We are excited to share with the world the music of Mary Helen Margaret, a recording artist based in San Diego, California, releasing raw and vulnerable music. She shares her experiences in life falling in love, dealing with bullies, and trying to live your dreams through catchy and seductive melodies. In this interview, we dive into what inspired her to start making music, her favorite song she’s released, and more.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
When I was younger, I got very little encouragement to sing or to be myself in general. I was bullied endlessly. I make music now as a way to show younger girls that you can be yourself and you can be bold, even if some people hate on you for it. There’s entirely too much hatred out there right now, and not enough voices of support, especially for girls. I would love to be a ray of shining light for the cause of peace and love!
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Making music can be such a stressful experience. It’s crazy technical, even though you’re making art. We’re always trying to simplify the process so we can seamlessly connect inspiration with recording. We fight so hard to keep the magic we get from the first take in the final track.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
Get Out, Right Now is the song I’m most proud of right now. It bumps so hard, I can’t help but dance every time I hear it. And I wrote it about Love Island Australia, which is something I’m currently obsessed with. It’s really a convergence of worlds. It’s also just so unapologetic. It’s basically a diss track to that guy who’s playing games with your heart. It’s all the brutal thoughts I’ve wanted to say, but it comes out in such a fun way.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Right now I’m back into Kesha. I think this is the right moment to bring the early 2000s back in full force. It was such a colorful and ballsy time to live. Kesha never backed down from being her full self. So I’m bringing back the auto-tune and the giant synths and the house beat that smacks you in the face.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
The technical bits of music making can be so painful, we’ve started treating the studio more like a party. It makes the whole experience more vibrant and fun, which you can hear in the final track. And I think our recent music really captures the freedom and the joy that we felt making it. I want it to feel like you’re right in the room with us.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
We have a couple tracks we’re working, a punchy pop hit and a dramatic ballad. It’s like bubblegum, then a shot of whiskey.
What are your plans for 2024?
To keep making music, relentlessly!
With her first release of the year already out the door, Mary Helen Margaret is taking 2024 by storm. We couldn’t be more excited to see what she puts out. Tune in to her latest single, Southern Girls, and the rest of her discography on Spotify or your favorite streaming platform.