MARIS – Heavenly Bodies

By starrymag | November 27, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as the soundtrack to electric and devastating scenes from the 80s movie in my head that I process my memories through. I probably have a more “woo woo” way to describe sound, just because that’s how I’ve always experienced it. If I had to categorize it in genre, I would say pop with influences from everything else.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) My musical influences are all over the board depending on how I’m feeling in any given moment, but definitely, for this first project off the dome I’d say Queen was a huge influence, One Direction, Marina Diamandis and Paramore.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Heavenly Bodies.”

A) Basically, I was in a toxic relationship in high school where I was the other woman of sorts. To me, “Heavenly” articulates that electricity in the push and pull and the ecstasy that comes with yearning and agony.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I would hope that anyone listening would connect to the release of it and feel cathartic while listening to it. Or they just wanna dance. Either way, I’d be happy.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video is actually a part of a greater narrative within a short film I’m directing with Caro Knapp. For the debut video, we told the story of chasing the high that someone’s approval gives you and being drawn to the things that hurt you. But it’s all a bit surreal because when I process intense times in my life, it always feels like I was dreaming. Each of the music videos from the EP will push us further along into this short film and, by the end, it’s pretty full circle. I’m so excited to share the whole thing next year.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It depends. Usually, in my flow state I can actually write the lyrics and melody to something without any music at all. I’m so connected to those parts of the song that putting the chords underneath it is the thing I need to work on. I have a bunch of “seeds” everywhere, which is just concepts for lyrics or lyrics with melodies, etc.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I would call myself an executive producer most of the time. For some of my songs I’ll send a beat that I’ve produced out, but I still have a lot to learn when it comes to production. For every song, though, I’m in the room and shouting ideas and curating what ends up being the final production. I’m fortunate enough to work with some amazing producers who really know what they’re doing, so I’m always asking questions and excited to watch the world come alive as we work together.

 

Q) I know you have an EP coming next year. What can you tease are some themes you will be exploring?

A) I do! The themes in the EP are still making themselves clear to me, which is so exciting and kind of meta. It starts in a sort of Shakespearean space because there’s a prelude to the story I’m about to tell. Then it goes through “Heavenly Bodies,” which is the chase. Was it a Dream? Is the surreal letdown that feels so far away from where the love started? The next single is my escape from this cycle honoring when I lived in Brooklyn for three years. Then the next single, that’ll come out top of next year, has been a process of self-actualization that I’m still going through. And the finale is the acceptance of this process, and the bittersweet letting go.

 

Q) You were out on a 50+ show European tour with Postmortem Jukebox. Where were some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) So insane. Some of my favorite places to perform definitely have to be Spain, we played Madrid and San Sebastian and that was such a privilege. I loved France and playing at the London Palladium is an experience I’ll never forget. That entire tour feels like a fever dream. I am so grateful I got to be a part of it and see so much of the world that otherwise I may never have!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Definitely a cool, hot pop girlie. Dream scenario, I think Miley Cyrus and I would crush together. Also, Jack Antonoff is a dream collaborator of mine. Gone Now is my mac n cheese album.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’m obsessed with MUNA because I think they’ve got such a fresh perspective and sound. Their album Saves the World has gotten me through some hard shit.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I am a very, very, very small part of social media. I think it’s amazing that it really allows you to connect to people on your own terms, but I feel the culture is shifting. In a year or two, I’m not so sure people will feel as excited about sharing everything online or being constantly online. That’s why I’m really excited to start playing shows and getting that connection in real life that extends past the screen.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you!! As you may know already, it’s been quite the rollercoaster and operating in the music industry as a random kid from Montana has meant learning pretty much everything about putting out music the hard way. I’m so excited to have music out again, and I can’t wait to continue to bring you into this world we’re building. I love you! Thank you for listening!