CountryMusicGuide: What was it like making your video for "Tennessee?" Where was it filmed?

Marcel: Well, I have to say which one? I made my own video with a home video camera and editing software. That was very fun! I shot footage of me being in Nashville and being on the road doing some touring. Piecing it together was a challenge. The final project is actually on my record as a bonus feature. The other version of the video that Mercury produced, which Shaun Silva directed was a very cool concept. We actually flew to Los Angeles and then drove back to Nashville with a camera crew. Getting up at the crack of dawn to find amazing sunrises, driving until we found another jaw dropping shot, getting the sunsets and driving till 2 AM to get to the next city made it a long 5 day trip! My album is an enhanced CD which you can view both version of the video.

CountryMusicGuide: Who are you inspired by musically?

Marcel: I have always been inspired by Garth Brooks. He is just so real and passionate. I really dig Tim McGraw's stage get-up as well.

CountryMusicGuide: What is your favorite song on the album?

Marcel: I think my favorite song on my album is "Annie Divine". It's just a great driving song with some pretty cool lyrical edge! I also dig "You, Me and The Windshield."

CountryMusicGuide: Do you play any instruments besides the guitar?

Marcel: I like to say I own a guitar. I say that because I can play enough to write and get by playing rhythm. Real guitar players are like Al Anderson, Keith Urban, Kenny Greenberge and Dann Huff. Anyway. I can play a little piano to write songs basically...not to record for sure! Harmonica (anyone can play that!). I can play all instruments a little bit, but like anything, you need to practice to get better at all of them!

CountryMusicGuide: Who are some of your favorite country music artists?

Marcel: Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Anthony Smith, Jessica Andrews, Faith Hill, Clay Walker and Johnny Cash.

CountryMusicGuide: Is it hard being in the same industry and profession as your girlfriend?

Marcel: Sometimes it gets hard to be in the same industry as Jessica. She will go off and do some shows and I will be at home writing. Then when she is scheduled to come home, I have to leave and go out to do some radio shows. That has happened a few times, but that is the only kind of conflicts we have. We actually help each other out in so many ways. It's great!

CountryMusicGuide: If you could talk to three people from the past or present who would they be and why?

Marcel: Ernest Hemingway: I would ask him how he can write such beautiful, amazing books and words. He could write things on one page that it would take other writers five pages to express what they wanted to say. James Dean: I would ask him why he had to drive so reckless? And tell him that we all thought he was a rebel even if he didn't do crazy things. I would also like to take a course from him on how to just chill and be calm, cool and collective...basically another stud! You could build a house with Elvis and James...they are big enough studs! Eleanor Roosevelt: This woman was amazing! I wish she was around today to put her two cents in on a lot of subjects. I would ask her how she has enough courage to speak out and be firm on her beliefs.

CountryMusicGuide: Your CD has a few songs about following your dream and taking chances. Do you tend to write songs about stuff you've lived rather than stuff you haven't yet?

Marcel: I absolutely write my songs about personal experience. If they are not about personal experience, I still throw something personal in the song. I think that is the best way to do it...real songs for real people!

CountryMusicGuide: What lead you to drop your last name for your professional career as an artist?

Marcel: My whole name is Marcel Francois Chagnon. It is very French Canadian and I figured my whole life people have been butchering my last name and it definitely wasn't going to change when funny DJs are attempting to pronounce it. So the easiest way to keep my name and not use a stage name was to go with one name...which makes it easier to remember! It's definitely not a Madonna, Prince thing!

CountryMusicGuide: Some artists find the recording process stimulating or stressful? (Did you?)

Marcel: Not at all. This was my first record. I dreamed of this day. Also, I wrote all of my songs and I think I may have been more confident with the songs. I love working in the studio and making music. The part that IS stressful is never knowing when the big break is going to happen or if it's going to happen. Getting the record deal is one thing...now I have to touch people with my music and sell records. I want it so bad!

CountryMusicGuide: What's your favorite Hockey team? Do you like other sports?

Marcel: I'm a big Detroit Red Wings Fan! I love golf and I dig all sports. I actually play a lot and participate in anything athletic. I am a ball of energy. I can't sit still! My knees and body aches are living proof.

CountryMusicGuide: What inspired you to become a singer instead of a hockey player?

Marcel: I have always wanted to be a singer...even when I was playing hockey... my teammates would tease me because I was always singing something. I was born to be in front of people and singing or doing something in the form of entertainment. When Garth plays his guitar and sings...you listen and believe! That's what I want to do. I want people to listen and think to themselves 'hey this guy is human just like me and he has been through the same stuff as I have. It's ok to have good days and bad days etc. We are all human!'

CountryMusicGuide: What would you like to say to the fans out there reading this?

Marcel: I want to thank everyone that is reading this right now. I want you all to know that you are icing my path to the future. Because of you I can skate after my dreams. I will always be there for you guys, as you are for me. Thank you so much for being here for me! I love you guys!