(February 26, 2023) Mariah. knew what her artistic calling would be through the years of church choirs, talent shows and plenty of her mother’s tough love vocal coaching. Granted, this singer/songwriter became a nurse by profession, but that never stopped her from breaking down the music industry doors. And SoulTracks stood alongside the Louisiana native born Mariah Dawn Hester for her first two single releases.
Besides her poised vocal approach, Mariah. imparts nuggets of wisdom in whatever she sings about. The acoustic-tinged slow jam “Material Girl” (which reached Billboard’s Top 30 R&B charts in 2021) illustrates her faith in action about avoiding life’s material comforts. A year later, the eighties synth and talk box flavored funk of “Bizness” flexed affirmation in telling a certain someone to stay out of their business.
(February 26, 2023) Mariah. knew what her artistic calling would be through the years of church choirs, talent shows and plenty of her mother’s tough love vocal coaching. Granted, this singer/songwriter became a nurse by profession, but that never stopped her from breaking down the music industry doors. And SoulTracks stood alongside the Louisiana native born Mariah Dawn Hester for her first two single releases.
Besides her poised vocal approach, Mariah. imparts nuggets of wisdom in whatever she sings about. The acoustic-tinged slow jam “Material Girl” (which reached Billboard’s Top 30 R&B charts in 2021) illustrates her faith in action about avoiding life’s material comforts. A year later, the eighties synth and talk box flavored funk of “Bizness” flexed affirmation in telling a certain someone to stay out of their business.
Now in 2023, First Listen invites Mariah. back with “Maybe” (University Park Records), relaying an important message about being decisive in life changing scenarios. Mariah. explains the songs’ intent: “A sure answer is what one truly seeks. Gray space becomes cloudy and lines get blurred when you say Maybe.”
Once again, Mariah. calls upon producers Mike and Sarah Gardner (“Bizness”) to oversee the soothing soundtrack framed by dainty piano drips and soft grooves. The fuzz guitar elevates the smooth but never overwhelms the arrangements. Yet it’s Mariah.’s calm but confident voice reminding her lover to make up their mind on moving forward or moving on. Next in line will be her long anticipated E.P. coming this Spring. Meanwhile, listen to “Maybe” for sound advice from Mariah.
By Peggy Oliver
Mariah. - "Maybe"