Marcela Bovio has always embraced change, both as a solo artist and through her many collaborations. With her upcoming release Harmonies Unveiled, the Mexican-born, Netherlands-based singer reimagines highlights from her vast repertoire in harmony with a group of gifted vocalists. In this conversation with Femme Metal Webzine, Marcela talks about the inspiration behind the project, the joy of working with former students and friends such as Nina Grimm, Nicky Huijsman and Marjan Welman, her ongoing journey as a solo artist, and the exciting projects that lie ahead.
Welcome to Marcela Bovio
So, Marcela, welcome back to Femme Metal Webzine. First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to do the interview. Then I want to ask you how this video is treating you with all the craziness.
Well, luckily I just came back from a holiday, so I have recharged my battery. It’s already almost empty again, but I know that there are some very nice things coming up. So I’m hoping to recharge on the job. On the job.
The new EP Harmonies Unveiled
Yeah, that sounds like a great way to recharge through your work. So, Marcela, I don’t really want to call your upcoming EP “work,” because to me it doesn’t feel like just a job — at least not in the traditional sense. But let’s put it simply: you have a new EP coming up, Harmonies Unveiled, which will be released on September 5th. About that, I’d like to ask: how did you come up with the idea to rework some of your own songs from your repertoire?
Yeah. Well, you know, I have been performing solo on my own with Erik van Ittersum on piano for a while now. And I have this little harmonizer thing that I control with a MIDI keyboard so that I can do like my second voices and everything. And everything. But I have a very talented student at Metal Factory called Nina Grimm.
How everything started #1
She actually already graduated from the conservatory in Milan, but then she decided that she wanted to come and take lessons with us at Metal Factory. So in the process of trying to help her, you know, as someone who is already, you know, a major in music, to see, “okay, what else can we give you?” I started giving her some extra lessons.
How everything started #2
And then, based on my experience of singing alone for a while, and realizing how much more beautiful it is to sing in harmony, I came up with the idea of doing a special show — involving her and a couple of other great, incredible vocalists. And then it just happened. We weren’t even planning on making a recording; it was only meant as promotional material so we could book some shows. But it turned out so well, it sounded so good, that I thought: you know what, let’s release it, because I think people will really enjoy it.
Marcela Bovio choosing the songs to rework
You’ve reimagined some of your songs. I was curious — how did you choose which ones to rework? After all, you could start anywhere, from your very first album to the most recent one, and you have such an enormous repertoire. I thought it must have been difficult to narrow it down to just six songs.
Funny enough, I don’t think it was that difficult. I simply said, “Let’s do this one, this one, and this one.” What’s difficult now is preparing a full show, because I want to do everything — but of course that’s not possible when we only have about one hour and forty-five minutes. From the start, I knew I wanted to record at least one track from every release, and that’s what we did. Some choices were more personal. For instance, Icarus is a song I really love and felt never got the attention it deserved on Through Your Eyes, so we included it. And I also wanted at least one brand-new song, and that’s how the selection came about.
Reworking the songs
You’ve already released songs like Saboteurs, Here to Stay, and Icarus. How did it feel to reimagine them and see them in a new light and shape? I just listened to Saboteurs while waiting for the EP, and I even attended your show at Little Devil a few years ago, so I’m curious — it feels like something else entirely.
To be honest, I was very inspired by Nina, who also sings on this album. Initially, I asked her to arrange a few songs — for example, she did the arrangements for Icarus and Here to Stay — and they came out so beautifully. She’s really talented.
It’s fascinating to see someone else interpret your own music, because she came up with ideas I never would have thought of, and that inspired me to take more chances with the other arrangements. For Saboteurs, I thought, “Let’s go all out on this one.” I expected it to be very difficult to sing, but these ladies are amazing — they just nailed it. I feel very lucky.
The ladies involved in the project #1
Let’s mention these ladies. We’ve already spoken about Nina Grimm.
Yes. Then there’s Marjan Welman from Autumn and from Vetrar Draugurinn. She’s an incredible vocalist. She’s not even showcasing her full range here, because in this project she’s singing a lot of the lower parts. But from all of us, she has the richest low register, and she’s also such fun to be around. I’m very happy to have her. And then we have Nicky Huijsman from Sowulo [read our recent interview with Sowulo’s NicChky Huijsman here].
The ladies involved in the project #2
Yes — also incredible. I actually had the chance to interview her about three weeks ago before my holiday, and I also got to dive into Sowulo’s new album. Wow, she’s spectacular.
She is. And she was also my student years ago at Metal Factory. Since then, she’s been working professionally in music for quite a while. I’ve always known how detailed and professional she is, how she really dives into the fine points of everything. And that’s exactly what we needed, because some of our parts are very complex, with specific harmonies that are tricky to sing. I knew she’d handle them perfectly — and she did.
“But I really want to make the music I love”
You know, I’ve been following you since the very first Stream of Passion album, so it’s been a long journey. I also love your solo career. I’m always amazed at how you reveal a different side of yourself with each release, which takes courage — it would be so much easier to just repeat yourself. But I also know it’s not always the best choice commercially.
