Mary Ann
Mary Ann is an independent singer-songwriter from Porto, Portugal. With a bold alternative rock style and thought-provoking lyrics, her music explores social and personal themes with authenticity and passion. Mary Ann continues to push boundaries, fearlessly addressing meaningful issues through her art and captivating visuals.
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Mary Ann? Introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! I'm Mary Ann, an independent singer-songwriter from Porto, Portugal. My music blends alternative rock with deep, thought-provoking messages that explore relevant social themes. In 2023, I had the honor of winning the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in the Alternative category, and in 2024, I was featured in Rolling Stone. Every song and performance is an emotional journey where I aim to connect with people and inspire authenticity.
Tell us about your last music video and song, Welcome.
Welcome is my third single and an ode to the authenticity of the human spirit in an era of overwhelming technological advancements. The song explores the balance between adapting to technology while staying true to our essence. The music video, produced by the talented team at Danado Filmes, combines a futuristic narrative with emotional depth. It's a visually striking experience that sparks reflection while enchanting with minimalist but interesting sci-fi-inspired aesthetics.
Where was it filmed, how long did you film it, how many people participated in the project?
The music video was filmed over three days, involving a team of about ten people, including videographers, production crew, photographers, and makeup artists. On the first day, we shot in white studio half day + half day on the futuristic cube scene - fun fact: we found the "cube room" in an AI-themed escape room! The second day was spent at a futuristic apartment I discovered 2 years ago. Its geometric shapes and minimalism immediately captivated me and I just knew it had to be part of this project! The third day was dedicated to just two seconds of that underwater transition , which took over 60 dives to perfect because I'm not the best swimmer! The humanoid figurines were handmade by me by the way! It was all a challenge, but totally worth it.
What expressive elements did you use in your project?
I wanted to explore the range of human emotions—joy, sadness, pain, anger, nostalgia—and this is reflected in different scenes of the music video. You'll see moments like a heated argument, tears after bad news, celebrations with friends, fear in the "cube room" scene with images of war, and sorrow when addressing animal cruelty. The goal was to capture the raw authenticity of humanity while embracing futuristic aesthetics. The video emphasizes the importance of balancing technological evolution with the essence of what makes us human.
How would you characterize your work, music?
I would say my music is a reflection of who I am: emotional, authentic, and thought-provoking. It blends alternative soundscapes with lyrics that dive deep into meaningful themes, creating a sound that inspires introspection and celebrates individuality.
For which audience group is your music intended?
My music is for anyone searching for something deeper. It's for those who value meaningful lyrics, compelling stories, and emotional connection. Dreamers, thinkers, and free spirits who resonate with authenticity and introspection will find a home in my songs.
What motivated you to become a musician, singer?
Music has always been my refuge and the most authentic way for me to express myself. My passion for storytelling and connecting with others is what drove me to pursue this path. I always knew "this is what i want to do for the rest of my life"!
What themes do you like to explore most in your work?
I explore themes like authenticity, resilience, mental health... I believe these are fundamental issues today, and I use my music to spark conversations and inspire change.
What is your favorite genre and why?
I love alternative music because it has no limits. It offers immense creative freedom and the opportunity to mix different influences, allowing me to explore music in a unique and authentic way.
What project would you like to create one day, and what would it be about?
I'm not entirely sure yet, but definitely something with a bold visual narrative—breaking norms and offering an immersive, innovative experience that pushes creative boundaries while staying authentic. It must always carry a unique touch and essence! Steering clear of anything traditional, shallow, or standardized (I respect those approaches—they have their space—but they're just not my thing).
What do you do when you're not thinking about music, work?
Although it's hard not to think about music, when I take breaks, I enjoy gaming, walking in the park, exercising for physical and mental well-being, and spending time with friends and family. I also love traveling to discover new cultures and find inspiration!
What projects do you plan in the future?
I'm currently working on my debut EP, which will expand on the themes explored on these released singles. In 2025, I will be having the official launch concert for the project and looking for new opportunities to perform, both in Portugal and internationally. My goal is to keep growing, creating, and sharing my music with more people.