Carly Ozard chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about “The Ethel Merman Disco Project” on June 19th at The Green Room 42 in New York City.
Can you tell us about your upcoming Ethel Merman show at The Green Room 42? What can we expect?
We want to bring 1979 into 2026. there’s nothing like having music from another time live and up close to whisk us back to another time!!
What do you love most about Ethel Merman?
Her presence. She wasn’t apologetic or afraid to take up space with her voice!
What inspires you each day as an artist?
People’s stories and perspectives. You can write and learn so much just by listening to the human experience through current events, and in other artists’ lyrics and work.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age?
It’s absolutely challenging, but I will say that once you assemble a team that gets what needs to be done, it’s just facing new ways of business together. Shout out to Jonas Music Services and my incredible various collaborators on so many songs!
What is your advice for young and emerging artists?
Save your money. Go to a state school or an affordable education and save your $$ to pay for your promotions and your musicians. In the world of AI we MUST employ and use REAL instruments as much as we can. Write everything down in a journal or on your notes in your phone- lyrics, concepts, ideas- even if they aren’t finished yet. Make authentic relationships with others.
What do your plans for the future include?
I will be releasing as much music as I can. I have two originals in the pipeline, and a True Crime Song Cycle, a Grateful Broadway (aka Broadway’s Dead) Fusion project, producing various evenings of talent at the Lambs Club, and auditioning.
Also, I really want a boat because I live by the Long Island Sound and I want to do online concerts on my boat!
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success for me is in the company I keep and who wants to work to create new and exciting work. I want to continue to attract folks who think outside the box and make room for all different kinds of people. If the project and the people are awesome to be around, then that’s a win. Of course I’d love to be able to make money and tour with various projects and have one big musical theater credit at some point.
What would you like to say to our readers about your upcoming Green Room 42 show? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Disco was given to us by queer people of color and on Juneteenth, I boast the most diverse band and celebrate many talents from New York City, to San Francisco and Florida, all on one stage. It’s going to be a party, and if you love disco and show tunes, this here is the place.
For tickets for this show, click here.
To learn more about Carly Ozard, visit the official website.
