Campaign Story

My Why

Music has always been the thread that’s pulled me through life—the one thing that never let me go, even when everything else fell apart. I grew up in churches across the DFW area because my dad was a preacher. Full of fire and rules, it often felt like my free spirit didn’t belong. I didn’t set out to be a singer, but music had other plans. My sister and I discovered a way of harmonizing only siblings can have, and by 19, we chased our dream to Nashville.

We worked full-time jobs and knocked on every label door. Finally, Universal/Republic New York signed us and Everything. Happened. Touring, recording, playing on stages with icons and idols of mine! It was a dream come true - what felt like a deserving reward for a lot of really hard work.

And then, just as quickly, it was all taken away. No warning, no conversation. Just a fax that read: “The magic is gone.” My heart shattered, and everything I’d worked for disappeared overnight.

I spiraled. I lost confidence, hid from the world, and made choices to survive that didn’t serve me. Yet I couldn’t stay away from music. I sang in smoky honky-tonks for a few dollars, surviving on whatever I could, and through it all, I rediscovered my voice—and myself.

One night, I walked into a honky-tonk ready to be unapologetically me—no fake smile, just my boots, jeans, and my voice. I gave the performance of my life. People loved it. That night I realized: I am not a puppet. I am who I am, and my music is my truth.

I put a band together and met Quinten, my partner and anchor. From the first gig, his guitar and my voice locked in like they’d been waiting their whole lives. Together, we’ve built something honest—no gimmicks, just raw soul and truth. Every performance, whether in backyards or on big stages, is about sharing who we are and making people feel part of it.

I’m Chaz Marie, and this is my fundraising campaign.

Up 'Til Now

Over more than 20 years performing professionally, I’ve headlined festivals, theaters, and private events across Texas and nationally. I’ve shared stages with legends like Kenny Rogers, Wynonna Judd, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar, Michael McDonald, The Temptations, and Cross Canadian Ragweed. I co-founded The Marie Sisters, signed to Universal/Republic Records, released the single Real Bad Mood (Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks), and provided background vocals on LeAnn Rimes’ platinum album Sittin’ on Top of the World.

My songwriting spans country, Americana, soul, blues, and rock. I’ve collaborated with incredible musicians and producers, including Will Lee, Richard Marx, Guy Roche, and Shep Goodman & Kenny Gioia. Independent releases, like Take Me Away and Bestie, continue to resonate with fans and showcase my growth as an artist.

Beyond the music, I give back—raising over $13,000 for Kerrville flood relief, mentoring teen musicians through songwriting camps, and performing for ill kids and families with Music Meets Medicine. This work fuels the soul of our band and keeps the heart of music alive.

What I've Been Working On

Now, I’m ready for the next chapter. Independent artists face a lot of challenges. We’re out here in a very challenging industry having to go it alone to get a lot of things accomplished. Things like recording, mixing, mastering, pressing, promotion, touring. All this stuff really adds up. And that’s why I’m coming to you now.

With your help, I can record and promote new music, keep our band working, and bring our songs to more stages, more hearts, and more lives. Every contribution matters. It helps keep this music alive, it helps us keep sharing our story, and it keeps the connection going strong.

Perks

In exchange for your support, we’ll have a bunch of very cool things to give back. Copies of the record we make, early bird specials, private shows, exclusive access, and even a chance to be one of the executive producers of the new record.

Join Me On This Journey

If you’ve ever felt seen through a song, if you believe in second chances, if you’ve felt the power of music to lift you when nothing else could—this campaign is for you. Join us, and be a part of this journey. Let’s make something real, together.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for listening, thank you for believing, and thank you for helping us keep this dream alive.

–Chaz