O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge – HuffPost 8.15.11

Mike Ragogna: So, that being said, what advice do you have for new artists?

Marc Roberge: You know, when I’m asked that question–again, I’m probably repeating myself and beating a dead horse–I do give them that cliché answer, “Well, be willing to play anywhere and work hard and believe in yourself.” You know, these are cliché’s for a reason, because they’re true. (laughs) That’s the advice I give. Regardless of people coming at you and wanting you to be what they want you to be, the most important thing that will set you apart from everybody else is just to do it your way. But don’t be afraid of the hard way. Don’t take the easy way out. Easy routes are very few and far between these days, but every band will get to that point where they either compromise or they don’t, and whatever your version of not compromising is–even if that means picking apart what part of this business you can do what in–it’s only elongating your career.

I’m always telling these young guys, “Yeah, be willing to play anywhere.” I’ve played in churches, synagogues, houses, apartments, people’s living rooms–I don’t care, because it’s just an opportunity to get yourself to more people. It’s all relative…if you’re doing really well in the local scene and continue to do really well in the local scene, then make that your world. And your world will change–it will get a little broader and a little broader. That’s what it is–it’s just working hard. It’s a really easy answer, but it’s so much easier said than done.