Having already established herself on the scene with a wealth of shimmering delights these last few years, US artist Mary Helen Margaret returns once again to deliver her dazzling new EP 'Aquamarine'.
Capturing more of that warm and immersive alt-pop aesthetic she has been building for herself, this new two-track collection makes for an incredibly vibrant listen. With its dark and haunted production perfectly set to her ethereal vocal style throughout, 'Aquamarine' sees her continue her ascent as one of the more innovative names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The banjo, for sure. It’s so user friendly with it being an open chord that literally anything you play sounds like magic. Seriously y’all, buy a banjo. You’ll feel like a musician in seconds.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
So much, so so much. I definitely loved the R&B from the ‘90s like TLC, I had their CD as a child: Tender Love & Care. Their flow, there’s nothing like it.
In middle school, where music became almost an addiction for me, it was Emo all the way. Yellowcard, Green Day, Dashboard Confessional, System of a Down, My Chemical Romance, Motion City Soundtrack and Paramore.
Paramore gave birth to the theatre kid inside me who wanted to scream into the ether. I need y’all to know: she doesn’t hate women. She loves them. But she is a woman. And women hurt women. And as a woman, you’re allowed to call out women who hurt you. If we followed this logic, I would have never spoken out against my sister who abused me for years.
We need to speak openly and allow music to be a place to release frustration. “Once a whore, you’re nothing more,” How dare you criticise Paramore for this? Do you have any idea what this “whore” did to her? Have you never called someone a whore in your life? Really ask yourself that. Or maybe people in school called her a whore and it was self reflective. That was my entire life. Lyrics aren’t literal. If someone needs to get their anger out in music, that’s literally why you’re listening to it, too.
Love you, Paramore. Don’t mean to shake up this controversy for you, just wanted to say you have my support and I am obsessed with your new music. You are a Titan of industry.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Hahahaha. Hilary Duff - Metamorphosis. Y’all, go back and listen to that album!! You’ll be like, “Who is this alt pop emo angel?” Lizzie McGuire, we didn’t deserve you. You were such a gift to my horrific childhood. I love you so much. Thank you.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Don’t Let Me Down” - The Beatles - do I even have to explain?
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I try to break habits as much as possible. Music making is a bit of insanity. You loop the same 10 seconds over and over for hours, just mastering the volume of a singular instrument. I’ve learned it’s best to have friends in the room and make it a party. Otherwise, there lies madness.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lana Del Rey is the greatest contemporary singer songwriter that has ever gifted our universe. I love you, Lana. Thank you for the freedom your music grants the world. And most importantly, thank you so much for caring for the world. People, giving, loving, whole universe caring people like you don’t exist often. I want us to go back to Woodstock, and really dance like there’s never been and never will be war. We need love in this world. Thank you for fighting for it.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Lana Del Rey lol
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Using my voice as a superpower against 18 years of family abuse.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The rate at which I want to work and make music is not conducive with sanity lol.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
We’re all going to die some day, so go out there and fuck it. Just have some fun before you’re dead.
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Mary Helen Margaret's new EP 'Aquamarine' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.