Maryama “Where The Mermaids Are”

Iran native Maryama (real name Maryam Mirbagheri) studied guitar alongside rockstars including Ardavan Anzabipour and Homayoun Majdzadeh before moving to North California. Now living in Los Angeles, her Iranian roots are still evident in her new single, ‘Where The Mermaids Are’.

Maryama holds two Associate Degrees from American River College where she studied Jazz Voice and Music Composition. Additionally she holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in Music Composition and Film Music, from the California Institute of The Arts. At American River College she was privileged to study alongside one of her biggest inspirations, Joe Gilman, while the California Institute of the Arts put her in touch with Ulrich Kreiger, who’s best known for his work with Lou Reed. Maryama is currently studying for her Master’s Degree. She’s not just a talented and skilled musician, but she’s also in possession of a very impressive list of accolades, having performed at the the Fajr International Music Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. She’s also composed pieces for prestigious groups such as Vox Musica Vocal Ensemble and was chosen as Girl Trip, MUZIC and London’s Student Pocket magazine’s artist of the month.

‘Where The Mermaids Are’ is the title track from her upcoming album, and was mixed and mastered by the Grammy Award winners Marc Urselli, and John Greenham.

The hypnotic track harks back to Maryama’s middle-eastern roots and the video is equally beautiful. Her voice is a siren’s call while the gorgeous blues, purples, and reds swell around you. The video and song reference Greek Mythology as she drags her lover under the water to “where the mermaids are”.

Maryama’s honey-smooth voice, accompanied by sitar, is soothing and trancelike, mellifluously reminiscent of Lana Del Rey. The listener is compelled to go down to the ocean – where the mermaids are.

You can find out more about Maryama online, by checking out her Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Soundcloud pages, as well as her official website.

Maryama - Where The Mermaids Are

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

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