Twas The Last Day of 2014

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Marcio Novelli

So, here we are… a week after Christmas (or, as I like to call it – Capitalismas), two weeks after the start of Hanukkah (Capitaliskah) and the last day of 2014. We somehow made it around the Sun another year without being hit by an asteroid, melted by global warming or blown up by our fellow humans. That, my friends, is success! Seriously though, I hope you’ve all had a restful holiday and are feeling recharged and fueled up to take on another year with new hopes, big dreams and infinite possibilities.

I hit the gym on December 23rd (a Festivus for the rest of us!) and prepared myself for the impending marathon of eating that can only be described as painfully unnecessary (and necessarily painful). I signed up to the gym nearly a year ago after an extended absence and I now go three to four times a week. It keeps me healthy and happy, literally. I mostly run and do yoga, both of which I really love doing, but, I do switch things up. Speaking of which, I recently got a haircut… I think it helps me run faster.

We visited my family on Christmas Eve which means we visited twenty-plus relatives because, well, we’re Portuguese and there’s a lot of us. The next day, after stuffing our faces with vegan eats, we ended the festivities the same way we have every year since Sky was born – a (vegan) cheesy family photo in front of the Christmas tree at Chelsea’s Gramma‘s house. This year, we went for a less formal, more candid shot that shows what we do best together – laugh. Next year, we’ll have another little boy in our arms!

Tonight, Chels and I are going out to dinner together which is something we don’t often get a chance to do. Keep an eye on my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as I’m sure I’ll be posting something about it later tonight. Please have a safe and enjoyable new year’s eve celebration doing whatever works for you. I sincerely thank you for all your support in 2014 and I cannot wait to share more of my art with you in the coming year. I send my love and positive vibes your way for a healthy, happy and successful 2015!

2013: A Year in Review

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Marcio Novelli

2013 was a busy year for me as a solo artist with the physical release of It’s Not An Excuse, It’s A Reason, the premiere of my documentary Walking Proof, the release of my first music video, my tour out east, two HMA nominations, and my return to acting amongst many other things which all included doing a ton of press to promote each venture.

Most importantly, I had the privilege of spending nearly every day with my beautiful wife Chelsea and adorable son Skyler by my side. We traveled to Florida and Los Angeles together and I experienced the honour that was my first Father’s Day. I learned to appreciate the little things in life that mean most of all… Like Sky’s very first birthday!

If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen our first family Christmas photo together back in December 2012. Even though we’re vegan, we like to keep it cheesy. Here we are last month posing for our second annual (vegan) cheesy Christmas photo. Half sincerity, half hilarity.

Our second Christmas together as a family was a highlight because, this time around, Skyler was old enough to really interact with our extended families, including his new cousins, and he quickly became a pro at opening his own gifts – something he learned on his birthday. At only fifteen months of age, he now has his first guitar.

Before we knew it, it was time to ring in the new year. I don’t usually drink (except for two or three celebratory adult beverages I have each year) so I blame the beer I consumed on New Year’s Eve for this terribly awkward yet awesome moment I captured of Chels and I as the clock struck twelve and the year 2014 began.

Thank you for all the love and support I received in 2013. With your help, I achieved many of the goals I set for myself. I’m working on a lot of new music and staying focused on what I want to attract into my life this year. I am grateful for my health, my family, my friends, and my fans. Life is what you make it and I plan on continuing the pursuit of living in the moment and appreciating the little things that matter most.

My Week Out East

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Marcio Novelli

I woke up November 24th (the day before I was to leave on tour out east) and I was sick… very sick. The kind of sick that kept me from eating because the thought of food made me gag. I don’t know if it was the stress from booking twenty-plus shows or the dread of leaving my family behind but something made its way passed my immune defenses and hit me hard. I spent the day in bed with a high fever, soaked in sweat, head pounding. Chelsea very kindly packed my suitcase and got things in order for me.

I woke up the next morning feeling slightly better… not great but I was functional. I dragged myself out of bed, showered, got dressed, and tried to eat. I gave Chels and Skyler a hug and closed the door behind me. It was heartbreaking to leave. I haven’t spent a night away from my son since he was born fourteen months ago. This was going to be a huge sacrifice… and it was. But I pushed through and left for the airport.

When I landed in Halifax, I immediately called Chels and Sky. I already missed them so much. I grabbed my luggage, got in my rental car and drove to Manduh’s house which was where I would be staying that Monday night. Her adorable niece and I became quick buds! (If you look closely at the picture below, you’ll notice a signed photograph of myself that Manduh ordered a couple of years ago).

Tour Nov 2013 2

I played my first Halifax show ever that night at The Carlton which had a wonderful view of the rainy streets. Afterwards, I headed back to Manduh’s place and prepared my bed on her floor – a free place to stay on tour is appreciated no matter what. The next morning, I drove downtown. It was rainy but I was able to make it out to the harbour and it was beautiful. I’d love to return during warmer weather.

Next stop was Moncton. The drive was beautiful. Three hours later, I arrived at Plan B. Marcus, the bartender, welcomed me in. After my set, we went upstairs to the band apartment where he lives and stayed up watching YouTube videos, becoming fast friends. The following morning, I snapped a photo out the kitchen window and left for Saint John but not before thanking Tracy, the bar owner, for being so kind to me.

The drive to Saint John was terrifying. I was originally supposed to play Charlottetown that night but the bridge that leads into PEI was closed due to a storm. Winds were reaching 100km and the rain was relentless. I drove cautiously thinking about how my wife and son want me home in one piece. Thankfully, I made it there safely and was able to play an in-store performance at Backstreet Records the following afternoon.

It was at this show that I met a girl named Alyssa. She is really into the music I make. I had a bit of a rough time the night before because my show was cancelled so I had time to think which is never a good thing. I missed Chels and Sky a lot and I was beginning to feel lonely so having the opportunity to meet someone who was so grateful to listen to me play my songs really lifted my spirits significantly.

After that performance, I walked a few streets over to Magnolia Cafe to perform after local artist Apryll Aileen hit the stage. This girl went out of her way to help me get a deal on a hotel before we even met face to face so she was already good in my books. A man named Jeff was responsible for putting the show together and was a really great dude to chat with. The three of us had a great show which further lightened my mood.

It was now Friday. I decided to play another set at Backstreet Records then I left for Fredericton. I arrived at the University, played in the lounge then played to a packed room at the University bar. It was during this performance that I spotted someone from the corner of my eye. It turned out to be a girl named Katie who has been listening to and supporting my music since the Euphoria’s Depression days! So awesome.

I passed my time the following day at a movie theater then played my last east coast show and it was not a pleasant experience. I then made my way back to Halifax stopping at Plan B to crash for the night. This is where I shared a bed with a random dude from a Nova Scotia band. I was already half-asleep when his band-mates carried him onto the bed. I had a choice to move to the floor or stay where I was… I chose to stay.

Sunday morning had me realizing my cold from the previous week had returned and I was thankful to be going home. It was snowing on my three hour drive to the airport and my flight was delayed. When I finally landed in Toronto, Chelsea surprised me with food and we sat in the airport eating together. I was so happy to see her and excited to go home to my son. Chelsea played such a crucial role in making this tour happen and I’m so grateful for it. I haven’t stopped hugging her and Sky since I got home.