Interview: Mary-Clair
Rising Contemporary Christian Music artist Mary-Clair talks to Louder Than The Music about her background in music, releasing a music video for her song 'There's A God', and the story behind her recent album 'Enough'.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up in Nashville, TN with a dad who is heavily involved in Christian music, so when you put the two together, I was around music constantly, and it became my first love. As I grew older, I knew that it wasn’t just a hobby to go with him to concerts or the studio, but it was something that I truly loved. One of the first Christmases I can remember, my parents got me a toy piano, and a karaoke set. I wore those things out! And as I grew into my teens, I looked up to so many great CCM artists, and knew that I wanted to make music that glorified God, not myself.
You've just released a video for your song 'There's A God', what was the inspiration behind the song and what was the aim with the video?
I wrote “There’s a God” with the legendary Jeff Pardo, and we both found a groove making a song for people that is a simple reminder of the biggest truth! There’s a God, and He will never leave your side! My aim with the video was the give listeners a chance to see and hear my style, and to invite them into an intimate setting of just us and the piano, and the music.
That song is taken from your recent album 'Enough', how would you sum up the album?
“Enough” is an album that can meet you where you are. Happy, sad, worshipful, or defeated.. it has a song for every moment. I hope people can relate to every emotion on there, because they are all beautiful. But my biggest hope is that the album would point people toward the ultimate true love in this life, which is Christ!
What message would you like people to take from your music?
That music can be fun, and not inappropriate... Sad, but not defeated... honest, but not dark. God gave us feelings and emotions to listen and learn from, not to rely on. He is the ultimate rock, and I hope this album takes people through the journey of realizing that!
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My influences have been all over the place growing up... but some of my all time favorites are DC Talk, Micheal Jackson, Queen, MercyMe, Audio Adrenaline, Led Zeppelin… the list goes on! My dad and my brother are my biggest influences when it comes to music and finding great songs. As much as I try to incorporate elements of those greats in my music, I don’t think I’ll fully be able to use my musical voice until I have matured in this industry for a little bit. So for now, my music reflects my coming of age in this world. Real, raw, and not as polished as all of those legends. Maybe one day!
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Living… Jon Bellion. Hands down! Dead… Michael Jackson. No brainer!
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I told myself that my success as an artist will always be how much time I am spending with the Lord. That time with Him will directly reflect how I live my life and make my music. And the more time I get with Him, the better those two things will be!
What is your favorite album of all time?
Christian… MercyMe “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” It’s a fantastic album from front to back and was the soundtrack to my childhood! Mainstream… Michael Jackson, “Thriller”. End of story!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Interesting question. Well, if I’m stuck on an island, and this is my last song, I'll have to go with “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. It’s the ultimate farewell song! And I say farewell because everyone that knows me knows… I am not making it off that island alive.
What does the next year hold for you?
I booked my first music festival this year, I’ll be at JFest May 16th and I couldn’t be more excited. Beyond that, I’m praying for more shows, but also strength to be vulnerable and authentic with the world!
