Mareshah Pursuit Interview

Neo-Soul Artist Mareshah Releases New Velvety Soulful Single 'Pursuit'

Australian Neo-Soul artist Mareshah showcases her sweet velvety tones and gospel influences in new single 'Pursuit,' a soulful tune off her upcoming EP 'Unjaded'.

Drawn from Mareshah's personal experiences exploring belief, 'Pursuit' is about her humbling realisations that you don't need to be perfect to be loved by God, nor do you need to be completely put-together to be worthy.

On the single Mareshah said, "'Pursuit' celebrates the freedom of knowing you may not have it all together but you are sought-after, valued and known".

Through her strong lyrical ability and demonstrated mastery of articulating the 'subjective experience,' Mareshah's artistic delivery allows her to connect with her listeners to the point of cognitive convergence. In saying that, her music is beautifully relatable, which is achieved by acknowledging her flaws and taking ownership of her identity.

Based in Melbourne, Mareshah's musical inspiration comes from a richly diverse range of artists, many of which are outside of her own time. With 15 years experience in the music industry, playing Melbourne bars, clubs and stadiums alike, to lending her voice for televised sporting and music events - Mareshah is excited to take her own music to the next level.

It goes without saying that her unique blend of fiery sass and velvety tones can be expected in her upcoming EP 'Unjaded,' which is slated for release later this year.

Interview with Mareshah

Question: How would you describe your music?

Mareshah: Unique blend of fiery sass and velvety tones woven into soulful lyrics pertaining to matters of the heart.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Mareshah: Stay - Chaka Khan. I do the Erykah Badu version of this live, and I absolutely LOVE the feel and melody of this song, Audience always gets really into it and then when the bridge hits… my band and I always played this game where I'd call out any number and we would add that many stabs into the song right at that moment; definitely kept us on our toes, especially if I yelled out a stupidly big number like 10 and we all had to concentrate on counting out 10 stabs and not messing it up (laughs). The crowd found it entertaining!


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Mareshah: Stevie Wonder; the answer to most my musical questions.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Mareshah: 100% live performance, it breeds a new level of freedom and ease with the music and audience. I thrive on creating "moments" for the audience and I to share in that space.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Mareshah: Being able to articulate some of the best and worst times I've had in a way that first speaks to me and starts a process of reflection or healing, before I then extend that out to a wider audience to hopefully have the same impact.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Mareshah: Erykah Badu, Tori Kelly, Thando (Melbourne artist), Donny Hathaway and Lalah Hathaway.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Mareshah: I've always found music to be therapeutic and provide an unmatched buzz - the most recent draw for me was the pure thrill of performing songs I had written, in a live setting, and having those shared spaces with an audience in that moment. Where else can you do that? Where a sporting game for example can be divisive or polarising, live music is one that unifies and fosters a strong sense of community through shared experience.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Mareshah: Either Jill Scott, H.E.R. or Stevie Wonder, of course.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Mareshah: Like most, yes. However I feel like there was a lot of truth to those ideas when I had them and it is simply the case that since then the music industry continues to evolve as we have things like new digital platforms available where artists have easy access to a rich resource (internet) from which to gain inspiration, train themselves further and distribute or promote their music.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Mareshah: Tough question, I don't have a typical day! I actually hate routine things - variety keeps me happy. So outside of work during the week, I'm either spending time at the gym or meeting up with friends... the only routine thing about my day is that I am always listening to music while getting ready [and usually singing along obnoxiously louder than the artist... sorry neighbours]!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Mareshah: Finally have the boldness to share my own writings with others - purely for the love of what I do - and not allowing fear to talk me out of it.


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy and enjoyable life?

Mareshah: Do what you love. Have a daily habit of naming things you're grateful for. Contentment is the best instigator of joy.
Keep good people around you.
Exercise.
Don't compare yourself to others.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Mareshah: www.facebook.com/mareshahmusic
@mareshahmusic
www.soundcloud.com/mareshahmusic


Interview by Brooke Hunter