Mary Helen Margaret, the enchanting musical talent known for her unique blend of rustic, earthy vibes, and unapologetic pop, is back with her latest offering: ‘Aquamarine’ EP.
This captivating musical voyage is a reflection of her distinct style and artistic prowess, embracing the spirit of both Colorado and California in an ethereal and unforgettable way.
‘Aquamarine’ EP is a musical odyssey that encapsulates the essence of Mary Helen Margaret’s sound—a blend of rustic, deep, and cleansing energy, infused with a hint of vintage love spells. This EP takes you on a journey of rediscovery, allowing you to rewrite your memories while exploring a brand new, sparkling universe.
What was the inspiration behind the ‘Aquamarine’ EP, and how does it capture the essence of both Colorado and California in your music?
Aquamarine is quite literally the closest thing I could create to a manifesto. My current state of feeling about everyone and everything in this universe. This is what I truly feel: our world desperately needs light and love. If we can believe in evil, why can’t we believe in light and goodness. I long for the stories of hippie freedom and community. Our world is so horrifically divided. And all I’m trying to say is we could just choose to not be. Everything in life is a choice, remember this.
In terms of embodying Colorado and California, it’s both rustic and blunt. Kind of like if Kanye were making music in a log cabin. Say what you want about him, but he’s blunt, and that’s the essence of California.
Can you share more about your collaboration with Fhaze on one of the standout tracks? How did the studio’s transformation into a party atmosphere influence the creative process and the final sound of the track?
Fhaze is an amazing producer that I have the privilege of calling a friend. We linked in Vista, CA and quickly spiraled out of control haha. They’ve encouraged me to use my throat chakra more. And their production skills are unmatched. They totally remind me of a young Jack Antonoff, and I don’t say that lightly.
Well, for one thing, the fun studio atmosphere made it so I wasn’t anxiously shaking my leg, waiting for it to be uploaded to Spotify. I just actually enjoy the music making process and having friendship and community around that has never happened to me before. Everything in music is a hurry up and wait to get the thing out there as quickly as possible but it takes forever to perfect. It’s maddening. It makes you want to never participate in the art of making music. I had to rail against this pattern in order for art to be created.
‘Aquamarine’ EP features a unique mix of instruments, from drum samples to random iPhone recordings. Could you delve into your creative process and how these unconventional elements came together to shape the EP’s sonic landscape?
I am of the John Cage notion that all sound is music. I come from a background where music is more like a suggestion rather than a formula you apply. I want to give a shout out to the venture compound in St. Pete, Florida for inspiring this kind of freedom in me early on. Thanks for the cool stuff you guys do there. It’s somewhere between spoken word, performance art, and music and that is honestly the coolest way to make art. I guess what I’m trying to say is all sound is valid and I’m always trying to explore that in my music.
Your previous single, ‘Watching me giving birth to a vacuum,’ received critical acclaim for its genre-defying sound. How do the themes of self-empowerment and self-belief in this single relate to the broader message of ‘Aquamarine’ EP, and what do you hope listeners take away from the entire project?
Self empowerment and self belief are quite funny things for me as of late. They’ve been challenged, weaponized, and used against me, yet still I can say I know what happened in my life. Don’t ever let yourself be gaslit by anyone or anything. That’s all I’m always trying to say with my music.