Yes, that’s true. But I really want to make the music I love. I don’t think my songs are particularly complex or difficult to understand, but apparently to people outside the scene they can feel that way — which I actually take as a compliment. Of course, I could put together a theater tour of cover songs, and commercially that might be the wise move. But that’s not what I want to do.
Marcela Bovio: “I know it’s partly due to my own stubbornness”
Understandable — and I get why you don’t want to do it, because your own material is so strong.
Thank you, I appreciate that. Sometimes I think it’s a pity that I can’t tour with this material in the Netherlands, playing 50 small theater shows. But at the same time, I know it’s partly due to my own stubbornness — I want to play the music I love, not what’s most commercially viable.
“I’ll keep doing whatever the hell I want”
For me, you could sing anything — from Lady Gaga to something much more extreme. You’re one of the few who can sing everything with both technique and expression.
That’s good to know! But yes, it’s also hard for people to fully understand how much work goes into a solo album. And to be fair, it’s not really their job — if it doesn’t grab them immediately, that’s fine. I’m just happy to have projects planned, and I’ll keep doing whatever the hell I want. And I’m grateful for people like you. It’s not millions or hundreds of thousands, but there are listeners who really appreciate the music as it is — and I’m so thankful for that.
The release show in Tilburg
And about Harmonies Unveiled: you’re going to play a special show at Little Devil in Tilburg on November 2nd, right?
That’s correct. We’re very excited — it’s almost sold out. For me, it will be very special, because singing with these women is simply out of this world. The magic of performing as a vocal ensemble is unlike anything else. We hope the audience feels all the emotions. Whoever comes, we promise to deliver all the feels.
The new feature in new Arjen Lucassen’s album
Speaking of feels, I also heard you on Arjen’s new album — I actually interviewed him this week. It’s a different kind of feel, but still amazing. How was it working with him this time?
To be honest, it’s not the romantic experience it was at the beginning anymore. The first time I worked with Arjen, I flew to the Netherlands for the very first time, went into the studio with him, and I was so nervous. Everything turned out great, and it was unforgettable. Now, the process is more straightforward. He’ll send me a message saying, “Hey, can you record these vocals?” and I’ll record them at home and send them over. Luckily, he’s always happy with the results. And somehow, he still manages to challenge me vocally every single time, which I really love, especially for the live shows.
The new challenge for Marcela Bovio
What was the challenge this time, Marcela?
It was all about high, very high notes — and loud ones too. And then he asked if I could add a little distortion to them, which I really enjoyed. For the upcoming shows, we’ll be performing more big, loud, high passages again — and even some unusual things that I won’t spoil.
#nospoilers
No, no — don’t spoil it! Keep it to yourself, because I’ll be there, and I don’t want spoilers.
Good, no spoilers then! But I can tell you, it’s going to be great. I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage with everyone again. It’s always so much fun.
Updates from the Stream of Passion camp #1
Speaking of feels again — the feeling I got at the Stream of Passion show in Eindhoven two years ago was something else entirely. So now I’m really looking forward to the next Stream of Passion feels. Do you have any updates? We’re dying to know!
I know, I know. I’ve been sidetracked with this project, and also with writing a full solo album of completely new music. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but didn’t dare before: a concept album about being diagnosed with cancer and going through the whole journey.
I’d been thinking about it for years, but I think I needed to reach the five-year all-clear before it really sank in, and only then could I tackle it. So that’s happening too. Not right now — at the moment I’m focused on these shows — but it’s in progress.
Updates from the Stream of Passion camp #2
Meanwhile, Johan also got completely sidetracked with Blind Guardian. They weren’t supposed to tour this year, and now they’re touring just as much as always.
So we’ll see. I’m thinking maybe next year will be another opportunity. That’s the nice thing about not being tied down — though I know it’s frustrating for fans who are waiting. For us, it gives us freedom to do things exactly as we want. Some might call that selfish.
Being busy
I don’t think so — and I’m glad I made it to those two shows. For me, it’s like a milestone. I still cherish my albums back in Italy, and I can proudly say, “Yes, I saw Stream of Passion live.” But yes, we are craving more, even if we understand how complicated the timing is, especially with Johan touring full-time with Blind Guardian.
Exactly. But we’ll see. I really do want to write more material and do more with Stream of Passion. I know it will happen, but right now we’re both busy with other things.
The new upcoming solo project of Marcela Bovio
You mentioned your solo album. How is the challenge going, especially since you’re creating a concept album about cancer?
It’s going really well. I’d say I’m about three-quarters of the way through the basic songs. Hopefully, after the Arjen shows, I’ll start working on them with Erik, my pianist. I think it’s going to be a rather unusual album, exploring all kinds of directions. I haven’t decided yet what instrumentation I’ll use, so honestly anything could happen. But that freedom excites me — allowing myself to create something that can go wherever it needs to go.
Closing words
If I remember correctly, your last full-length album was Through Your Eyes in 2018.
Yes, that’s right — it’s been a while since I released a full-length album. So I guess it’s about time.
Well, take your time — there’s no need to rush.
Exactly.
Marcela, I think I’ve asked you everything for now. Next time, I’ll come up with more questions.
Fantastic. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for your time — I really appreciate you sitting down with me.