British singer, songwriter, and guitarist MA R I AM may be an unsigned artist, but she’s no newcomer to the art of making music. Crediting her Nigerian heritage for instilling the magic of storytelling and rhythm, she is a seasoned backing vocalist with renowned London gospel choirs.
Now ready to take the next step in her artistic journey, MA R I AM has spent the past two years working on her debut solo EP. In early November, she released the record, Heart to Heart, to a sold out headline show.
MA R I AM – Telling Stories with Melodies
Before debuting the Heart to Heart EP, MA R I AM teased fans with the lead single “Be There for Me.” Driven by deep percussion and balanced with layers of atmospheric vocals, the track is an upbeat anthem that will shoot good vibes through your headphones.
From the opening bars of the track, MA R I AM’s robust live singing experience is evident; her lyrical delivery is punchy and demanding of the listener’s attention. I would love to see how her energy translates on stage at a gig.
Leading up to the chorus MA R I AM sings, “Cuz I’ve had enough / I can’t do no more,” and the song’s melody momentarily reminds me of Tori Kelly’s “Hollow.” She jumps outside the realm of pop however, with electronic vocal splices between verses and a crescendo of gospel-sounding harmonies that power the song through its final note.
To hear “Be There for Me” and the full Heart to Heart EP, you can check out any major online streaming service. Keep up with what’s next for MA R I AM including upcoming live dates on her official website.
