Meet Mary Reynaud | Singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, handcrafter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Reynaud and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well well well… This question is very interesting and I am kind of speechless in front of it. But… trying to answer it will be for sure a very interesting way to start the interview and introduce myself don’t you think? Something is disturbing me is this question, let me try to figure it out…

Ok, after a few minutes, I think I got it. The fact is, I didn’t pursue anything. I did the exact opposite… I let go a lot of things. And after that, I could see and feel what was left, what I really was. And, I am a creative person, I am an artist. Truly, from head to toe, and in different branches. I try to suit in a different kind of life, but my body was literally in pain by not being aligned with my soul and skills. So I just decided to be me, totally me. And that includes being me in the everyday life, when I work, when I’m on stage, when I walk, when I chill. when I do the accounts. I am art, I do art, I breathe art. So,I accept it and let it manifest, just do it to be in peace, in balance.

Few years ago I would be afraid to be judged as a very pretentious person saying this. But “pursuing” a creative life is anything but pretentious. It’s brave and hardworking, lots of sacrifices, sometimes hard but always satisfying. I deeply believe all humans are creative, everyone in its own way and we should all find it to spread love on Earth.

I read a fantastic book about all this philosophy : “Big Magic, Creative living beyond fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert. An absolute must-read. A true blessing !

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an hypersensitive, I went through a lot of up and downs, especially in professional life. Choosing to “pursue an artistic life” as you say is really tricky… you have to make money, by pleasing people with something that came from the bottom of your heart. Oh dear !!! Such a pressure to inflict on oneself! Hundred hours of therapy later, I managed to not fall in the trap of the eternal damned artist, and to bless this path I chose !

Plus, add the fact that I am not only a musician but I also do a lot of other things.. and I’m not bad at it! I was a teacher at primary school during a few years, I also teached music, I help a friend with her stones jewelry, I do my own stage costumes,I created my company of spiritual handcrafting (talismans, dreamcatchers, home decoration). And of course I am a singer, a songwriter, a independent musician, a dancer, a promoter, a manager… and I do love all those activities ! At a point, it feels like there is not enough hours in a day to do everything I want to ! But the body can’t follow…and people advise me to choose one thing, But it’s impossible to do it without pain. That would mean denying a part of myself.

And then two years ago, I found a word that really brought me peace : “multipotential”. “Mary, you are multipotential”. A lot a friends described it to me, we talk about it, but we could never definite it. And now I am. I exchanged with other multipotentials and for the first time, I felt understood ! We can not choose ! Don’t ask us to ! So now, I totally assume the different aspects of my creativity. And believe it or not, since then, I feel less guilty to prioritize some activities than others.

I can now proudly say I am not ashamed to be one day singing folk songs, the other one dancing in a “Revue Cabaret”. One week touring in Spain with “Franck Carducci & the Fantastic Squad”, acting, singing, playing theremine and guitar, and another week being in nature to find provides for my handmade dreamcatchers. This is all parts of my being and I’ve never been happier to let them all flourish.

So when comes the time to introduce myself I would say “Hello World, I’m Mary Reynaud, french multipotential artist, spreading Light & Love with Indie Folk music, 70’s rock ‘n’ roll, Cabaret, Writing, Landart and Spiritual Handcrafting. Be curious and let me shine on you !”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sadly I’ve never been in Phoenix !! But, in South France, there is this incredible place on the seashore where rocks are red and beautiful. And it is exactly the idea I have of your amazing Arizona (excepting the sea of course!! :D). This is l’Esterel, not far from Cannes.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I started playing music at 12 and was very lucky to find adults musicians who accepted to be in my band. At my 15’s birthday we started the band “Mary & Co”, Country & Bluegrass music in french and english, and we did a lot of gigs, recording and touring all over France (and Scotland!). In USA it’s very common to be in a band very young but in France. it’s totally unusual! I mean, yeah there are many teenage garage bands, playing only in their garages! But, touring and recording and selling albums, well that was something !

I am truly grateful for the confidence (or the risk!) those men had in me. It was the best school ever growing up on stage and I am very proud of my 23 years of carrer at 36 ! 😀 I know it’s common for you americans, but believe me, in France It’s not.

And of course, a big thanks to my dear friend Gaelle Buswel who introduced me to Shoutout Arizona !!

Website: http://www.maryreynaud.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryreynaudartist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryreynaudmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYz93hVXNdSmVVKxsqKO6GA

Other: FRANCK CARDUCCI & THE FANTASTIC SQUAD http://www.franckcarducci.com

Image Credits
Albane Photographe, Christian Arnaud, Headbangersball Photography, Guiz Photographie