So Maryann, where you're from and can you tell us a little bit about your upbringing?
I am originally from New Jersey with roots in New York and Florida. Having 3 brothers, I spent a lot of time climbing trees, crabapple fights, swimming in the pool, riding mini-bikes, mushroom hunting…basically I was outside enjoying nature a lot. When inside I loved playing my Monkeys Album which my brother broke over my head. I guess he got tired of hearing it…LOL. As I got older, I loved singing all the Elvis songs as well as all the oldies. I took ballet from the age of 3 up till I turned 12, which I didn’t appreciated until much later in life.
We understand you have been doing music for a long time so what inspires you to make such a prosperous career?
I don’t know so much about being prosperous, but it is a very rewarding career. I’ve had a long desire to sing. My formative years, my 20s, I had the fun of being in a band called Disaster Recovery. We did alternative rock and it was perfect for the late 70s and most of the 80s. The 80s took its toll on the band and we separated. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Marriage, kids and a little time passes, and I find myself at 50 writing my first song – “Is Freedom Free?” and putting together an entire album of 10 original songs. It was liberating to know I could even do that, and it’s been a fun ride ever since.
In 2006, A Rose... is a Rose... is a Rose had a great impact on your career, could you tell us a little bit of the inspiration for that milestone?
The story goes, I was inspired by going back to school to take 2 classes both in English and math. In the second English class, the professor asked the class just to write a short couple of lines on “Is Freedom Free?” I wrote NO! Someone paid a price for that freedom. The professor wanted to debate the issue and I emphatically stated… war, loss of life, rape, etc… is a price to pay! So, I went home and was so pissed off at the blindness of this educated individual, that I wrote “Is Freedom Free?” on July 2, 2006. This led to major inspiration and before I knew it, 10 songs about relationships on all fronts from love, hate, betrayal, despair and finally reconciliation with yourself, were ready to put on my first album.
After the album, A Rose…is a Rose… is a Rose was complete, I went back to the school and to this professor’s mailbox and left a copy of the CD with a little note attached saying… Is Freedom Free?
Who are some of your favorite folk, adult contemporary and rock artists?
Well without a doubt Elvis ranks up there in the top oldies with Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Van Morrison and Bill Withers. Some newer artists that inspire me are Chris Issak, Pink, Joan Jett, Cher & Christine Aguilera, just to name a few.
Beside music, what are some of your favorite things you like to do?
I love being at home on a rainy day with my windows open. I love to smell the freshness that the rain brings. I also enjoy cooking, baking and juicing is a #1 priority every day to stay healthy.
Could you tell us about your latest project?
My latest project “THE OUTSIDER” is an observation of life. We as a people are very judgmental. “THE OUTSIDER” is a person who acknowledges at a young age, the rights and wrongs of life, and has an uncanny ability to weigh the truth and find balance. “THE OUTSIDER” is a refreshing reminder of the dealings that life hands us and a reminder to continue to look inside ourselves.
The song has a fun vibe and 60s feel with a driving rhythm. Take a listen and find “THE OUTSIDER” in you.
How do you feel about the state of the music industry today?
The music industry does not represent most artists. It’s just a money processing machine. As an Indie Artist, I have the full control and enjoyment of writing and singing on my terms. I do this first for me, and wholeheartedly enjoyed all the artists that I’ve worked with that helped inspire and grow my music. It’s given me a little slice of the indie market that I can feel proud of and happy for my contribution to music as a whole.
Any last remarks?
Music is in the hearts of every person, whether we sing it, tap it, play it, write it, dance to it or make love to it! It’s there and will always be there. One thing that will never be taken away from any individual’s mind, is the ability within oneself to control “THE OUTSIDER”!
MARYANN …=_=…
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