Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Jane.
Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I arrived in Miami in early 2017 with $0 and a puppy. I was living nomadically when I accidentally stumbled upon the Miami regional burning man event while in search of the new age renaissance. I found it here and knew I would never leave. Very quickly I made a home for myself for what felt like the first time in my life. I was then able to submerse myself in discovering and exploring a new type of sound, I fell in love with the art of DJing and how music can be shared so differently each time. After spending countless days/years observing and understanding some of the best DJs in the world as they visited the city I finally decided to purchase my own Pioneer controller, teach myself how to DJ in my bedroom, and make it my reality.
It was only a matter of time since I had already been attempting to learn how to make my own music for years, I grew up writing songs and made a few tracks with my friends back in Canada where I grew up. I also spent my childhood watching my mother turn her bedroom into a studio with the little money she had and taught herself how to produce. She successfully released a total of 4 albums and got signed to Spitslam Records by Chuck D himself. Music has always surrounded me and I have been able to do it full-time for a few years now due to the graciousness of Miami, my hard work, and the amazing opportunities that continue to be given to me. I’ve never truly had another career, this is everything to me. I spend every day of the week in my studio recording vocals and creating my own beats happily.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was originally teaching yoga and hosting yoga dance parties before Djing fully took over. I made very little money in this but I loved yoga more than anything. Unfortunately, when I dislocated both of my thumbs and tore every ligament in both wrists in a scooter accident I was naturally pushed to start DJing full-time. It was all I could do. I still cannot put weight on my wrists to this day.
I lost something that I loved almost just as much as music, full-body movement. As a lifelong gymnast, this has been something that I am still learning to accept. I can still dance but my love for handstands has possibly been put on hold forever and I still deal with constant discomfort and pain, which limits my ability to make music or be on my computer. I am grateful that I was redirected in my focus though I will never forget how easily life can be changed in one night.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My music is a passageway to experience the multifaceted sounds of the universe. I believe there is a way to make the otherworldly side of music accessible and this is my goal.All while exploring my own love for unique and tasteful frequencies. I do not put myself into a box when it comes to music, I play and have been making all sorts of genres. Including Indie Dance, Deep House, Synthwave, and more.
My debut EP ‘That Feeling’ comes out Friday April 28th. Two songs that sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. One being my deep/dark side that is perfect for the club and the remix is capturing my lighter synthwave sound.
There is a synthwave album on the way as well, I’m currently finishing that now and will be released later in the year.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Do it because you love music, do it because you’re good at it, and don’t do it because it’s cool. Also don’t expect to get paid or appreciated right away, some people never do but you can’t let it harden you or your love for music, it’s okay to do it for fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maryjaneisplaying.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjaneisplaying/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjaneisplaying
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6YiGyvRICYc8ME92Wucjw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/maryjaneisplaying
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/33JXsS1fs0UYg1W7LwSzHo
Image Credits
Tuto Exposure and Julian Ross
