How did you first start playing music?
I grew up in a super musical household – my dad had a wild collection of instruments (including a harp, kalimbas and assorted flutes), and he hosted a world music radio show so he was always bringing home new records and sharing them with me. I was always singing and writing songs so my mom signed me up for music lessons when I was around 6.
You recently released your single ‘Soft’ what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Soft is definitely the most stripped-down R&B song off my debut EP Like Moons. The rest of the tracks have a stronger electronic component, but this one was recorded with an actual piano and bass guitar. It’s also the only love song. I was feeling pretty dreamy and romantic when I wrote it and I think those sensual vibes come through.
Where and when did you record and who with?
This song was recorded in Montreal with producer Jordan Esau, keyboardist Francis Arseneau, and bassist Alex Dobson. They’re all good, talented pals and I love what they brought to the track! Francis and I were in jazz choir together in high school.
What programs/instruments did you use?
We recorded my vocals using Ableton and then Jordan produced the song in Logic. I’m an Ableton girl myself but I respect his software choices nonetheless.
You also have a video for Soft that’s coming out on the 17th of September, how did the concept for the music video come about?
The director and I came up with the concept back-and-forthing over Instagram. I wanted to keep things simple and have the visuals complement the song, rather than tell a super specific narrative story. We went for a very dreamlike, hazy, vintage film aesthetic, framed in classic 4:3 aspect ratio. She suggested shooting the whole thing in slow motion to amplify that, and using gauzy fabrics both as textures and DIY filters. I played with body glitter of different shapes & sizes and pearl & diamond face stickers to add a bit of a surreal, magic vibe.
Where and when did you film?
On a Toronto Island beach this past August!
Who did you work with?
Paris-based video artist Amanda Louise Macchia shot, directed and edited the whole thing! She’s an all-star.
What did you find most rewarding and challenging during the creation of the Soft video?
The most rewarding part was just doing it. I’ve never made a music video before and kinda built it up to be this big mountain in my head. It felt good to realize you can pretty much make one anywhere, anytime, when you’re working with cool like-minded creative folks. The most challenging part was getting over a bunch of strangers staring at you when you’re frolikcing like a sparkily fairy around a public beach.
What did you learn from the filming/editing experience?
That you probably won’t use ¾ of the random props you bring to set, but it’s always better to be over-prepared.
Where will we be able to see the video?
The old YouTube!
What do you like to do aside from music?
I’m a pop culture and fashion junkie. I spend too much time on the internet keeping up with whatever is trending, and hitting up vintage pop-up sales. I enjoy all things paranormal – horror films, conspiracy theories, hanging out with fellow witches and learning about the occult. I like languages and am a part-time translator. I’m overall shit at visual arts, but I really love photography and doing photoshoots with friends.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Mostly womxn artists currently…Banks, Jesse Jo Stark, Faye Webster, Lana Del Rey, Megan Thee Stallion, Rico Nasty… I’m also going through a permanent emo phase, so a lot of Taking Back Sunday and Fall Out Boy? I may have recently bought tickets to see FOB for the 4th time next summer.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2019 going into 2020?
I’m performing at the POP Montreal festival September 27th and then going on a mini tour, stopping in Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec, Vancouver and Victoria. I have a collab with Mouth Breather (who you’ve chatted with) coming out around Halloween and another new video this winter!
Favourite place to hangout in Montreal?
The Diving Bell Social Club. It’s a multimedia arts and music venue I help run with a rad group of friends. I’m not big on bars or clubs but it feels like a super safe/friendly space. We host music and drag shows, movie screenings, vintage sales, comedy nights…You should come by sometime!
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Website: https://www.maryzemusic.com
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2mlvANL
