What started as a casual cafeteria conversation between two friends has turned into a seven-member band. The Marigolds made their debut this fall with one goal: taking the Musoffee stage.
Co-leaders Allie Nagel, a second-year education major, and Juliet Campbell, a second-year psychology major, hoped to add a burst of color and retro-inspired sound to Point Loma Nazarene University’s music scene.
“When we realized that we both wanted to join a band, we were like, ‘Why don’t we just do this together?’” Nagel said. “The band really was a shared passion, and we both became really invested in making it happen.”
From the start, the co-leaders had envisioned a group that leaned into ‘70s energy, with warm tones, bold harmonies and fun. According to Campbell, bands like Fleetwood Mac, Sammy Rae & the Friends and classic retro-pop are where The Marigolds find their inspiration.
The retro influence didn’t stop with their music. As the idea for the band became a reality, Campbell and Nagel created an identity for the group, searching for a name that reflected the warm, nostalgic feel that they hoped to create.
“We were trying to incorporate something that meant, like red and vibrant and fun,” Campbell said. “We came up with The Marigolds because they’re this bright orange flower.”
Bringing The Marigolds to life meant finding the right combination of musicians. They pieced together what Campbell jokingly called their “little gaggle,” a seven-member ensemble featuring Mael Stelma, Dawn Jang, Gabe Garcia, Titus Gluck and Bennett Kelly.
The group has already become more than a performance opportunity for the musicians. Keyboardist Mael Stelma, a second-year nursing major, said that learning to play together has been a process of trial, error and unexpected growth.
“At first, we had to really get to know each other to be able to communicate,” Stelma said. “But once we did, everything just kind of clicked into place, and we started making music.”
The group made their debut at the final Musoffee of the semester on Dec. 3. Instead of performing the ‘70s set they had originally planned, they were told their performance would need to feature Christmas music.
Nagel said that the change pushed the band to get creative with their set without losing the lively, retro warmth that they love. They wanted to stay committed to the ‘70s feel that originally brought the band together.
“We’re kind of all over the place when it comes to our sound,” Nagel said. “But we sure do love the ‘70s eccentric vibe.”
Campbell hopes to roll out more of their authentic sound next semester.
“I love our group,” Campbell said. “It’s just an unlikely group of people that all love to make sound and have fun and love the Lord.”
Isa Darisay