This post consists of the interview I did with my artist Maria-Pearl for SOUND PROOF magazine.
Sound Proof met up with the artist herself to find out more about her success and her plans for the future.
So how did you get into music?
Well, my dad being one of the most influential musicians of all time (King Sunny Ade - a popular performer of Yoruba Nigerian music), has meant that music has always just been in my blood. I can remember being about 4 or 5 singing and dancing to songs that came on the radio and TV with my brothers and sisters. We grew up with a house full of instruments and even had our own mini studio. Artists from all over the world used to come over just to chill and create new music with my dad. Music was always going on in my house and so being round it 24/7, I guess it has just always been a part of my lifestyle.
We know you’re a fantastic songwriter, having written songs for big artists such as Etta Bond and Pixie Lott, so tell us, what is your inspiration?
Writing has just always been a natural process for me. You hear a lot of artists saying that they have trouble getting inspired enough to write a hit record or a good album which is why they turn to the professionals to write their songs for them. Well, I’ve never had that problem; writing has always just been something that flows through me. It’s like when I put pen to paper, all sorts of ideas come rushing out and I never run out of things to say. I guess my life experiences and the struggles that I’ve been through all play a huge part in my lyrics and the songs I write. I always try to go a bit deeper than the usual writer as I like to talk about things that people wouldn’t really expect to hear in a song you know?
Seeing as you enjoy writing for people, have you ever thought of who you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Surprisingly, I was just thinking about this the other day (laughs). I was talking to my manager and I told her about some of the collaborations I would like to do in the future. Myself and my good friend R&B sensation Angel have been working on a record for his upcoming album ‘About Time’ for a few months now. Other than him, I have always dreamed of working with artists such as Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Jessie J and so many others. I doubt that I will end up working with all these artists but I can dream can’t I? (Smiles and giggles).
It sounds like you have so much going on in the studio, so what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Just like everyone else, I enjoy doing what most people like to do such as going shopping, meeting up with friends, partying, messing around with my sisters and just enjoying time spent with loved ones. It’s really nice to just take a break from it all every once in a while.
Seeing as you’ve accomplished so much in such a short period of time, we would like to find out what you would say is the secret to your success?
To be honest it’s not really much of a secret (laughs). I would say that being around my family and friends who bring so much positive energy and good vibes to my life really help to keep me staying positive and confident in all that I do. I truly believe that without all their support I probably wouldn’t be here today, let alone be writing number 1 singles and having amazing opportunities handed to me which I see as such a blessing.
What would you say to an upcoming artist trying to break into the music industry?
The first thing I would say is surround yourself with positive people who will support you all the way. As cheesy as that might sound I really believe that having negative people around you will only knock you back and trying to get into the music industry can be such a tough and draining process, it is even more necessary for you to have people around you who will help build you up and not tear you down.
Lastly I would say always be you. A lot of amazing artists get moulded into something they are not by their record label, the media or society in general. It can be so easy to fall into this category which is why it is so important to always stay true to yourself and do you no matter what!
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