can read our interview with Denise Marsa here.

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com