5 Things to Know About Singer Marc Broussard
His holiday album is out now!
— -- Widely known for his hit song "Home," singer Marc Broussard is out with new music for the holiday season.
In his 15 years as a solo artist, Broussard’s music has led to several tours across the country and features in television shows. Combining his love for R&B, rock and soul, Broussard is not only working to create great albums but to do so with a cause. Here are five things you need to know about the artist:
1. Buying Broussard’s Album Helps Those in Need
Broussard considers philanthropy a big part of his life and says it his duty as an artist to help make a difference. In the summer of 2015, he decided to create the SOS Foundation with the goal of using his music to raise money for causes he is passionate about. His album "S.O.S. 2: Save Our Soul: Soul on a Mission" is the first release as part of the project. Fifty percent of all the profits will go to the Atlanta-based organization City of Refuge to assist with those who are struggling with homelessness and poverty with education, training and job placement assistance.
“It’s the kind of thing that I think should be part of every artist’s body of work because I think that we in this position find ourselves uniquely positioned to affect change,” Broussard said.
His fans have been motivated by the mission. “Especially when it involves a transaction where my fans are getting what they want from me, which is my music, and I can then turn around and use that money that would otherwise go to a record label or somebody else and put it to good use in the community,” he continued.
2. He Plans to Release at Least One Album Every Year
Broussard won’t just contribute one album to the SOS Foundation. He says he plans to do one every year and use those sales to help those in poverty.
Still, Brossard says he has other projects he is working on. “I have another record coming out in February or March. I hopefully have another side project I hope to put out next summer. I have another 'SOS' next Christmas,” he said.
He doesn’t plan on slowing down either, especially when it comes to performing live. “We’re never off tour. ... We’re never wrapping up a tour, we’re just on tour constantly,” he said.
3. He Comes From a Family of Musicians
Broussard is part of a musical family. His father, Ted Broussard is an acclaimed guitarist and former member of "The Boogie Kings.
“My father has been a musician all his life and all his siblings played…Music was just a really integral part of our childhood. It was always on in our home, my dad was always listening to music. He was always practicing music and he played quite a bit on the weekends,” he said.
Influenced by his father, Broussard eventually became a musician himself and has featured his father on his songs. The legacy may even continue with one of his four children. One of his daughters wants to be "a singer and a stay-at-home mom," he said with a laugh.
4. He Enjoys Having Creative Control Over His Music
Broussard values having full creative control over his work, a luxury he didn’t have for a large portion of his career.
“For 14 years on major labels, I was restricted from being more creative. ... Because there is such a lag time between the record and release, it’s very hard to stay motivated,” he said. His strategy now is to record music and release it as soon as possible. “We’re in a place that it’s better than it’s ever been ... I’m putting out more music I ever have in my life,” he said.
5. His Holiday Album Is Available Now
Broussard’s album "S.O.S. 2: Save Our Soul: Soul on a Mission" is available now, featuring covers of the classic soul hits by singers like Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett. You can find the album on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.
