Having grown up in a household without contemporary music, for every song her parents missed on the radio Marion listened 3x as hard. In the 8th grade, Marion picked up the guitar and hasn’t put it down since. Performing her original songs at the weekly open mic nights at Spoon Coffee House & Eatery in Lindenhurst Long Island, Marion lived off of what she calls “the moment” - that first split second when someone suddenly stops what they are doing, looks up, and listens. Marion has their full attention. In that magical moment she is able to create a connection. It’s like having her own personal superpower. At the age of 18, Marion moved to Nashville TN for college. She knew that any city labeled Music City was where she belonged..and Music City is where she has been ever since. Her debut single, "The Incredible Shrinking Girl," is slated for release June 25, 2021.
Marion Shaina's Top Six
What makes Nashville special to you? I think a city is shaped by its people. The people in Nashville are kind and artistic and full of life. There are so many driven creatives. And personally, I’ve never felt more driven than when I’m spending time with other driven people. Being surrounded by that kind of energy is absolutely incredible.
Most under-rated thing about Nashville? The non-country scene! There are so many venues that don’t even feature country groups. I think when people think of “Music City” they think of country music, and yes there is a lot of amazing country music, but there’s also a lot of amazing music in other genres as well. Nashville is so much more than just one thing!
Say you had a completely free day in Nashville—no work allowed. What would you be doing? I always have something I’m supposed to be doing, so it’s weird to think about if I didn’t! I’d probably go for a hike with my roommate. We love to go to Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Then maybe link up with a friend, go to some sort of show to either watch or perform. Then possibly do some writing and watch a movie with my roommate.
What are some of your favorite Nashville restaurants? I’m obsessed with Jamaicaway. They have the most insane vegan/vegetarian Jamaican food and I’m a vegetarian so it makes me happy. I also love Vegelicious. They’re my go-to for vegan soul food. Those are my top two. Then The Wild Cow, Sunflower Café, Vui’s Kitchen, Grillshack, Hopdoddy's, The Grilled Cheeserie, Cookout - I could go on and on haha.
Is there a place you haven't ate you have been dying to go? Rolf and Daughters!
If someone is coming to Nashville for the first time, where do you take them? I usually take them on a self-guided mural tour! I also make sure they see some sort of live show, probably a writers round. If Musicians Corner is happening in Centennial Park, definitely that!
One Thing About Nashville
How has Nashville influenced your music? Nashville is a town centered around growth. And because people expect you to grow from year to year, it almost feels like there's permission to change on a consistent basis. That’s been really helpful to me as I’ve developed as a songwriter and a performer. No one is holding my first co-write against me. They’re looking at me for the musician I am today and not the musician I was yesterday.
Five Favorites
What’s your favorite place to go for ice cream in Nashville? Jeni's
What’s your favorite place for breakfast in Nashville? Sun & Fork!
Do you have a favorite music venue? Honestly, anywhere! As long as I can hear the music, I’m happy.
Favorite place to go on date night? If I’m being honest, I don’t think I have one. I think it would be super fun if someone took me axe throwing though. There’s this place called Blade & Timber that I’ve been wanting to check out.
Favorite museum? The Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m a cliché, but it’s a classic.