Interview: Mariah the Scientist, Get to Know Her Musical Evolution
Singer and songwriter, Mariah the Scientist, first found out she could sing back in elementary school.
She spent a lot of time in the garage at home, where it echoed and she practiced her chords. Her first song was written in her first year of college as a Valentine’s Day gift, and she’s never stopped since then. While the songwriter says she hasn’t had a big break yet, she’s blessed for every opportunity that has come her way so far. If you haven’t picked up her EP yet, or listened to her song, “Note to Self,” what are you waiting for? Go do it now!
GLITTER: Where did you grow up, and when did you learn you could sing?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: I grew up on Cascade and Campbellton Rd. in southwest Atlanta until my parents moved to the eastside… I joined the chorus at the 3rd elementary school I attended. In middle and high school, I played a lot of hooky. When my mom was at work, I’d sing in the garage. I liked the echo and thought it sounded nice, so I spent a lot of time in the garage when no one was around.
GLITTER: When did you first start writing music?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: I wrote my first complete song during my first year of college. I first recorded some of it as a Valentine’s Day gift. Before then, they were just incomplete rhymes or poems.
GLITTER: What’s the writing process like for you now?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: Very similar to what it once was. I write when I am inspired by a particular muse and only then. A fye beat tends to induce the process.
GLITTER: Who have been your musical influences?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: Mostly OutKast and Frank Ocean as far as content is concerned. When it comes to performances, I’d say Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. But my dad used to listen to an array of music when I was younger. He also introduced me to live concerts.
GLITTER: When was your big break, and what was the experience like?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: Big break? I don’t think I’ve gotten one of those yet. I’ve just been very blessed, and I feel grateful to be evolving.
GLITTER: Can you describe your sound?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: A summation of my agony.
GLITTER: How did you get your name?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: I’m very passionate about science. I attended St. John’s University in New York on a biology scholarship. The name stuck since then.
GLITTER: How does your music empower women?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: I don’t know for sure… Maybe it gives them an outlet for passive aggression. Maybe it makes them think, or gives them the ability to hold people accountable, including themselves. Personally, my music has empowered me to build an entire career based on honesty, reminiscence, and vulnerability. I actually never expected to empower anyone. I just wanted to get how I felt off my chest.
GLITTER: Some fans have described the EP as a complete work of art, what was it like emotionally to create and release Master?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: That’s a major compliment. I appreciate those who have expressed such admiration for my music. Emotionally, there were lots of ups and downs for me. Mostly downs. It’s the most I’ve ever revealed about myself… I even perceived intense moments of vengeance within myself, as it was incredibly calculated. Very detail-oriented.
GLITTER: Can you explain the meaning behind the title?
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST: Slave to love.
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