Some artists just have a way of speaking to your inner soul. It’s as if the words they say came out of your own mind. When those type of artists come along they tend to be the ones who stick with people as they ascend in the business. Such has been the case for the rising songstress Mariam and her music.
With her debut EP “Heart To Heart”, the South London-based singer displays an uncanny ability to create captivating sounds. Upon first listen I found myself enthralled with the way she was able to construct songs as a writer. She also adds dimensions to the music by being a self-taught guitarist. All of her versatile talents just combine to form the perfect blend of musical ability.
As the EP continues to make its rounds in both London and abroad, we at 1DF were granted a chance to speak with Mariam. In our Q&A session we focused on the music, her road to become a solo artist and more. Continue below for our dialogue and if you’re interested “Heart To Heart” is available on iTunes now.
I understand that you’ve always had a love of music and writing. What were some of the earlier things that you started out writing like?
Well I first started writing poetry and stories, I loved to just create stories and write poems about books I had read or how my day went, I was very young like around 8 but I loved stories and just wrote about my world.
Being that you’ve been writing for so long what is the process like for you now when you write songs?
It varies even after writing for so long, but that’s what makes it exciting. Some songs create themselves and others take time, It helps having the guitar now because sometimes it’s easier to write from a melody I have been playing around with, now I get to write with other people which is great as it helps you to grow and learn a different perspective.
Another interesting thing is that you taught yourself how to play the guitar. What influenced you to want to learn and how hard was it to do so?
I was listening to some music that was very guitar based and I started to really love the sound of the guitar, so I just decided to buy one and learn. It was very hard, I felt sorry for my family at first, I made so much noise at home but eventually it started to sound normal lol, I just kept at it and then eventually began writing songs with it.
So when it comes to officially becoming a singer to my understanding the first big move was joining the London Community Gospel Choir. How was that experience for you?
It was great, it was so amazing to be surrounded by so many amazing singers, I had seen them perform before and was blown away, so to be able to sing with them and learn from them has been great, lots of fun.
What would you say being a part of that taught you the most?
It taught me to always be willing to learn, you may think you know something, but there is always someone who knows more, and that is great, also to be adaptable and be yourself.
And now it all comes full circle to your debut EP. What is the feeling like releasing your first official project? Im sure dreamed of this moment time and time again.
It feels amazing! I’m so relived that it is done and out there for people to enjoy, it has been a long time coming and a dream for a long time, so i am happy and so grateful for all the love its getting. I feel truly blessed.
What was your vision as you went into the creative process? Did it ever change during the creation or did you nail your original concept.
It changed completely lol. I went in with something completely different but as the process went on; myself and the producer ( Feranmi Oguns of OL music) just felt like something else was unraveling and we went with it and ended up with ‘Heart to heart’ and i’m happy that it did.
How has the response been since the release?
It has been great, i’ve been quite overwhelmed with it all, from the sold out launch night to the messages, tweets etc I’ve got about it from people, I can’t be happier, it’s a great feeling especially for my first EP, it’s really blessed me and encouraged me to keep going and creating.
I believe the song that spoke to me most was “Without You”. It’s a very heartfelt record in it’s presentation and I’m wondering if it was based on a person in your life?
I’m glad to hear that, it was based on life, my family, God. For me when things get rough and I just feel like life is getting too much for me; they get me through it, so I guess it is about a person lol
I’d also like to speak about the single. What made you choose “Be There For Me” and is it your personal favorite from the collection?
It just felt right to go with ‘Be There for Me’ I think out of all the songs on the EP it was the one that everyone can really get involved in as it’s quite a statement track with lots of energy. It’s hard to have a favourite, I love them all and everyday it changes, I’m just happy to have a piece of music that I love and I’m proud of.
You performed the song acoustically which was a great performance by the way. I know you’re a strong singer but do you prefer to do the acoustic sittings when the focus is more on your vocals or would you prefer a different type of performance? Some artists just have their reservations about that type of thing.
Thank you, I do love the acoustic vibe because there is no hiding, it has helped be to become a more open and vulnerable performer because of that fact and i’m use to it. Having said that I’d love to switch it up every so often, I love live music and there is something amazing about having a full sound with a band, so it depends on the event.
Speaking of performances what other ones do you have in the future that people may need to know about?
Got some in the pipelines which will be updated on my website.
What else is on your schedule is we head into the next year?
Lots of great things, hopefully some more live sessions and some videos, very exciting.
If you could make two wishes, one for the world in general and one as it pertains to music what would they be?
That’s hard…..I would say for the world, that we would know real love and would extend that to everyone around us, and for music, that true art would get the attention it deserved…I find there is the most amazing music on the underground scene, that should be heard.
Is there anything you want to say before we conclude?
Thanks for the chat and I’m so glad you like the EP.
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