Marna and Macy: Cute, blonde and talented. It sounds almost too good to be true. But a story like this cant be invented. This is a story of struggle, conflict, perseverance, and resolution that only a real world contemporary family dynamic can produce. A story with a happy ending that is just beginning.Today, Marna and Macy stand on the verge of stardom after years of honing their craft, performing, and recording. The release of the CD entitled Boys Will Be Boys has snared the attention of music business heavyweights from Nashville to Hollywood. If Bonnie Raitt had given birth to Carrie Underwood, they would be hard-pressed to top Marna and Macy. This mother-daughter duo delivers a contemporary-country-southern-funky sound that is finding fondness from the fans of Sheryl Crow, Gretchen Wilson, and Wynonna.A generation ago, Marna Bales stood at a crossroads that many single parents encounter; put career dreams on hold for the sake of a child, or forge ahead for personal gain? "Finding balance you hear that a lot but it really is what its all about," Marna says from her dressing room, which she now shares with Macy. "I used to only take shows within a three-hour drive, to be sure I could get home before Macy woke up for the day. Then she hit adolescence and it became impossible. I needed to be there for her." Marna walked away from promising opportunities in the music business and "got a real job" to find that balance. The "real job" came with hidden blessings, allowing her to hone her skills in the television production world. Shortly after, Marna married her writing partner, and accomplished drummer/producer, Jody Boyd. These two determined adults found challenges in raising their headstrong teenager, Macy, who was also adjusting to new family dynamics. The one common ground they all shared was the love of performing music. Proving the apple doesnt fall far from the tree, Macy was captivated by music and planned to follow in her parents footsteps.When Macy set off for Shenandoah Music Conservatory in Virginia, Mom and Jody started writing songs, performing and recording together as the Marna Bales Band. While Macy was pursuing her creative identity away from home, the stage was literally being set, back at home. "My friends would come home with me and we would stop by a club and see the band. They would say, thats your Mom?! - she rocks! And you know what, she does. I guess I needed somebody elses perspective or something, I mean, you know - shes my Mom," Macy says with a million-dollar smile.Marna and Jody were more than half way through production of Boys Will Be Boys when it happened. Macy was home for the weekend when Marna invited her to sing backups in the studio. The moment Jody heard the pure genetic blend of their voices, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. It was in that moment Jody knew these girls were destined to be a duo.The epiphany came later for Macy. One night after strategic prodding and a dare from her friends, Macy took the stage with her mom. Like an explosion of matched body movements and blood harmonies, the magic happened. The vocal textures produced by two family members singing together are something that cant be bought or taught they just are. Macy joined the band.Now they are all on the journey together promoting Boys Will Be Boys, which features Macy on several cuts. The record is independently produced and reveling in the moment of creative freedom. In spite of their "yet to be signed" status, numerous radio stations throughout the south have embraced and programmed songs from the CD into rotation an almost unprecedented achievement. The commercial appeal of their musical stories, production quality and powerhouse vocals are generating listener response that simply cannot be ignored. They play it people respond.The Marna Bales Band has performed festivals, clubs and high profile events like the Harley Davidson 100th year anniversary on the Mall in D.C. They have have wowed audiences as large as 48,000 people and have shared the stage with Sara Evans, Montgomery Gentry, Charlie Daniels, Gary Allan, John Anderson, Delbert McClinton, Hot Apple Pie, Billy Dean, Andy Griggs, John Michael Montgomery, Little Texas, Ricochet, and Leon Russell. They self-produced two CDs, a Christmas EP and nationally aired their music video 'Wave' on GAC.An industry veteran recently flew to Marna and Macys hometown of Richmond, Virginia to take a closer listen to what he had been hearing from this dynamic group. Word of attention like this has fueled interest among other major players in the Nashville scene.But Nashville is not the only city of destiny for this Mom and Daughter. Hollywood loves a good story. Producers have expressed an interest in not only their music, but in their contemporary family success story.Says Marna with a sweet smile and bright, experienced eyes, "Right now we are weighing all the options. Its nice to finally have them, and amazing to be able to share them with my daughter."
