MARIAH.: Medicine & Music

Let’s hop right into this latest single, “MAYBE”— Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

My music comes from lived experiences; common occurrences encountered at some point in life. I believe most have faced similar situations as described in this song; wanting more, however, hitting that brick wall with no immediate plans to move forward from the individual we envision a future with. The other person sees only the present. I wrote this piece with that perspective in mind. “Maybe” is relatable, I think. Innumerable relationships have pondered the question, “Do we have a future-together?” The answer has to be clearly yes or no. Maybe isn’t good enough, because time is much too precious to waste.

Of course “MAYBE” comes courtesy of your forthcoming debut solo EP — What all exactly can you reveal and / or divulge about upcoming said body of work?

I believe it will be enjoyable, as well as medicinal [smile]. Go figure as a nurse, right? Lots of answers to people’s underlying issues in this upcoming EP. There are lessons to be learned, goals to be reimagined and I’m super excited for the listeners to get the chance to laugh, cry, learn, grow and consider, through the art of music.

How then does “MAYBE” either differ and / or compare to previous MARIAH. entries?

“Maybe” differs from my previous work in that it portrays the inner thoughts of an individual on the fence about moving forward in a healthy way. The piece portrays how we wrestle with ourselves seeking answers we can comfortably live with. We all know what it is to have outlived our welcome in someone’s life. As emotional beings, we fight with the scales; whether to stay or walk away. My first piece, “Material Girl,” found the answer to the question of the moment. She knew at the end that material possessions could not keep her happy for long. Healthy relational practices will ultimately help to sustain a relationship. “Bizness” is a continuation of “Material Girl.” She found her strength and noone was taking that from her. “Maybe” shows how good and bad thoughts can swarm the mind; the humanistic and indecisive sides of our thinking. Constant second guessing. Am I doing the right thing? My love is real and I know yours is, too. What am I to you? What can we do to ensure that both of our needs are being met? “Maybe” shows how double-minded we can be, while searching for firm foundation. What an oxymoron!

“MAYBE” is a University Park Records release — What particular string of events led to your current inking to / with this imprint?

When you walk with God, He opens doors! When the timing was right, God made it known to me who and what my wise counsel would be. I am thankful to be working and collaborating with such an amazing team from my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from personal exoerience. I want my music to serve as inspiration for someone, anyone, who can benefit from it. I can personally align every song with / to a period in my life. The best songs are those someone can find themselves in. I am thankful that I can share pieces of my life with those who may need it.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for MARIAH.?

I have always been a lover of music. Since I was 5 years old, I told my mother I would be a Grammy Award winning singing Pediatrician! It’s amazing how God honored my request as a child. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and serve as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse. I did not understand at the time how demanding both of these professions were, but God has helped me to do both, full time. My mother is a Gospel icon in the area. She has paved the way for so many. I grew up watching her command choirs and write beautiful music that glorified God, and that gift was passed onto me. When my mother saw that my childhood dream carried over into adulthood, she motivated me and inspired me to keep knocking down doors.

Now you’re a native of Shreveport, LA, correct? So growing up in ‘Ratchet City,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Shreveport, Louisiana, houses some of the best musical powerhouses in the world; singers, songwriters, producers, musicians, you name it! We have sooooooo much untapped potential. Sometimes we minimize ourselves by what we call ourselves, or allow others to call us. Ratchet is derived from the word wretched, meaning an unhappy or unfortunate state. I see Shreveport as standing on the very cusp of greatness. On that note, there are far too many people to name as strongest musical influences, however, I will condense to three: Sonya D. Hester, Shawanna Kirkendoll and the late great Stephanie N. Dotson.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I classify my overall style as acoustic, but I find joy in expansion. I don’t want to confine or limit myself in any way.

Where does your moniker MARIAH. – well at least the “with a period” aspect – originally derive from?

My mom named me after my beautiful great grandmother, Mariah ‘Sadie’ Brown Diggs, who passed in 1974. Although I never personally met her, I find great joy in being her namesake. When I first started in music, I was afraid of my own name, because I was taught and understood my great grandmother to be an extraordinary woman; born in the deep south during the year 1909. Could I fill the shoes of that name? I started off showcasing my nickname, “Mimi,” as my stage name. It worked for that season. As I learned more and more about myself, I progressed to Dawn’e, which is actually my middle name. The moment I walked into my true self and saw myself as God sees me, I aligned my stage name with who I always was on the inside, Mariah. It took some time to see the power in my own name. It took some time to realize I could fulfill my own name. Now that I am here, that will never change. This is what I was meant to be called. The period in the English language serves as the ending to a point. A period marks the end of a declarative sentence. It is a statement of fact. The period at the end of my name serves as that declaration; I am who I am. I am my great grandmother’s wildest dream. I am Mariah.

