Mary Sho is an artist who continues to demonstrate an affinity for exploring the creative spectrum. Whilst singing and songwriting is her true métier, Mary also directs, choreographs and styles her own music videos, utilising fashion as a medium of expression. Additionally, Mary also has a weekly podcast, ‘The Amazon Diaries Podcast’, with the intention of healing and affirming, an intent that runs parallel to the narrative and essence of her music. Ahead of her debut project due to be released in 2021, which will continue to blend musical elements and stylistic techniques from the late 70’s grooves to 80’s funk, I spoke with Mary. During our conversations, we discussed inspirations, aesthetics and visuals, and the importance of creating emotion-filled music, which affirms, expresses confidence and self-love, and celebrates women.

NAHUEL CONTRERASWhere did your journey with music begin? MARY SHOMy music journey began at a very young age, probably 6 or 7 years old, standing in front of the TV trying to mimic the artists that I saw. My Mum playing records, listening to Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Sade, Fela, and the list goes on. Then my attachment to music began; it was my favourite form of expression. NCYou have a unique delivery, which enhances the essence of your songs. Did your specific style adapt over time, or did it come instinctively to you as a musician? MSI remember when I first started out; I forced myself to sing in a British accent. I was very influenced by Indie music, so it took me some time to find the voice, delivery, tone and style that is true to me. NCYour work affirms, celebrates and empowers Black women, their personhood and experiences. Thinking about reference points, influences and inspiration, who or what inspires you musically and personally? MSI related to Beyoncé’s work ethic and perfectionism; it made me feel normal for being so meticulous.
Donna Summer’s glam persona.
Jill Scott was the first woman I saw who looked like me in terms of body image, and for a young Mary Sho, that was important.
Missy Elliot’s imagination brought to life; her video’s were epic, and again, I saw someone in the mainstream that didn’t fit the norm, but was extremely successful and creative.
Films. Film scores would evoke such emotion in me that I would want to feature similar elements like strings, horns, and synths in my music.
NCI read that you began songwriting at the age of 8, but you were too shy to sing. How did the process of songwriting become a method of self-articulation and self-discovery? MSI was very shy for years; it was only until my early 20’s that I began singing in public. My confidence in songwriting began to increase as my personal confidence increased. As I got older, the more life experiences accrued and songwriting was like therapy. NCDo you view your lyrics as evocative words enhanced by music, or are the musical arrangements the core essence of your songs? MSFor me it’s all about balance; I am heavily involved in the musical side of things. My writing is metaphoric, so I leave it up to the listener to interpret what I am saying, or take what they need to take from it. I think it depends on the track; there are some tracks that don’t need evocative lyrics, but the music evokes emotions beyond words, and some tracks are more about the lyrics, and the music takes a backseat. NCAs an artist, do you feel a responsibility for your work to deconstruct certain narratives? MSYes, because I know there are people out there that need to see me for their own sanity, for inspiration, and for healing. When you see yourself in music, film, or media, there is something so fulfilling and affirming; you don’t feel alone anymore, you don’t feel like a freak or an alien. For example, it was really important for me to dance in my music videos; to show people that big woman can move, but don’t have to dance in one particular way and can still look fire. NCI understand that you also direct, choreograph, and style your own music videos; utilising fashion as a medium of expression. In what ways does your aesthetic and visuals complement your sound, and highlight the meanings of your songs? MSWith this project, I try to embody elements of the genre through the visuals; styling of the era, and film. Fashion tells you a story about those times. NCYou reference that Nigerian artist Fela Kuti inspired your song “Ova”. What role does cultural referencing have within your practice? MSI am British, I am Nigerian, I am Black, and I am a woman. Like the OG Solange says, “I can’t be a singular expression of myself, there’s too many parts, too many spaces, too many manifestations”. NCWorking in music, the practice of collaborating can be beneficial to productivity. Who would you most like to collaborate with? MSI would love to collaborate with Solange. I saw her behind the scenes documentary of how she created ‘A Seat at the Table’ and I loved how she worked. She didn’t force anything; she allowed her songs to transform organically with the help of collaborating with dope musicians and producers. She wasn’t afraid of sounding off; it was all about the process. That’s how I work, so I feel that we could create magic. She’s not afraid to experiment with sounds and song structures. NCYour music fuses an amalgamation of funk, disco, trap bounce, and soul. Do you intend to continue experimenting with stylistic methods, elements, techniques and production? MSWow, yes you summed it up nicely. I’m influenced by so many genres from Hip-Hip, to jazz, to indie music, so the fusion of genres comes very naturally to me. My main thing is that I am true to myself and I let my creativity flow from my soul. NCYour songs “Black Girls”, “Ova”, “All My Girls” and “No Time”, all demonstrate how your music conveys confidence and ways of thinking that denote a sense of love, positivity and well being. I imagine this establishes a connection and resonance with listeners. Can you share any insights on how you elicit an emotional response from listeners? MSA few things that have stood out for me are (the emotional responses from) women. Black women and plus size women feel seen. In general, people love my sound for being ‘different’, and they just encourage me to keep going because my listeners know how challenging it can be for an artist who doesn’t make mainstream music to thrive in the UK. NC “All My Girls”, an affirming song that encourages women to embrace themselves and their bodies, pays homage to the live televised performances from the late 70s. In addition to singing and writing the song, you also styled, and had the visuals filmed in your own living room. It sounds like an organic and fluid process. Working in several fields such as music, styling, directing, photography and writing, are there any correlations between the creative processes of each medium? MSThat’s a really good question. The one thing is intention; what the intention is, what you are trying create, and for your audience. NCYou also have a weekly podcast, ‘The Amazon Diaries Podcast’, with the intention of healing and affirming. Where did the pursuit in podcasting begin, and how does it compare with your other creative practices? MSI love expressing myself through music, fashion and photography, but these mediums are audible and visual. Talking is straight to the point. I have really great conversations with my friends on really important subject matters, and I wanted to share my experiences to encourage people, women especially. Also, I can be shy on social media, I find it hard to write captions and to tweet, but somehow the podcast makes me feel really comfortable. NCHow did you manifest inspiration and motivation, whilst working on your debut project as an independent artist, during the current socio-political climate? MSHonestly, it’s been difficult to stay motivated, but helping others with their creative endeavours really helps to take your mind off your own troubles. NCWhat can we expect from your debut project due to be released in 2021? MSA journey though sound and time as it takes you from late 70’s grooves and baselines, to 80’s funk/psychedelic vibes. A documentation of the joys and challenges of being a woman, a Black woman, but leaves you with an aura of self-discovery and affirmation.