Los Angeles-based, San Diego native singer songwriter, Mariah Counts, has an incredible way of using her authenticity to connect with and evoke raw emotions from her listeners. Inspired by the likes of Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Chelsea Cutler, Mariah brings a beautiful combination of acoustic melodies, guitar solos and real life experiences to allow listeners to relate and feel the emotion behind every song.
With the goal of connecting with as many people in the room as possible, Mariah’s live sets are characterized by storytelling with her songs. Performing her original music and the occasional cover song every Saturday night throughout quarantine, Mariah gave thousands of Tiktok users a glimpse into her music world; providing fans and newcomers a much needed respite from the world. Using her musical talent to bring happiness and comfort when it was needed the most, helped her gain a new following and build her fan base to over 250k.
Mariah’s fans are calling for her to take her music across the USA and into Canada on her very own DIY tour. They have been anticipating Mariah’s upcoming album since her announcement in January of 2021. She promised to release a single every month leading up to the album release. Mariah is beyond excited to meet her fans and make new ones while performing while on her first tour!
Thank you for taking this interview! How has the New Year been for you so far as an artist?
The New year has been filled with writing, recording new music and planning for a tour! It has also been very busy with content creation to keep up with the constant evolution of music/artist marketing.
Can you tell us how you've transformed from the beginning to now as an artist?
In the beginning I was doing this as a hobby and something that kept me up until 4am in my bedroom. It was not a full blown music career. Now I am working very few hours at my day job and I am fully invested in being an artist. I rely on my music financially and am constantly thinking like an artist/ music business individual. What was once just a bedroom hobby has allowed me to venture off on a 30 day west coast tour and now prepare for a full U.S. tour.
How did you come up with your latest project?
My last big project ‘Lost in the Sauce’ The album was unfortunately a break up album. It was almost fully written/recorded in quarantine during the Pandemic. It allowed me to use my music to cope and heal during the terrible aftermath of my 3 year relationship ending. The tour is greatly based off of this album but also foreshadows many new songs from my upcoming projects.The new stuff is exciting and different! I cannot wait to share my music evolution and new direction!
Where are you from originally?
Originally I am from San Diego California. True cali beach girl at her finest!
Where do you live now?
Currently, I am based out of Low Angeles California. Still a Cali girl!
Do you think where you live impacts how your music is made?
I am very fortunate to live where I do. I am able to feel close to my hometown where my family is and also have access to everything/ everyone I need in the industry. I have been able to make easy and organic connections with the music friends I work with, just out during my normal day.
What was the inspiration to make music your career?
Since I was little I always used music to cope with life’s obstacles and setbacks. I think most people that are musical categorize times in their lives with what music they were listening to during it. Once I got my first guitar I began teaching myself, which led to many bedroom covers. In college my dad got me my first recording set up and I remember setting it up in my college closet. I was a lifelong competitive athlete and it wasn’t until I realized I had more passion for music, that I made the switch.
How do you want to shape your career?
I want to shape my career around what feels good, what makes the most positive impact, and what will allow me to have financial stability. I love performing live for my fans and also love writing songs from experience that allow others to relate. Jake Scott, Ed Sheeran and Chelsea Cutler are all big career role models for me.
Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music?
I try to work on a tight timeline but naturally I am very ‘go with the flow’. It is hard to stay on track when you are an artist if you do not have deadlines/timelines. I do, for the most part, make a plan and try to stick to it. However, I never rush a project because at the end of the day it is my art and I want to be proud of what I share.
How did your latest title of your music come to be?
After any break up, I think people typically need an outlet. Mine was this album. We are all so often told how to be and act. I had enough and also felt that in my relationship. This album is me saying F*** you to anyone that doubts me or tries to tell me how to be or live. When I am performing and writing music and living without precaution of judgment, I am lost in the sauce of life!
Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done?
Absolutely. I think most artists can sit with a demo for months or even years before they decide to move forward in the process of releasing it. There is always something to change or fix or re-record. That’s where deadlines come in handy. They can help give that little push of IT’S DONE DAMNIT.
Do you feel an emotional attachment with your music?
I feel a great sense of emotional attachment because I write all my songs from experience or a flicker of emotion sparked by a thought. I pour my everything into writing songs that are very personal to me. Even with the happy upbeat songs. I can listen and perform the song and immediately remember how I felt when writing it.
How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn't listened to it yet?
Acoustic pop / singer songwriting. I usually say, you know when your favorite mainstream artist plays something stripped down at a concert and you get so emotional and inspired?... That’s my style. Even up beat stuff I want people to connect with like crazy! GOOD VIBES in general
Where do they go to listen NOW?
My music is streaming on all platforms. Here is the link:
https://mariahcounts.biglink.to/MARIAHCOUNTSMUSICLINKS
What has been the best fan reaction to your music?
People singing my songs at shows will NEVER get old. That is by far the best.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
May 19th I kick off my second leg of the Lost in the Sauce DIY Tour! I’ll be hitting 35+ shows and on the road for 7-8 weeks!
Are you performing the song anywhere LIVE?
I’ll be performing the entire album on tour and previewing some new ones releasing later this year!