Her sound cannot be put in a single box, and singer/songwriter Mariami has managed to fuse RnB, Soul, Pop and Folk music into a hypnotic sound that is truly unique.
After releasing an EP and a stream of steady singles last year, the songstress released her new single “Miss The Show” on September 28th and is now gearing up for a winter of writing and recording.
And while the year has been a bit upside down, Mariami took the time to chat with Second Society Report about her creative process and share some lessons learned during a year that won’t be forgotten!
You can check out our interview below, and be sure to stream “Miss The Show,” out now.
Second Society Report: Thank you for taking time to talk to us. 2020 has been crazy! How are you doing? Apart from music, what else have you been doing to keep busy and stay positive?
Mariami: I’m hyped to have music out (haha), it feels empowering to create when access is seemingly limited. Besides music I’ve been with family, hiking, reading, juicing and learning!
SSR: Your music is a fusion of various genres, who are you inspired by?
Mariami: I love nostalgic elements in music production. Artists like Tame Impala and Harry Styles move me. I also love Brazilian music, Jazz and International music. I used to work at Putumayo World Music which had a highly selective curation of world music on rotation. I was exposed to a lot of great music from some of the most beautiful voices from around the globe.
SSR: What does your music say about you?
Mariami: That I love what I do and want people to love themselves by demonstrating that in my art.
SSR: Does your music have a deliberate direction or are you more open to simply evolving in whatever direction it takes you?
Mariami: I am always open to evolving! I certainly have themes that I gravitate to in production and writing but my compass shifts all the time. I’d say my true north is always Soul because Georgian music is rooted in soulful expression and I’m a native of Georgia (the country not the state).
SSR: Has your creative process changed during this time?
Mariami: Yes! “Miss The Show” was produced entirely remotely. The producer and I have never been in the same room once. Elements of my business have shifted towards all remote interviews, podcasts, press features and campaign/ marketing management.
SSR: What made you choose “Miss The Show” as your first single? What inspired the title?
Mariami: I always feel like if a person loses me in their life, that they’re going to miss out. I realize it is a super self-righteous mindset but I think it comes from a place of utter confidence in knowing I’m one of the dopest people ever (haha). I may project or act on my insecurities from time to time, but at my core I know I’m a real one. So if you choose to miss the show, you’ll miss out on a lot. :/
SSR: Keeping to the theme of “Miss The Show”, reflecting on 2020, are there moments that you feel you would’ve missed the show had this been a normal year? Any examples you’d like to share?
Mariami: I don’t think I would have missed anything. If I want something, I go for it.
SSR: Do you have any other plans relating to this release? Like a video or online performance?
Mariami: In November, I’m doing another live stream from LA and “Miss The Show” will be a part of that. We also have some video clips!
SSR: Have you written lots of material during Covid that we can look forward to hearing? Any plans for an EP or album anytime soon?
Mariami: I haven’t been writing much actually. It has been a more family and inward focused year for me. I head back to the studio this winter in LA!
SSR: What has been the most challenging part of being an artist during Covid?
Mariami: I don’t think it has been challenging, I think being a human has been more challenging. Musicians use art as a form of storytelling and escapism from reality to create elevated experiences. It seems as if Covid however has urged mankind NOT to run and NOT to escape but rather be present and engaged, with their feelings, with family and with uncomfortable things they would normally run or hide from. I took this opportunity to truly get present and engaged with my personal life and NOT bandaid it, so that the art I make post-Covid can be even more beautiful and powerful.
SSR: What are you looking forward to the most post-Covid? Are there things you’ve learned that you’ll carry forward like hobbies, a way of viewing things etc.?
Mariami: I love this question. Aside from just looking forward to post-Covid life, I will remember that staying present and being actively engaged in the present moment is the most powerful action we can take.
SSR: Is there anything you’d like to share with your fans that we haven’t touched on?
Mariami: Just a resounding thank you for being along for the ride! I love you guys!
Keep your eyes open for Mariami’s live stream from LA in November 2020. You can stay updated by following her on Instagram here.
Check out Mariami’s “Miss The Show” in the link to stream here.
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