Many of you may recall Liverpool, England native Marsha Ambrosius as the Songstress from the popular duo Floetry. Since the group’s breakup several years ago, Marsha has been steadily working as a singer, songwriter and producer and has compiled an impressive list of song credits. The six-time Grammy nominee and recipient of the BMI Songwriter of the Year award is one of the industry’s most sought after artists, resulting in numerous collaborations including songs with Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Justin Timberlake, Nas, and most notably, Michael Jackson, for whom she wrote the song Butterflies.

Marsha recently released her highly anticipated solo album called Late Nights & Early Mornings, which is receiving positive reviews, including high ratings from People magazine, USA Today, and MSN. Marsha is well-known for her outspoken songwriting approach, which I’d also describe as very versatile. As Marsha has shown in her first three singles, Hope She Cheats On You (With a Basketball Player), Far Away, and Late Nights & Early Mornings, she has a musical perspective that connects well with our emotions. Perhaps that explains why the album debuted at number one on the Billboard R&B album chart and number two on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

Marsha recently finished the BET Music Matters tour and is now on the Love Letter tour with R. Kelly and Keyshia Cole. She made time during her travels to chat about her new album and her progression as a songwriter.

New album – Late Nights & Early Mornings

Mimi: What three words would you use to describe flow of the whole album?

Marsha: Hmmm…sensual, seductive, fluidity

Mimi: As you worked on the album, at what point did you know it was complete in terms of delivering those three things?

Marsha: For me, I guess there’s no true knowing. I just knew I was satisfied. That was completely selfish of me in knowing that I had created an album that I wanted to create. I wrote and produced the majority of it and that’s exactly how I wanted it to be. I guess I didn’t know it was right, as far as what I thought other people would be considering, but I knew I loved it and I took it from there.

Mimi: With everything you have going on, it would be totally understandable if you didn’t use social networks as much. But, it seems like you’re doing the opposite. You’re very visible on Twitter, UStream, and YouTube. How has your interaction with fans helped you see the impact of your album?

Marsha: For me, it was very important that I do that because I feel like everyone belongs to this project now. It’s not just about me. It wasn’t about me being comfortable in the studio by myself and creating these weird ideas that may or may not work. It’s bringing the people with you. So, when I can tweet about me creating this weird Prince fusion, Stevie Wonder, James Brown thing that I may think works, people remember and I can’t take that for granted. I guess with the outlets of Twitter, UStream, and things that I have used and do use consistently, it brings the people and the interest in what you do with you. So, I think with Late Nights and Early Mornings, it was more so the people wanted it more than I did and bringing them with me every step of the way. That has definitely helped me and I continue to do that. read more »