Marya Stark is a California-based performing artist whose music has been described as a journey through the caverns of the soul. She is a multi-talented artist, skilled in composing, producing, and performing. Her music is a fusion of genres, blending folk, world music, and electronic elements. Marya is a carrier of myth, mystery, and medicine songs, and her most recent release, Sapphire, is a concept album that takes her audience on a musical adventure. The album was highly acclaimed and received airplay from NPR.
Marya's music is not just a collection of songs but a ceremony of the human experience. She is a master of immersive, transformational expressive arts containers, leading inner alchemy through her mentorship in the art of voice, cultivation of the muse, and song craft. Her music is an invitation to explore the depths of one's being and to connect with the divine. Marya's music reminds us that we are all connected, and her voice is a beacon of hope and love.
Marya's latest single, "Keep The Light On," is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases her vocal range and songwriting skills. The song begins with the simple yet powerful lyrics, "I'll keep the light on, so you know that I was home," setting the tone for the rest of the song. Marya's voice is ethereal, transporting the listener to another world. The song is a message of love and hope, telling the listener they are not alone and that Marya is there for them.
The lyrics of the song are poetic and full of imagery. Marya paints a picture of a peaceful world where the humming of the trees brings peace into the air, and the darkness of the night is illuminated by the stars. The song speaks of fireflies whispering the listener's name and telling stories of their heroism. The song reminds us that no matter where we are in the world, we are never truly alone as long as we have someone who loves us. The imagery used in the song is striking, with references to fireflies and new moons adding to the dreamlike quality of the track.
Marya Stark is a truly talented artist who creates music that is both evocative and transformative. "Keep The Light On" is a beautiful and soulful track that showcases her unique blend of genre-defying elements. "Keep The Light On" is a reminder of the power of love and connection and is a testament to Marya's ability to create deeply emotional and musically complex music.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Marya Stark! Congrats on creating such a magical world with “Keep The Light On," a beautiful and emotionally charged song. Can you share the inspiration behind the lyrics and the story you were trying to convey through the song?
I wrote this song while recording demos for my last album Sapphire. I was living for a week in a cabin in the magical woods of Santa Cruz, and I was inspired by the idea of someone beloved on a soul journey out in the woods, with the love of their life at home waiting for them while keeping the light on, and the hearth warm for them to return. I envisioned the person at home writing this love song with the fireflies and nature spirits to help guide their wandering Beloved back home.
The instrumentation in "Keep The Light On" is intricate and complex, with layers of percussion and strings building throughout the song. Can you tell us a bit about the creative process of crafting this track's music?
I so love the instrumental as well. Barry Phillips and Daniel Berkman are amazing players. I first created all my guitar and vocal layers, then handed them to Barry for his cello magic. He always over-delivers epic layers, which Andy Zenczak of Gadgetbox and I chiselled down to something we could then have Daniel play Kora and Ondomo on. I took Daniel’s many wonderful takes and widdled them into this arrangement. We then added the last layers of sound design and percussion to it. It was fun and intuitive to make, and the vision we were going for was a magical forest that was ALIVE with the muse and the inspiring cadence of a love song.
The lyrics of "Keep The Light On" touch on love, connection, and the power of human relationships. Can you describe how these themes have influenced your creative process and the music you create?
Gosh, Im such a sucker for a good romantic song. I think anything that drops me into my emotions and senses is good fodder for my muses- what better than the divine elixir of love to stir the hearts longing, eh? I think the muse is such broad energy and contemplation, and the way we humans experience inspiration is so vast. But relationships are where I perceive Divinity meets the lived experience of our Humanity. 2nd person meetings with the muse are where the edges of self, other, and the vast expression of life get magnetic and interesting. Such a fun place to lean into with the pen, take notes, and catch songs if we're lucky.
You have described yourself as a "multi-media enchantress," Your music is certainly otherworldly and enchanting. How do you draw inspiration from the mystical and spiritual realms in your music, and what role do these themes play in your creative process?
Spirituality is all around us- it is not separate from our experience. However, a spiritual perspective can shift us out of ordinary thinking into seeing how extraordinary being alive is. I think as an artist, it comes with the job requirement to be able to perceive the extraordinary in what's arising, especially in what might be habitual, mundane moments- to zoom into the layers of magic that are inherent in the fabric of everything. I think that is one of the roles of the artist- to remind people to snap attention to how precious life is. So from there, I feel studying anything mystical and applying it to my art is an act of truth to keep my senses attuned to wonder, awe, and the pulse of inspiration.
"Keep The Light On" is just one of the many incredible tracks on the upcoming album 'Weightless.' Can you tell us a bit about the overall concept behind the album?
For sure. I began recording this upcoming album the week after I released my last album, 'Sapphire.' Because that record was released in mid-2020, my plans for touring it were put on hold. So instead, I went right back into the studio. With Sapphire, we went for a fully produced cinematic concept album experience. With Weightless, I wanted to do something a little different- lighter- more gentle- more weightless- to meet where I was emotional with the craziness of the times we were experiencing. This record is mostly vocals, guitar and layered cello, with a few moments of sound design here and there. It feels like a very organic, simple, lush-sounding album that shares intimate songs about my human heart—nothing big and mythopoetic in terms of story-arch. But rather, it is an album that demonstrates for me what it feels like to tend to the gentle layers of longing and feel them all slowly and fully. Like a feather in the wind. Or a firefly landing on a rose petal.
