She’s the lead singer and founder of Jolie Môme, Nuage Rhythm, MARIPOSA and The Phirocious Swing Orchestra; French-Canadian band leader and cabaret chanteuse Myriam Phiro has performed on stages and in theaters worldwide. Her repertoire features a fresh take on jazz and French standards as well as the famous tunes of the Great American Songbook. Her debut full-length Jazz album Voyages received a nomination for a MAC Award in the “Best album” category, plus Phiro was also a recipient of the “Hot House Jazz Awards” nomination in the “Best New Jazz Artist.”
Phiro attended the and the A
Phiro will celebrate an album release Becoming Marlene Dietrich, a tribute to the trailblazing movie, music and style icon, on Friday, October 6 at 7 PM At Chelsea Table + Stage. she will be accompanied by her longtime trio featuring Hyuna Park on piano and Elias Bailey on bass, in addition to special guests. Reserve here.
NLE: You have a background in acting, modeling, dancing as well as singing. Why did singing rise to the top as a career choice?
MP: I have always been equally interested in all of these, which is what inspired my move to NYC in pursuit of all of them, 12 years ago. Today, all four mediums are very much a part of my life, in various, ever-changing forms. Connecting with an audience and sharing that special moment together has always been the primary focus in my artistic endeavors, and in this way, singing has allowed me to achieve this connection most frequently. So in short, I’d say I have always been an actor first, who utilizes the medium of « singing » to connect with audiences.
NLE: Edith Piaf was a subject you explored in depth; so many performers/singers have done Piaf, but how did you distinguish your approach from the rest.
MP: That’s a good question! I think I was always interested in discovering the woman behind the icon and in exploring her journey from a very humane perspective. Many people know about the drama and the voice but what we often omit is that she was quite simple in fact, and that she possessed an unimaginable amount of perseverance, dedication and commitment. Her success didn’t happen overnight, and she worked extremely hard against countless adversities. I like to bring that component to the forefront, and pay tribute to what she was able to achieve in spite of such adversity. I have the utmost respect and admiration for what she accomplished, especially as a woman of her time.
NLE: Currently, you’re debuting your Becoming Marlene Dietrich CD; what drew you to honor this other icon and legend?
MP: Another fierce woman who had a spectacular career, pushed boundaries and defied conventions! I’m always fascinated and inclined to learn more about iconic figures who changed the course of history, but what’s particular about Marlene Dietrich is that in addition to being an unbelievably gifted actress, performer and cabaret entertainer, she truly was a pioneer in asserting a woman’s 
right to controlling her image and defying social conventions of the 1930’s. I was stunned to realize that Marlene was the very first female performer with complete control of her image, both on and off stage, all the while being recognized for denouncing fascism and embodying a uniquely enigmatic sex appeal. I couldn’t help being inspired to pay homage to her notable accomplishments, and to the remarkable woman she was to become.
NLE: Your quintet, MARIPOSA, is comprised of women who are proactive for social justice. What does this mean and how do you accomplish this?
MP: I think in one way or another, we all petition for a better outcome, whether it be through obtaining equity, improved working conditions, opportunities and/or access to resources. MARIPOSA’s mission is to give back to the less fortunate communities, and give them an opportunity to be exposed to empowering music performed by empowered women.
NLE: What attracted you to music that’s “retro;” especially from the Roaring Twenties and gypsy jazz?
MP: I think I was born in the wrong era! Musically speaking, it’s really what speaks to me the most honestly. My musical heroes/heroines mostly emerged from that time period and it has influenced me the most in terms of both music and style. I also love the glamour and elegance from this period. Portraying this allows me to express myself from within.
NLE: What areas of your performing and professional life do you consider yet-to-be conquered or explored?
MP: So many different areas… But one that immediately comes to mind is that I’ve not yet toured extensively with my own music. This is something I’m excited to begin exploring. Also, I have a collection of poems I’ve written, or been inspired by through the years so I’d eventually like to put them to music. Perhaps, when I find myself in a conducive setting, this project will take place… But who knows where or when?!