Switching gears here…

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

The key to my longevity is humility. People tend to follow and support those whom they see themselves in. People love those who are touchable. That is one of the reasons why people loved Michael Jackson so much. He was relatable. Down to earth. As much as he could be without creating hysteria, approachable. I want to be that type of individual in this industry. The person behind the music and the music itself must be one. There’s a danger in having beautiful music, but the person behind that music is ugly on the inside.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get the answers and clarity they’re searching for; to learn about themselves and find strength. I want people to be empowered. And, I want people to vibe!

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

Music has the power to alter the emotions of the listener. I’m happy that R&B music is branching out and accepting of new ideas. It’s exciting to see artists showcasing their own unique imprint on music culture. Many artists are returning to the art of storytelling. It’ll be interesting to see where we are 5 years from now!

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I am a lover of the arts and performing arts. Painting, pottery, literature, fashion, makeup and acting are all things I truly enjoy. I’m also the proud mommy to Chance, my 5 year old chihuahua. 🙂

You’re also an active partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in support of their “Love Music Stop Cancer” Campaign — Talk to me a little bit about this venture and how you actually became involved…

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this campaign. Having a medical background as a neonatal intensive care nurse, I care for premature babies around the region. The love of children has always been my passion. Children deserve to have a happy, healthy and fulfilled childhood. Whatever I can do to make that a reality, I will. Combining my love for medicine and music has been a dream come true. This campaign serves as a way to bring awareness, research, funding mechanisms and familial support to those battling childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

One of my greatest accomplishments was to make Billboard Top 30 for my song, “Material Girl.” I have always dreamed about being part of such an amazing platform. To see my name next to those I’ve long been inspired by was surreal. My music has been played in rotation via BET, MTV and radio stations nationally and internationally around the world. As a child, I remember watching music videos and hearing music from these various platforms, and knowing every dance move. Most recently, I received love from Chaka Khan. WOW! We are actually members of the same organization, THEE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. To see her actually say she loves my voice had me fighting atoms in the air. LOL! I know the best is yet to come. I’m so thankful for the many things God has done!

What’s an average day like for you?

Ummmmmmm, let’s see…an average day for me starts at 5:30 AM. I get ready to care for my babies at the hospital. I listen to my daily iBible sermonette in the car, and pray for guidance. I usually don’t eat until around 2 pm. It can be very busy in the NICU. I get off around 7 pm. I spend the next 4 to 5 hours in the studio or writing music. I don’t hit the bed until around 12 AM, and wake up and start all over again. When I’m off from my NICU, I’m in the studio for several hours, and then onto spending time cultivating my brand via social media and other various platforms. I then take a few hours to recharge and eat. They say when you do something you love, it’s never a job. I see the long hours as a form of self- investment.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I love talking with fans, and count it a blessing that they enjoy my music. I make it a point to respond to comments or videos sent to me. I love meeting people and giving them their flowers. Whether by reposting their excitement for my music, singing to them on birthdays, or simply motivating people to do their best, interaction is extremely important. At the end of the day, people don’t have to support you. It’s a gift that must be reciprocated.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part about this line of work is reaching and meeting people. Music is a form of ministry. Music serves as my door to public outreach. I love motivating people, inspiring them along their life’s journey and being inspired by them in return. My least favorite part about this line of work is internet aggression. It saddens me to see how people treat one another behind the curtain of a keyboard. You must have thick skin to be part of this industry. Truly, you must have thick skin- in any line of work. I believe my medical background serves as a breeding ground for lessons I would face in this industry, and other outlets. Hate and destructive criticism can find you anywhere. It is the way you respond, or not, that matters. And at the end of the day, someone else’s opinion is just that.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Never underestimate yourself! If you have a vision, ask God for guidance and wisdom to execute it. The hardest support you must earn is your own. Once you support yourself, there are no limits. Oh, and seek WISE counsel. Remain true to yourself, no matter what season it is.

Lastly, what’s next for MARIAH. (with a period)?

The best is yet to come.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Never settle for less, because you were created for more!