maryjo – Traffic

By starrymag | June 29, 2023

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as emotional and passionate. I try not only telling the story, but being in the story, in the moment and expressing. That way the person listening really hears the story however they interpret it.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

 

A) My biggest musical inspirations would have to be Lewis Capaldi, Kelly Clarkson, James Arthur, Adele, Julia Michaels and Justin Bieber.

 

Q) Followed by the success of “Love Fools” comes your most recent single “Traffic,” which is wrapped in a powerful sound and heartbreaking lyrics about a love that seems to be tethered with no signs of wanting to be released anytime soon. What can you tell us about the process of writing this song?

 

A) I think fans are connecting to this song in the way that, whatever type of relationship you’re in, you can grow out of it. Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, whatever it is, and it sucks but it happens. It’s very relatable.

 

Q) Every artist finds a way to connect with an audience throughout their work, in this case. What do you think it is about “Traffic” that fans are connecting to?

 

A) I think fans are connecting to this song in the way that, whatever type of relationship you’re in, you can grow out of it. Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends – whatever it is. And it sucks but it happens. It’s very relatable.

 

Q) While creating “Traffic” what can you say was the easiest part of this process and what was the most difficult to figure out for you?

 

A) The easiest part was being able to relate to this song with my whole writing/production team. The hardest part was realizing how true this song was and makes me worried for future relationships of my light being burnt out. I’ll be good though, I’m only 22. 😎

 

Q) In the official visualizer of “Traffic” we see you perform in a number of scenarios displayed all in black and white. What is the meaning you were trying to convey by these visuals and how did you come to the realization that this is the way you wanted to present it to your audience?

 

A) Honestly, when doing the visualizers, I just think the black and white looked cooler. But with the commotion in the video we were trying to emulate the confusion, feelings of just being stuck and not knowing what to do or handle the situation. You still love them, but you’re not falling more in love with them, you’re just stuck!

 

Q) Are there any plans to release an EP or a full album anytime soon? 

 

A) We definitely have more songs coming! Hopefully, we can package up an album soon.

 

Q) Looking back to when you started and to the place you are at now, how can you define your growth as a person and as an artist?

 

A) Looking back to where I started to where I am now just makes me so excited. I know I have grown a lot, but it just shows me how much growing can be done and how much more still needs to be done and knowing I can do it! The journey and seeing how much I am capable of is very exciting (I mean that in a humble way).

 

Q) I read that before joining “American Idol” you hadn’t shared your musical talent with anyone, not even your family. What was that something that encouraged you to take the next big step and audition for this show?

 

A) My team and family helped me to decide to do it. My managers found me on TikTok, after “American Idol” had asked me to audition. I refused. But with the push of everyone, it ended up being one of the best things ever. The crew, cast, producers, everyone on that show was awesome. The experience was the “push the baby bird out of its nest” push that I needed.

 

Q) Being on a competition series like “American Idol” often serves as a great platform for young artists to let their voice be heard and known out there. How would you define your experience of being part of a show like this one and what were the biggest lessons learned throughout it?

 

A) The biggest lesson I learned was to enjoy the moment you’re in singing, not rushing to finish because you’re anxious to get that “I gotta throw up” feeling out of your stomach!

 

Q) It is well known that your presence on TikTok has been pleasantly received and has turned into a tremendous success, based on this, how will you describe the role of social media in your career? 

 

A) People think social media is crucial for artist in many ways. I don’t totally agree, but kinda. It depends on the person and their artistry. But for ME, personally, I just love making videos and posting, and talking to random strangers! (Kidding!) But I really do love posting…So, I will always use it and incorporate my artistry.

 

Q) We are aware that you have recently joined the Atlantic Records family, what does this mean for you as an artist and what do you expect to accomplish here?

 

A) I remember loving Atlantic just because its name is so beachy and cool. Then, when I realized as I got older and how they were a recording label I was like, “Jeez I really love them now.” Then, I met people from the team, and everything just clicked. It feels like a family, and they truly want the best for me. Not just in a business way, but you can tell they just care about you as a person. That’s so important to me. I want to go all the way with this team, for all of us to be successful, grow with them and continue this dope relationship I have with them.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future and what makes them so significant for you?

 

A) My biggest collab dream would have to be Lewis Capaldi, Justin Bieber, Niall Horan, or Kid Laroi. They’re musical geniuses and I have a lot of respect for each of them individually and their stories.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music you make?

 

A) Ahhh to the fans, I am so excited for our journey together!! This is going to be so fun, the ups & downs, the touring, all of it! So, let’s do this thanggg!