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| Mary I Am |
Mary I Am: Hey man, thanks for asking because I’ve been singing all my life, but the earliest recollection is 5.
CG: Wow you started young. Who are some of your influences?
Mary I Am: It’s so many to name but I came from an era where music was original and creative, female artist like Dinah Shore, Ettta James, Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Queens of Soul Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle, Stephanie Mills, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofil, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Janice Joplin, Teena Marie, Tracey Chapman, Chaka Khan, Sly & The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Maxwell….all the soul and Neo soul genre.
CG: That's an awesome group of influences!! When did you first realize that you could sing? What was that moment like?
Mary I Am: I never thought about it, singing is like breathing for me but I always get positive reactions from family, friends and strangers. When I sing no one ever told me. "Shut up you can’t sing." lol
Mary I Am: I never thought about it, singing is like breathing for me but I always get positive reactions from family, friends and strangers. When I sing no one ever told me. "Shut up you can’t sing." lol
CG: What were you doing before you started singing?
Mary I Am: Well I started out in corporate America being an administrative assistant/word processing operator. I got tired of being in an office and decided to go to hair school. I became a cosmetologist and opened up a hair salon. I did that for about 10 years or so but the irony is I always wanted to sing just didn’t have the know how or confidence at the time.
CG: I can definitely relate to getting the confidence. When was it that you decided that you wanted to sing professionally?
Mary I Am: When I was doing hair one of my co-workers, who was into hip-hop, used to rap, write his own songs and perform in talent shows. He encouraged me to start writing my songs, record them and start performing. I took his advice and the funny thing is I never knew I could write, but before you knew it, I found myself writing up a storm. Before you knew it 15 songs were born, but I only recorded 10 which are on my album called "Spiritual Evolution."
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| Spiritual Evolution is available on Itunes |
CG: How would you describe your sound? What sets you apart from the other artists out there?
Mary I Am: My sound is universal and it's very soulful. I have a deep rich voice which can be compared to Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofil and Toni Braxton but you can see I have my own style. I am doing everything for myself promoting, marketing, writing my songs co-producing, getting my own gigs, and forming my band. I sing songs about love, peace and universal togetherness.
CG: How do you juggle working a 9 to 5 with a music career?
Mary I Am: I don’t juggle I just do what’s necessary, I put as much energy in my music as I do in my job it’s not a career for me. lol
CG: As an independent artist, what have some of your struggles been? Have you ever been frustrated with your career?
Mary I Am: I wish I had the money I needed for all the marketing and promoting that is required like being able to pay my band getting a manager, and a booking agent so I can just concentrate on just being an artist.
CG: I know what you mean about getting the money together that can be a real pain especially trying to weed out the flaky managers and producers. I think concentrating on being an artist is wonderful but we artist must also handle our business because there are a lot of snakes out there. As we all know the music industry is a young people’s game. Lately it seems that the only female artist they are interested in are in their 20s and half naked with very little talent. How do you feel about that?
Mary I Am: It’s a travesty of course because it doesn’t allow them to be themselves, some of them can really sing but can’t be original or creative because the industry don’t want them to be. It’s mostly male dominated so they don’t put much value or attention to real singing, just on how they can use you as a sex object or eye candy as they prefer. There is no age limit to talent, anyone can sing from 8 to 80 or beyond. The industry needs to let go of the superficial aspects and get to the heart of the talent so that good music can be made to last forever.
CG: Where have you performed?
Mary I Am: The first place I performed live was at the world famous Lenox Lounge in Harlem. I have also sung at Soul Café, The Underground, and Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. I was a featured artist on this public access program called "Fade To Black" and performed some of my songs that aired in Brooklyn and in Queens for a couple of months. I also had my record release/listening party at a Bar Lounge called Honey and did various open mic venues in Harlem. I also did background for a group called the Rhythm Makers and performed at the Harlem State Office Building. I currently do background from time to time with Benny & The Ben-Jam-Min Band. ( A soul group based in New York City)
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| Mary I Am live on stage! |
CG: Would you like to be a signed artist on a major label or is being an independent artist better suited for you?
Mary I Am: Right now Independent is the only way to go because I have full control over my career, maybe later on I would consider being signed. But it would be on my terms.
CG: As a singer I am sure you've had your share of haters, people telling you to stick to your day job or saying that you can’t sing. How do you handle that?
Mary I Am: Well actually to tell you the truth no one ever told me I couldn’t sing and or to stick to my day job. I’m quite sure there are a few naysayers that’s talking behind my back. lol I honestly believe I would be holding my own self back by not doing anything to advance my career.
CG: Are there any particular haters that you want to say something to? Get if off your chest.
Mary I Am: To any haters that don’t feel I will be successful in my career I say. GET A LIFE!!! lol
God has something planned for each and every one of us, but it’s up to you to make it happen.
God has something planned for each and every one of us, but it’s up to you to make it happen.
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| Mary I Am |
CG: What advice would you give to that little girl or boy sitting at home dreaming of being a singer?
Mary I Am: Believe in yourself first and foremost, don’t be afraid to go out and sing at talent shows, or contest it will get you exposure because you never know who will see you and help you pursue your dreams.
CG: What’s next for Mary I Am?
Mary I Am: Look out this year people new single being released around March called "Somewhere" along with a music video to follow, continuing to record more songs for my second album, more shows and touring promoting my singles.
CG: Thanks for taking the time and sitting down with me and sharing your story. You are a true inspiration and I wish you nothing but success. Keep doing your thing.
Mary I Am is doing her thing, links to her sites and music are as follows:
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