Edgy synthesizer driven hooks, tight production, beautiful lyricism and effortlessly sexy vocals are easily bringing NYC based R&B songstress Mariami to the forefront of the urban music scene. Compelled to put her nation on the map, this fiery Georgian-born native packs a powerful message in her music. With a driven line-up of musicians, Mariami and her band put on a show infused with urban edge and dynamic talent that will have you talking. We recently caught up with her and chatted about her favorite gig, her fun fan interaction, and where you can see her next.
What do you hope listeners will get from your music?
My generation has a really diverse catalog of music to chose from, and among these music makers, I'm like the soulful girl who makes you slow down, chill out and feel all warm inside. My music has elements of old school R&B flavor that have been adapted to contemporary tastes, so I think it's widely approachable to many audiences. Most importantly though, my intention is that people press play and feel really flipping good.
What’s the best gig you ever played?
Truthfully I'd say my best gig was at the Middle East last year in Boston. The sound in the venue was superb, the audience was beautiful, the band was killing it and the vibes were out of control! When you have a show like that it can sometimes take like 2 weeks to come down from the high.
How has social media affected the way you market/promote your music?
Social media has made me incredibly aware of the public and what moves them. One is able to easily pick up on trends and interests, and from that you can target and promote your music really effectively. Social media has also allowed me to reach a wide fan base and to connect with producers, radio personnel, DJ's, fans in other countries and artists. It's a blessing but can also hurt the creative process if you spend too much energy on it.
What’s a creative way that you interact with your fans? Live? Online?
There is nothing more righteous than giving back what your fans give you. I respond to each and every shout out, inquiry and tweet! If they show the love, I give it right back! At shows I have this fun call and response moment during one of my songs "I Cried." It's the type of melodic call and response where even if you can't sing you'll be wailing it out at the top of your lungs!
What’s your next big gig coming up? When/Where?
This winter I'm going to bring it all back to my home state of Vermont. I've been living in New York City and playing here this past year and it's time to bring the urban city love to the rustic mountains. The show is slated for either December or January at a ski resort venue, location name TBD.
Check out more on Mariami here.
