Mariah Counts delves on her creative tastes, being inspired by Justin Bieber & new album “Lost in the Sauce”
Great to have you with us today. Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Mariah and I am singer-songwriter originally from San Diego but based out of LA now.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Music was always a coping mechanism for me, as it is many artists. I specifically did not minor in music during college because I “didn’t want my passion and my escape to become work”. Silly now looking back BUT I wouldn’t change my path one bit.
Tell us about your new Album, Lost In The Sauce, what’s the story behind it?
My new album is definitely a break up album. I wrote majority of this album at the end of my last relationship and over quarantine after the break up. It’s a huge statement and release for me. On one hand I am finding my sound and working on my writing and singing style. On the other hand it served as a massive healing tool for me during a very rough time. The track ‘Lost in the Sauce’ is a combination of both of those things. It is my anthem in stating that I will be the person I want to be and I will not let anyone tell me differently. AKA I am Lost in the Sauce so let me be!
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I would say I am really channeling true experiences and authentic feelings. I write about my real life and influences around me. I have a very raw singer-songwriter EP out called ‘True Ugly Feelings’ and now this breakup album. They both show a great amount of vulnerability and story telling that I really enjoy giving to my listeners. However, like all things, my sound constantly changes with my life experiences. Dark times call for darker writing and happy times call for lighter music! I would say I’m very consistent on acoustic guitar mixed with ambient/pop production. It has been very fun finding my own unique sound.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I am a big Justin Bieber fan. I love his talent and his execution on a lot of his vocal performances. He also has such a strong acoustic performance and I admire that! A few people I would love to collaborate with would be Chelsea Cutler, Haux, Dermot Kennedy some day!
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
I would say my performance at t he staples center for the WNBA La Sparks game is something I am most proud of. It was the largest crowd I had ever played in front of and was at such an iconic venue! I was so proud of myself for getting up there and performing. Not to mention, I played a Daniel Caesar/ H.E.R. song, which is difficult as hell to sing! Aside from that performance, I am really proud of myself to planning my upcoming tour. I am so excited to learn what it’s is like to travel and play for a different audience every night. It will be new, exciting and fun to learn how to deal with everything tour throws at me.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
Balance can be a very tough task. I often find myself very run down trying to fit everything in that I want to in a day or week. I found that the past 2 years were big years of sacrificing my social life. I still managed to sacrifice some sleep in order to fit old and new friends in but I definitely dedicated a lot of my time to my music career. Now that the album is done, I will allow myself to be much more creative and let new experiences fuel my writing. I am also entering a new phase where I have goals to collaborate more in 2022.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I would say that everyone is on their own course and to never compare yourself to others. Remember that no one will ever be a bigger fan of you and your craft so make sure to believe in yourself and what you are creating. Create for yourself and only yourself. Finally, ENJOY THE PROCESS and learn as much as possible about it! You will appreciate yourself, your journey and everyone on your team much more in the end.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for being there for me when I doubted myself, when I was down and for supporting through my beginning days. I will ALWAYS remember that and you can always say you helped me get to where ever I end up!
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
Next is tour! I have my west coast leg kicking off September 4th and a north east/ south legs following in 2022. I will be pushing my album and connecting with stranger/fans all over the U.S. The next music projects will be collabs and a potential summer ep in 2022. Mostly, WRITING, EXPERIENCING, and more WRITING!
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